Recovery and healing are two things that should be your focus post amputation. Once scars are healed and swelling starts fading away, then only you should commence your search for a prosthetic hand.
Prosthetists used to take weeks to customize prosthetic hands according to amputees. But today you have options like DIY helping hands.
The best part about them is that the manufacturer outsources the customization process to you so that you can decide and construct the right fit for yourself.
There is no need to wait weeks to get your delivery, only to find out that it still needs further adjustment.
But while you buy them, we would like you to keep these five points in mind to be safe:
1. The comfort levels
You are likely to use the prosthetic hand daily. Perhaps, 16 hours out of 24. Therefore, it would be best to ensure that you are comfortable with the fit.
Some prosthetic hands may not fit well and cause irritation, rashes and swelling. If you are experiencing any such symptoms, we recommend you stop using them and consult the prosthetist first. They may likely replace the hand or instruct you further on its use.
2. Lifestyle requirements
Prosthetics are classified based on the amputee’s lifestyle. They can range from K-Zero to K-4. Therefore, ascertaining the kind of lifestyle you are likely to inhabit post-amputation is paramount before buying a prosthetic hand.
For example, if you are looking to join the workplace after this long haul, you should communicate this with your prosthetist so that they can provide the same grade of equipment. Similarly, if you will be playing sports, you should describe it to the prosthetist to avoid further alterations.
3. The environmental factors
The environment also plays a crucial role in the functioning of your prosthetic hand. You may experience irritation and friction in dry weather, while discomforting sweat accumulates in summer.
Therefore, the importance of material used in prosthetic manufacturing also comes into play. The material should be conducive for all-weather and should not be party to skin diseases.
Also, if you are going to the beaches frequently, ensure that your hand does not come in contact with salty sea water, as that would likely corrode the iron and damage your prosthetic.
Moreover, do not forget to wash it off with fresh water regularly so that dust and debris do not get accumulated in it.
4. Wearing time
Since fresh amputees do not have the experience of wearing prosthetics, it can be a bit uncomfortable initially.
But prosthetics will provide the needed therapy and help you practice so that you no longer feel hesitant in wearing your new hand.
If you are looking to rejoin your team at the workplace, the prosthetist will also help you practice writing, typing, clicking and more so that you can effectively contribute in team building and management at work.
5. The price and feasibility
Finally, you have to look at the price that you will be paying for a prosthetic hand. Generally, DIY hands are much more cost-efficient and feasible than bionic hands.
Since you will assemble them, manufacturers only charge for the material, not the labor. Also, they give you free access to tutorials for building your hand yourself.
So, if you want a reliable helping hand at a substandard price, then DIY hands are the ones you should go with.
Final Thoughts
A new helping hand puts the spark back in life. You can type, write, hold and do everything that one would do with a normal hand.
So, buy a prosthetic hand while keeping these five tips in mind.