Amputees Support Group

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. Many have undergone amputation or have been living with a missing limb since birth. In either case, life as an amputee can be challenging. This is the place to find others going through the same experiences as an amputee. Share your thoughts, troubles, and solutions with the community.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Amputees Support Group

gel liners and blisters

phelan
phelan
I have recently had a new problem with my gel liner and getting blisters on my stump. What's the deal? I where my leg one day and then I'm out of commission for a week or two so the blisters can heal. I'm never going to learn to walk if I can't wear my leg. I feel like I'm never going to walk. I thought I would be walking by now. I started with my leg last December. I'm almost ready to give up on the walking thing. Very bummed any thoughts would be appreciated. Jody
Stork
Stork
Hi Jody,im Curt.I use to make more blisters than i do now.I still make one once in a while,but mine is always in the same place.But there is hope for you.
You can look it up on ur PC.,,,its called Tuf-Foot,,and it will do wonders for you,it makes the skin tough..
If i use it every day,i dont make the blister,but when i think my skin is tough enough and stop useing it,,guess what,,made another blister.
I usely order 2 bottles at a time..
Try it,it will help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Phelan,
did you get sorted out?
I posted this some time ago ....

I think a gel sock and a silicon sock are one and the same, although I stand to be corrected.
I think that the socks are made like a sandwich, with a silicon gel in the middle. I am not an expert and you would be best to seek advice.
I get my socks on the UK NHS.
I attend Seacroft Specialist Rehabilitation Centre, where I see a prosthetist.
The prosthetic department there is run by R L Steeper, which I believe is an American company.
RSLSteeper claim to be the UK's premier provider of clinically effective, cost effective and innovative Prosthetic, Orthotic and Assistive Technology Care.
The 'stump socks' that I have at the moment are called 'Streifyderm' , a sock with an integrated polymer gel layer. It is made in Germany.
I have found their website:
www.streifeneder.de
LeftBKMarch2007
LeftBKMarch2007
Hi Stork I just look up that Tuf-Foot and what I found was for dogs, I was wondering if I made a mistake or if that is what you are talking about?

Dennis
deleted_user
deleted_user
what kind of gel liner are you using now? Maybe there is not enough cushioning at the bottom. I use Iceross Dermo and I have never experienced any blisters and I wear my leg for 8-10 everday and am extermly active.
Ask your prosthetist what they would advise...good luck~
Cindy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Something to consider... The size of the liner as well as the type of suspension. Are you using suction, lanyard, or shuttle lock? Have you noticed you leg having excessive play going up and down? This is called pistoning and can cause great skin break down. If that is not the problem, are you showering before you put on the liner? If so that can also vas a problem. All personal hygiene should be done before you go to bed. How often are cleaning the liner? When washing with soap it is a good practice to use a fragrance free soap like dove. Hold the soap in one hand and rotate it a couple times to get that single hand a little soapy. The soAp up the inside and rinse very well. Shake off the excess water and spray it down with alcohol 91% isopropyl. Flip it back so the gel is on the inside and hang it up. Before you don the liner in the morning spray it down again and wipe off with a clean rag. If you get blisters from what I call bite marks up around the top of the liner get some generic a&d ointment and rub the area down before dining the liner. I hope this helps you out and good luck. NEVER GIVE UP!