There are many doubts when talking about the health of the stump. And it’s no surprise, as this is essential to determining the amputee’s well-being and rehabilitation. Stay with us, see when to start bandaging the stump and learn about Sport & Athletic Orthoses Solutions here., and learn about bandaging in 8. In addition to worrying about the psychological challenges after the amputation, the patient will also have to worry about cleaning the stump well so that inflammation or infection does not occur.
According to prime care, and the care doesn’t stop there. Soon after the postoperative period and the healing of the stump, the patient must start a routine of desensitization exercises, in which several stimuli will be applied to help control the “phantom sensation” (feeling that the person still has the limb). Then, after obtaining good healing, the amputee should start to bandage the stump through a bandage or elastic band.
What Is The Purpose Of Binding The Stump?
The stump binding procedure should take place daily. The bands must be changed 3 times a day, and keeping them for more than 12 hours is not recommended.
This whole process is essential because:
- Stimulates blood circulation and metabolism
- Eliminates possible edemas
- Prepares the stump to receive the prosthesis
- Decreases the volume of the stump
- Improves the format (removing the famous “pastel beak” that forms at the ends)
- Give the conical shape
- Increase proprioception (stump sensation)
- Decrease the Phantom Sensation
How to Clean the Stump
Before we talk about the swaddling process, it is essential to discuss hygiene. Cleaning the stump is very important during the postoperative period. Because it is a region that has undergone highly complex processes, which cause scars and significant loss of sensitivity, the stump must have daily care regarding hygiene. Therefore, if you are alone or with someone, get into the habit of observing the region through a mirror. Check if you have spots of unknown origin, poor healing, or even small bumps that, in the future, may lead to edema. If everything is right with the stump, here are some cleaning tips:
- Wash the stump at least once a day with warm water and mild soap, remembering to make light and circular movements
- After bathing, dry the amputated region with a soft or fluffy towel but avoid direct contact with the scar
- When it’s dry, massage the stump with a moisturizing cream, preventing the area from drying and taking a long time to heal. This whole sanitizing process must happen before and after putting on the prosthesis. An important tip is to try to sunbathe, aiming to increase vitamin D in the body, and consequently, it will strengthen the bones and accelerate the healing process of the stump
