Beginning to wear a prosthesis is a significant adjustment in your everyday life. It is a change that requires effort and takes some getting used to.

Unfortunately, patients sometimes make mistakes that compromise the effectiveness and usefulness of their prostheses. The following are six mistakes you should avoid when you begin using a prosthesis. 

Procrastinating if you start having a problem

If you start to experience discomfort or pain when using your prosthesis, it's essential that you let your doctor know right away.

Over time, issues that come up regarding the fit of your prosthesis can get worse. Even a seemingly small issue regarding comfort could lead to significant complications if you wait too long to schedule an appointment. 

Failing to wear your prosthesis often enough

It's going to take you longer to adjust to a prosthesis if you don't put enough effort into the adjustment. At first, wearing and using your prosthesis might be uncomfortable or cumbersome. However, you have to try if you want to fully adjust.

Make sure you're wearing your prosthesis on a daily basis so that you become accustomed to it. As time goes on, you will get increasingly comfortable and confident with your prosthesis. 

Not getting enough exercise

It's important to stay active to keep your muscles strong and healthy when you're adjusting to a prosthesis. Exercising benefits your overall health while also making the transition to a prosthesis more manageable. 

Being impatient

Don't try to rush things. If you're impatient and overdoing it when you first start using your prosthesis, you're more likely to get discouraged. Take things one step at a time. 

Not setting goals to pursue

Getting used to a prosthesis and becoming comfortable with using it takes time. Don't expect to be able to wear your prosthesis all day long and use it comfortably immediately.

Instead, realize that adjusting to your prosthesis is going to be a gradual process. Initially, you can set goals regarding how long you'll wear your prosthesis per day and what activities you'll use it for. 

Setting intermediate goals will prevent you from becoming discouraged in the early days when you are still adjusting to your prosthesis. 

Gaining a significant amount of weight

If you've recently experienced an amputation, it can be difficult to keep your weight under control because you can't be as active as before. At the same time, gaining weight can make using a prosthesis more uncomfortable.

When you gain weight, the socket fit of your prosthesis can become altered so that your prosthesis no longer fits correctly. Gaining weight can also put more pressure on the area where your prosthesis fits against your body and therefore cause soreness.

You may need to make a special effort to stay at a healthy weight when you're adjusting to an amputation and a new prosthesis.