Waterproofing Your Prosthetic Leg

[kapteenkoukku]

I did waterproof my leg using liquid latex and here is the result:

usera.ImageCave.com/Jukka/Leg/DSCF2639.JPG

The liquid latex I used is meant for mold making, but can be used to paint a waterproof layer on textile:

usera.ImageCave.com/Jukka/Leg/DSCF2637.JPG

I painted the latex on compression stocking that I cut at the ankle so that it overlaps the foot shell. The cosmesis undernearth the compression stocking is plastazote that was installed by prosthetist.

I used partly a sponge roller in application, partly varnish brush. I think varnish brush is better in getting nice surface. I applied several layers until I considered the rubber be thick enough. The latex is of white colour when applying, but turns translucent once dried. Every layer has to dry before applying a new layer but it does not take very long to dry.

I bought the liquid latex from arts & crafts store.

Now I can go cycling and not be afraid of tropical rain when I am on a long stretch without any place to take shelter.

[mom2noble]

oh this is a good post. can you swim with it like that? i am going to go on vacation for the first time with my son to the beach and am beginning to think of how to plan for it. we will be doing the beach and the pool. i am clueless on how he will do the beach with sand, wadding in the beach, and swimming in the pool.

[kapteenkoukku]

Jan 1, 2010 16:24:26 GMT -7 mom2noble said:

can you swim with it like that?

I would not swim with any kind of a prosthetic leg. I am BKA and I get enough kick to propel myself ahead with what I have left of my left leg. What I understand from other people is that prosthetic leg would float making the swimming difficult.

To totally immerse the leg into water depends on how well the leg is coated with latex and that the upper and lower edges are tight so that no water seep in. Also, one needs a tight sleeve to cover the knee to totally waterproof the leg.

Perhaps I better call my leg water resistant.

[cherylm]

It might not work for Noble, but I had a "water activity leg" made from my final test socket, a wooden foot, and rust-proof pylon and screws. It's a lovely thing, and wasn't anywhere NEAR as expensive as a standard prosthesis. It lets me walk on (firm) sand, go into water and swim, and take a shower standing up.

A prosthesis with a cosmesis DOES float, I've been told, so my water leg is uncovered.

I've also been swimming without any prosthesis at all...while IN the water I was just fine, but it's kind of difficult to get out of a pool one-legged. Of course, it may not be any problem at all for an active little boy!

Hope this helps some...........

[mom2noble]

This does help alot. He has been going through legs pretty fast, so I guess he will use his last leg as his swim leg. I do like the idea of the test socket b/c it is easy to clean and it would fit just like his leg now. hmmm....good thinking. i guess that is the toughest part. Noble doesnt stay in the water long, he gets in and out, jumps in, and such. I just want him to be as mobile as he was before....