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If I (or a family member) am facing an amputation, what should I do first?
It is entirely natural to feel extremely daunted by what is to come, but there is lots that can be done ahead of the operation to help you manage the process, your emotions and to prepare your body.
Ideally, you will have some physiotherapy prior to the amputation which will help to maintain or improve joint range of motion, muscle strength, and conditioning. This physiotherapy should continue immediately after the operation to aid wound management and post-operative swelling, as well as maintain movement and strength, which all goes towards optimising your rehabilitation potential. Prosthetic rehabilitation typically starts around 6 weeks after the operation, but this can be sooner depending on wound healing.
At STEPS Prosthetics we provide all the support and information that you or your family member may need about becoming an amputee, from psychological support to practical arrangements associated with retuning home. We can explore with you all the available treatment options and cost, including a referral into our service if appropriate.
There is plenty of further information on our ‘Resources for Amputees’ page which includes a list of various support groups and organisations.
Another useful resource at this stage might be our ‘Glossary’. On this page we have listed some commonly used terminology in relation to amputations and prosthetic treatment, to help you feel more comfortable when discussing your treatment with clinicians and researching treatment options.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Contact us on 0114 400 0232 or email clinic@stepsprosthetics.com. A member of our friendly team will be able to answer your questions and arrange an initial assessment with one of our experienced clinicians.
How quickly can I see someone for an initial assessment?
We aim to offer all appointments within one to two weeks, at a date and time to suit you.
Do you have parking facilities?
Yes, we have free and accessible parking available at all of our clinic locations.
How much does a prosthetic leg or arm cost?
Prosthetic limbs and treatment can be expensive, depending on several factors including the prosthetic components (e.g. foot and knee) required, level of amputation, and the clinical presentation. Every prosthetic limb is designed and built bespoke to you and your needs. Due to all these variables, it is not usually possible to provide a cost estimate before an initial assessment.
Once we’ve completed your initial assessment, you will receive a detailed quotation setting out the treatment costs based on your clinical presentation. Follow-up appointments and fine-tuning of the limb for the first 6 weeks after supply are free of charge to ensure the best prosthetic fit possible. Limb comfort and functionality is our priority.
More information about quotations can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
How much does orthotic treatment cost?
Although orthotic treatment tends to be less expensive than prosthetic treatment, custom-made orthotic devices can still be expensive. This is because many orthotic devices are designed and built bespoke to the specific needs of an individual. For this reason, it is not usually possible to provide a cost estimate before an initial assessment.
Once an initial assessment has been completed you will receive a detailed quotation setting out the treatment costs based on your clinical presentation. Follow-up appointments and fine-tuning of the orthotic device for the first 6 weeks after supply are free of charge to ensure the best fit possible.
More information about our quotations can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
How can I pay for my treatment at STEPS Prosthetics?
We accept payment from clients directly or from a third party funding the treatment, e.g. a case manager, solicitor or insurer.
Payment can be made by bank transfer, debit or credit card, or cheque.
How long should it take to make my prosthetic or orthotic device?
As all prosthetic devices and most orthotic devices are custom-made, manufacturing times vary. However, we aim to offer fitting appointments around 1-2 weeks following the device being cast. The overall supply time varies depending on the number of fitting appointments required before progressing to the definitive fitting.
If you are an inpatient receiving residential rehabilitation at STEPS Rehabilitation, we ensure that your device is manufactured, fitted and supplied during your stay.
Can you help me to walk again and return to other activities such as running or other sport?
Our aim is to help you return, as near as possible, to your pre-injury level of mobility. This means that we aim to not only help you walk again, but to help you participate in all the activities and sports you enjoyed before your injury or amputation.
Every client is different, and what might be possible for one client, might not be possible for another. Treatment is tailored to you and focused on enabling you to achieve your goals.
As well as designing your prosthetic or orthotic device to suit your needs and lifestyle, our clinicians will help you achieve your goals through bespoke physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation packages.
STEPS Prosthetics is ideally located on the doorstep of the Peak District and only minutes from the English Institute of Sport, as well as many other sporting venues, where we can arrange for sessions with your multi-disciplinary team to take place.
How long should my prosthesis last for?
Your socket may need frequent adjustments as your residual limb changes shape and size. These changes can be due to the post-operative swelling reducing in the months following amputation, or muscle atrophy or weight fluctuations over the longer term.
It is often possible to adjust or fine tune your socket to accommodate some volume and shape changes, however, if the changes are substantial, a new socket may be required to ensure an optimal socket fit. In the case of children, replacement sockets are needed frequently due to growth.
Your prosthetic components (e.g. feet and knees) should last in the region of two to five years. All prosthetic components come with a standard warranty from the manufacturer, and it is often possible for you to purchase an extended warranty on these components.
We recommend regular review appointments throughout the life of your prosthesis to ensure that your socket is still fitting optimally and to allow us to send your prosthetic components for servicing to ensure their longest life possible.
How long should my orthotic device last for?
Custom-made orthotic devices may need adjustments if your limb changes. These changes can be due to muscle atrophy or weight fluctuations or, especially in the case of children, growth. It is sometimes possible to adjust your custom-made device with, for example, additional padding to extend the life of the device. However, if the changes are substantial, a new device may be required to ensure an optimal fit.
We expect most orthotic devices to last in the region of one to two years, but some last much longer! Orthotic devices bought from other manufacturers are supplied with the manufacturer’s standard warranty. It is generally not possible to purchase extended warranties for these devices.
We recommend regular review appointments throughout the life of your orthotic device for us to ensure that the device is still fitting optimally, and to allow us to send your device for servicing, where applicable, to ensure its longest life possible.
What should I do if I have queries about my treatment or device?
If you have any queries about your treatment or device, you should contact us on 0114 400 0232 or email clinic@stepsprosthetics.com and we will do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
What should I do if my residual limb hurts?
If your residual limb hurts and you think this might be due to your socket, contact us as soon as possible on 0114 400 0232, or email clinic@stepsprosthetics.com, so that your clinician can contact you quickly with guidance. It may be helpful to remove your prosthesis and rest your residual limb in the meantime.
What makes STEPS Prosthetics different from other facilities?
At STEPS Prosthetics we combine science, craftsmanship and compassion to deliver bespoke prosthetic and orthotic solutions following serious injury.
We are part of the award-winning STEPS Rehabilitation family, and work in partnership with them to be the only UK prosthetics company to design, manufacture, fit and support amputee clients within a residential rehabilitation setting.
With over 20 years’ experience, our expert team work holistically to deliver a tailor-made service that supports clients to lead a fulfilled and independent life. We work closely with case managers, solicitors, and insurers to provide immediate needs assessments, expert witness services and comprehensive treatment packages to return clients, as far as possible, to their pre-injury level of mobility.
STEPS Prosthetics form life-long client relationships that are dedicated to achieving long-term goals.
Can I get insurance for my prosthetic or orthotic device?
We recommend contacting Fish Insurance, who specialise in providing insurance for medical devices and are experienced and helpful at recommending the appropriate cover.
What happens to the information you keep about me?
We take data privacy very seriously at STEPS Prosthetics and ensure the utmost care is taken with your information. Please see our Data Privacy Policy for more information about how we protect your data.
