As multiple closures and mixed messages circulate, appropriate care measures surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) are of monumental importance. At Horton’s, we are taking the appropriate measures recommended by the CDC to promote positive health efforts, limit viral exposure, and protect at-risk populations. For the safety of our patients and our staff, if you suspect you have the virus or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call to reschedule your appointment. We have always held cleanliness and sanitation to a high standard within our clinic. All of our instruments are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and...
Enjoy Your Summer with Custom Post-Mastectomy Swimwear
Summer is here! Now is a great time to find yourself some stunning mastectomy swimwear. Thanks to the availability of mastectomy bra fitting services, you can feel confident and beautiful in a well-fitted mastectomy bra with built-in forms. How do you begin shopping for mastectomy swimwear? Here is some guidance: Why are mastectomy swimwear and bra fitting important after breast surgery? Choosing the right bra is difficult for every woman, but ensuring the best fit is even more difficult after a mastectomy, regardless of reconstruction. The type of swimwear you choose wholly depends on your individual style and how revealing you choose to...
Tips for Regaining Your Lifestyle After an Amputation
Losing a limb will change your life in a hundred ways, large and small. How much your life will change depends on a number of factors, including which limb was amputated and to what degree, your ability to wear a prosthesis, your overall physical and mental health, and your support system. But whether you lost a leg or you’re a quadruple amputee, we have some tips that can help you recover as fully as possible and get you back to your previous lifestyle. Keep Up with Your Post-Amputation Rehabilitation One of the most important things you can do to improve...
Preventing Amputation in At-Risk Diabetics: Importance of Nutrition and Self-Care
Complications with diabetes often affect the feet, and in extreme situations, these complications can lead to amputation. However, good diabetes management and regular foot care can help to prevent these issues and keep you in good health. Diabetic foot problems often involve nerve damage and poor blood circulation. These problems make the feet particularly vulnerable, allowing external issues such as skin sores (or ulcers) to occur and quickly worsen. The bottom line is to properly manage your diabetes with good nutrition and to take care of your feet—sometimes with the help of diabetic custom orthotics. Here are a few helpful...
The Importance of a Proper Fitting Prostheses
A prosthesis is an artificial limb to help a person who has lost their leg or arm complete everyday activities — such as dressing, eating, or walking — and live independently. Advancements in prosthetic technology have made it possible for many people with a prosthetic limb to function almost as well as they did prior to losing their limb. However, the usefulness of a prosthesis can be greatly impeded by a poor fit. A badly fitting prosthesis can cause a variety of problems, including pain, sores, blisters, and an increased risk of falls or other accidents. It can also cause...
Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics: Help Your Child Regain Their Lifestyle
Every parent wants the best for their child and wishes to see them develop in a positive way. However, certain unique challenges arise when it comes to supporting children who have limb differences. Playing sports, going to school, and even walking around with friends can require serious mental and physical adjustment. Some children never fully regain their confidence after losing or severely damaging a limb. But, at Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, we aim to change that. We specialize in the custom fabrication of artificial limbs and braces for children. Each piece is individualized to match the needs of the child...
Amputation Prevention in Diabetics – Are Custom Orthotics Key?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are undoubtedly aware of the complications that can arise to interfere with your daily life — including lower limb amputation. Do you know how high the risk of amputation is in people with diabetes? According to the American Diabetes Association, a person loses a limb due to diabetes-related complications every 30 seconds. Diabetes can turn even minor health issues into severe problems. At Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics, we make custom orthotics to prevent amputation in both diabetic 1 and 2 patients. Our diabetic shoes and custom orthotic inserts can help with certain...
What Type of Prostheses do I Need?
If you are exploring the world of prosthetics to improve your quality of life, you may be wondering what type of prosthesis you need. Discover the different types of prosthetics, how they work, and the benefits they provide. What is a prosthesis? A prosthesis is a device used to replace any missing part of the body in order to restore functionality. Even false teeth are considered a type of prosthesis, but the term prosthesis is most often used to describe an artificial arm or leg. Prosthetics Meaning Prosthetics is the term to describe the process of replacing a missing body...
A.B.L.E.: Benefits of Joining an Amputee Support Group
Despite much training and care, your doctors, family members, friends, and even therapists may not fully understand your feelings after an amputation. To them, you are coping well — especially after getting a prosthesis. However, there are challenges that only fellow amputees and amputee support groups understand. They know firsthand what you are dealing with, and they can offer you a new perspective as you heal. If you are facing amputation or are a new amputee, joining an amputee support group will be extremely helpful as you work toward your recovery. The benefits of joining an amputee support group They...
Latest Changes in Prosthetics and Custom Orthotics
Approximately 2 million Americans have undergone an amputation. Although the reasons for amputations may vary, what amputees have in common is decreased mobility from limb loss as well as residual limb pain. However, the following advances in orthotics and prosthetics have seen most amputees regain significant mobility following surgery.