- Reference Number: HEY154/2024
- Departments: Physiotherapy
- Last Updated: 30 November 2024
Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your treatment. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your physiotherapist but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
Why shrinker socks are used?
Shrinker socks are used to help reduce swelling (oedema). They are usually supplied soon after surgery to help reduce post operative swelling. Excessive swelling can delay being fitted with an artificial limb.
How to apply the shrinker
- Avoid rough finger nails and jewellery to prevent damage occurring to the shrinker.
- Apply your shrinker as you have been shown by your physiotherapist, gently placing the shrinker over your limb and pulling it up so it is smooth and without wrinkles. Ensure your limb goes right to the end of the shrinker.
Points to remember
- YOUR SHRINKER SHOULD NOT CAUSE PAIN OR PINS AND NEEDLES. If it does, remove the shrinker and contact your physiotherapist, the Artificial Limb Unit or your GP
- Check the shrinker is always smooth with no wrinkles.
- Wash your shrinker daily by hand or at 40°C on a delicate cycle. If washing by hand, rinse thoroughly and do not wring. You can reduce the drying time by placing the washed shrinker on a thick towel, rolling the towel up tightly and firmly pressing out excess moisture. Please refer to the washing symbols on the label sewn into the shrinker.
- Wear your shrinker if you are unable to wear your artificial limb (prosthesis).
- There is no need to wear your shrinker in bed unless advised to do so.
- Do not wear your shrinker with your artificial limb (prosthesis).
IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, CONTACT YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPIST, ARTIFICIAL LIMB UNIT OR GP
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact:
Physiotherapy Department: tel: 01482 675099
Artificial Limb Unit: tel: 01482 315662
General Advice and Consent
Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.
Consent to treatment
Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.
The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:
- you must be able to give your consent
- you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
- you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person
Information about you
We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.
We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.
If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.
