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Conroe - Hunstville, Texas

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The latest announcements about Hauser Orthotics & Prosthetics

Used with permission from
The Conroe Courier
 February 13, 2004
by Ruth Fields

When Cheryl Johnson* parks in handicapped parking spaces, she often receives dark looks and outraged comments from onlookers.  Cheryl doesn’t look like a person who should be utilizing preferential parking.

Because Cheryl’s below-the-knee prosthetic leg fits her well, her gait is unaffected.  Even though she likes to wear shorts, people rarely notice that she is wearing a prosthesis.  She is accustomed to having to defend her use of handicapped parking spaces.

 Russ Hauser, who co-owns Hauser Orthotics and Prosthetics with his wife, Melanie, made Cheryl’s prosthesis.  He knows that a properly functioning prosthesis that fits well can be an important factor in helping amputees learn to walk smoothly.  Russ works closely with physical therapists while patients learn to walk with prostheses so that he can make any necessary adjustments that will help. He won’t quit until each patient is satisfied.

 “We want it to be as comfortable as it can be.  We want it to function as well as it can function and we want it to look as good as it can look,” Russ said.

Russ noted that some amputees sometimes refuse to wear prostheses because they don’t fit right. Worse, an improperly fitting prosthetic leg can cause damage to the remaining part of the limb.  In the case of diabetics, a less-than-perfect fit can cause sores that can lead to more drastic amputations.

 Hauser O & P also makes life more convenient for amputees.  Russ makes prostheses, including legs, arms and fingers, in his shop on Waco Street.  Because prostheses require multiple fittings, companies that outsource the manufacture of prostheses must endure significant delays while prostheses are shipped back and forth.

 At Hauser O & P, however, amputees can often receive their new prostheses in a week to ten days.  Patients often tell Russ and Melanie that other companies predict waiting times of up to four months.

 “That’s one of the first things they ask me,” Russ said.  “’How long is it going to take?’”

 Word of such quick, conscientious service has spread. Patients from as far away as Livingston and Madisonville often visit Hauser O & P’s Conroe and Huntsville offices.

 “The biggest thing that brings patients in is other patients,” Russ said.

 Russ and Melanie also work with patients who are unable to come in to one of their offices.

 “If transportation is truly an issue, we will go to them,” Melanie said.

 Hauser O & P also offers caring service to women who have undergone mastectomies.  Melanie, a registered nurse, is an experienced, certified fitter of prosthetic breasts.

Melanie promises “absolute personal attention” in helping women achieve a good fit and natural look.  She can share the pros and cons of both adhesive and non-adhesive models and can help match a prosthesis to a woman’s remaining breast.

“We can fit most anybody,” Melanie said. “They may not be able to walk out with it, but we have enough in stock that it’s a good possibility.”

What’s ultimately important, Melanie said, is how a woman feels about herself when she looks in a mirror and when she gives someone a hug.

“They said, ‘Hug me. How does it feel?’” Melanie said.

Hauser O & P also offers lymphedema sleeves that control the swelling that can occur when a mastectomy includes lymph node removal, as well as several lines of mastectomy bras that come in a variety of styles, both functional and pretty.

In addition to prostheses, Hauser O & P offers orthotic devices, such as the shoe inserts that podiatrists often prescribe to raise arches and heal painful plantar fasciitis and accompanying heel spurs. Some clients who spend a great deal of time on their feet, such as teachers and nurses, have orthotic shoe inserts made to prevent fallen arches.

The company can also provide night splints, a remedial therapy for those who have foot problems because of short calf muscles. Although this condition can be caused by a number of factors, Russ said, it often develops over time in women who wear high-heeled shoes every day. Wrist braces, which can help prevent the advancement of carpal tunnel syndrome, are also available at Hauser O & P.

In addition, Hauser O & P also provides diabetic shoes and socks.  Because diabetics so often lose sensation in their feet, doctors often recommend specially-made soft, seamless socks and well cushioned shoes. compression hosiery for those with circulation or cardiovascular issues, as well as diabetic shoes and socks. Most insurance companies pay for these items, Melanie said. Hauser O & P also provides compression hosiery for those with circulation or cardiovascular issues

 Russ, who holds degrees in both prosthetics and orthotics, first had the idea of entering the field of prosthetics when he met Melanie. As a registered nurse, Melanie had worked for 15 years with patients who were rehabilitating following strokes, amputations and orthopedic surgeries, such as knee replacements.

 Hauser O & P, now in its fifth year of business, is dedicated to providing exceptional service to those who need their products and services. Russ and Melanie live in Conroe and are pleased to be serving members of the community, as well as those who live in surrounding areas.

*Name changed to protect privacy