The Socket of Your Prosthesis & Types of Socks
Your socket is the most important part of your prosthesis. Socket technology is changing at a rapid rate. The material used in the design depends on what your prosthetist deems will be most appropriate for you. The primary objective is to create a safe and stable anchor for your prosthesis while comfortably fitting your changing residual limb.
Changes to your limb should become less dramatic as time goes by. However, gaining or losing a little weight or a change in the size of your muscles can affect the fit of your socket.
These changes can throw off your alignment and how your weight is distributed. Both are important issues. How your prosthetic leg is aligned beneath you influences the way you walk. How your body weight is carried within your socket will affect comfort, safety, and stability.
Your socket needs to be checked regularly. More at first, less as time goes on. Generally speaking, you should have your socket checked every six to twelve months once you become an experienced prosthetic user.
It is very important to keep your socket clean. It will get hot, dark, and moist in there. Fungus and bacteria flourish in a hot, dark, moist environment.
Keep your socket clean! Keep your liners and socks clean as well.
Prosthetic Socks come in different materials and thickness. Most prosthetic systems are designed to be used with them. You are going to add or remove socks for your prosthesis to fit well.
If you have a salty meal your residual limb may swell a bit – in this case, you will have to remove a couple of socks. If you get dehydrated, you will probably have to add socks for your socket to fit snugly. Prosthetic socks need to be kept clean. You should wear clean socks every day.
Gel Socks have extra gel at the bottom of the liner which helps reduce shock and vibrations.
Nylon Reinforced Toe
Stretch Fabric Conforms to Irregular Shapes
Contains Medical Grade Mineral Oil
Important to Follow Washing Instructions
Handy tip! Since prosthetic socks come in many shapes, sizes and thicknesses, take a picture of the label with your phone or save the packaging. When your socks need to be replaced, having the product number makes it simple to order new ones.
Prosthetic Liners are the protective interface worn directly over your residual limb. Liners are usually made of silicone, or a soft flexible cushioning material like polyurethane.
Some liners are infused with medical grade mineral oil. Liners help keep your limb firmly in the socket and reduce friction, making the prosthesis more comfortable and stable.
Prosthetic socks are worn over your liner.
Liners Relieve the Skin of Shear Forces
Locking or Cushion Depending on Socket Construction
3mm or 6mm Uniform Thickness
Durable, High-Performance Fabric
Distal End Encapsulation
The Purpose of a Prosthetic Sock
Protect the Skin
Absorb and Wick Perspiration
Provide Cushioning
Compensate for Shrinking and Swelling
Adjust the Fit of the Socket
Adjusting the Fit of the Socket
If the socket is too tight, reduce sock ply.
If the socket is too loose, add sock ply.
Keep socks handy because changes in volume and perspiration will occur throughout the day.
