In this Section:

• Dealing With Amputations
  • Advantages
  • Challenges
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Outreach & Education
  • Prosthetics
    • Adaptive
    • Comfort
    • Driving
    • Myo-electric
    • Passive
    • Static

Other Sections:

• Introduction
• About Amputations
• Dealing With Amputations
• Discrimination
• Famous Amputees
• Personal Accounts
• Interactive

Dealing with Amputations:
Prosthetics: Comfort

The earliest prosthetics were not as comfortable as they are today. Prosthetics were created to substitute the missing body part, not to create comfort or allow air into the socket to which it was connected. Outfitting prostheses must be taken very seriously. If it is not, the patient will experience discomfort. One very important aspect of prosthetics is the alignment of the device. If the alignment is not correct, it causes discomfort and confusion as to how the prosthesis is supposed to feel.

These devices are made so that the patient can move the part of the body as if it were real. The position of the socket and prosthesis has a big impact on the rest of the body. In the case of a lower prosthesis, if not in the correct position, a person may fall over. Materials also affect the comfort of prosthetics. There are lightweight materials, such as aluminum, which help make the prosthetic easier to support. Socks and sleeves help increase the comfort of prosthetics as well, by helping to absorb sweat. Socks keep the arm dry and prevent the prosthetic from sticking to the amputated limb. Comfort helps make a prosthetic more helpful and wearable for an amputee.