Purpose of using socks:
To take up extra space in the prosthesis.
How to put on your socks:
- Slide sock on over liner.
- Make sure NO wrinkles are in sock.
- Wrinkles can cause extra pressure on limb which can cause skin breakdown or irritation.
- Socks should go past the top of the liner.
Wearing Schedule:
Wear socks as needed. Be careful to not wear too many socks or not enough. Both can cause serious issues.
Sock Ply:
Socks typically come in 1 ply, 3 ply and 5 ply. The amount of ply depends on the amount of space inside the socket.
When to add/subtract socks:
Add a sock if,
| a. On the bottom edge of the patella | a. The groin area |
| b. Under the fibula head | b. Ischial tuberosity |
| c. The back of the knee | c. The end/bottom of the femur |
| d. At the femoral condyles | d. The front end of the femur |
| e. The end of the tibia | e. The outside of the tibia |
| f. The front end of the tibia | |
| g. The end of the fibula |
- Feel like the prosthesis is too short
- Expelling air out of the top of socket
- The prosthesis “spins” on your residual limb causing your foot to turn excessively inward or outward
Subtract a sock if,
- Your residual limb throbs, is feeling constricted and choked
- Uncomfortable pressure at patella tendon and back of knee
- Uncomfortable pressure on either side of the wide part of the knee
- Direct pressure from the side of the socket on the fibula head
- End of the limb is moist, cold and red/purplish in color
- Feel like the prosthesis is too long
Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Socks are machine washable with a mild detergent and air dry or spin dry in dryer. Do not use heat or socks will shrink.
Things to remember:
- Wear clean socks every day.
- On hot and humid days feel free to put on fresh socks half way through the day.
- Do not wear socks for several days before washing them. It is not good for your skin or the prosthetic socks.
- Be sure to carry extra socks with you daily. Your limb will shrink throughout the day.