NHS Maltings, User Manual

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10
Socks
Socks are issued by the Prosthetic Service and worn
between your skin and the prosthesis. The socks help to
protect your residual limb and make your prosthesis more
comfortable to wear.
Socks are made from terry towelling, plain cotton, nylon,
wool or wool blend. They come in different sizes, lengths
and thickness. Your prosthetist will inform you of the type
of sock that you will need to use.
The number of socks you wear will depend on the size
of your residual limb in relationship to the socket, e.g.
sometimes the residual limb might be swollen and the
socket may then feel tight, or the residual limb may have
shrunk and the socket will be too big.
To achieve the correct fit, you may have to replace a thick
sock with a thin one, or add a thin or thick sock to the
one / ones that you are wearing. Your prosthetist and
physiotherapist will be able to give you advice on how to
check that you are wearing the correct combination and
amount of socks.
When you have your prosthesis you will be issued with a
supply of suitable socks. Once these wear out, replacement
socks can be obtained through your local amputee clinic or
by phoning the Prosthetic Rehabilitation Services Centre
(Maltings Mobility Centre) directly.
Suspension Sleeves
Your suspension sleeve should be cleansed regularly in
accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines which will be
provided to you by the Prosthetist.