Artificial leg after a diabetic amputation

For a diabetic stump we avoid designs that concentrate pressure in a few places. The load is spread over the whole surface, with a thick gel liner between skin and socket.

• Total surface bearing socket with a cushioned gel liner, to keep pressure low everywhere.
• No tight straps around the thigh or knee that could reduce circulation.
• A pin lock or simple sleeve that can be managed with weak eyesight and numb fingers.
• Light parts. Every hundred grams matters to a tired heart.
• A stable, forgiving foot in place of a springy one.

The test socket stage is never skipped. After ten minutes of standing we remove it and study the skin together, because you may not feel what we can see.

We will ask to examine your remaining foot at the first visit, even though you came about the missing one. This is not an attempt to sell you more. It is the most useful thing we can do for you.

That foot should never touch the ground bare, not even on the way to the bathroom at night. It needs a shoe with extra depth and a soft, custom insole that takes pressure off the ball of the foot and the big toe. New shoes are worn for an hour on the first day, then checked, then a little longer each day.

Cut nails straight across or have them cut for you. Never use a blade on a corn. See a doctor about any sore, however small, on the same day you find it.