Im really struggling to keep my weight under control. How much does my weight really impact the comfort of my lower extremity prosthesis?
You are not alone. Many Americans struggle with their weight as the US has seen obesity rates rise since 2000. The root cause of obesity is when an individual consumes more calories than what is expended. A persons weight has a direct impact on how comfortable, or not, a prosthesis will fit. Plus or minus 10 pounds on an amputee can alter a prosthesis fit. When an amputees weight increases by 10 or more pounds, they may experience pain and discomfort, change in gait, skin breakdowns and stress on other parts of the body. Typically the more weight gained, the greater the discomfort and stress on the body. Your prosthesis is made uniquely for you. Rapid weight loss will also impact the fit and comfort of your prosthesis resulting in a socket that may be too loose. This can put your residual limb at risk for unwanted trauma resulting in discomfort of your current prosthesis. A loose fitting socket will at times result in pressure at the distal end of the residual limb, distal patella or d
