Top Supplemental Items to Enhance Comfort and Mobility with Your Prosthetic or Orthotic Device
At Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics (CPO USA), we know that adjusting to a new prosthetic or orthotic device involves more than the device itself. Comfort, support, and confidence come from finding the right supplemental items that make daily life easier, whether recovering, rebuilding strength, or maintaining long-term mobility.
Below, we’ve outlined a list of products that can help improve your comfort, promote healing, and support your active lifestyle as you adapt to your new prosthesis or orthosis.
1. Compression Garments
Compression socks, sleeves, and shrinkers are essential for managing swelling (edema), promoting circulation, and shaping residual limbs after amputation or surgery. They can also reduce discomfort and improve prosthetic fit over time.
2. Supportive Pillows and Positioning Cushions
Proper positioning while sleeping or sitting can significantly improve comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
- What they do: Alleviate joint stress, maintain posture, and prevent sores.
- Types to consider: Contoured leg pillows, lumbar support cushions, and wedge pillows.
- Recommended sources: Medical supply stores or trusted online retailers like Vitality Medical or The Comfort Company.
3. Slings and Braces
For patients adapting to upper-extremity orthoses or post-surgical prosthetic use, slings and braces provide stabilization, reduce strain, and support healing.
- What they do: Maintain correct limb alignment and support weak or healing muscles.
- Common options: Shoulder slings, elbow immobilizers, and wrist braces.
- Professional tip: Ask your CPO clinician to help ensure proper fit and prevent overuse discomfort.
4. Prosthetic Liners and Socks
A good liner or sock is the foundation of comfort in any prosthetic device. High-quality materials can prevent friction, wick away moisture, and improve suspension and fit.
- What they do: Cushion the limb and improve the seal between skin and socket.
- Best options: Gel liners, silicone liners, or moisture-wicking socks.
- Where to buy: Reputable suppliers like ALPS South or Össur.
5. Residual Limb and Skin Care Products
Caring for your skin is essential to maintaining comfort and preventing irritation while using a prosthetic or orthotic device. Specialized skin care products help manage moisture, reduce friction, and protect sensitive areas from chafing or infection.
- What they do: Clean, moisturize, and protect the residual limb to prevent discomfort and maintain healthy skin.
- Recommended products: Alps Silicone Skin Lotion, Ottobock Derma Skin Care Kit, Amputee Essentials Resilience Prosthetic Salve.
- Tip: Wash and dry the limb daily before applying lotion or antiperspirant, and avoid petroleum-based creams that can damage prosthetic liners.
6. Adaptive Clothing and Footwear
Comfortable, accessible clothing and footwear can significantly improve your day-to-day mobility and independence.
- What they do: Simplify dressing and accommodate prosthetic devices or braces.
- Adaptive brands: Zappos Adaptive, Silverts Adaptive Clothing, and Billy Footwear.
- Tip: Look for adjustable waistbands, side-zip pants, and shoes with removable insoles for custom orthotics.
7. Mobility and Assistive Devices
During your adjustment period, tools that enhance safety and balance can help you stay active and independent.
- Examples: Canes, walkers, crutches, or transfer benches.
- Why it matters: Reduces fall risk and improves confidence during daily movement.
- Recommendation: Your CPO clinician can help you select and adjust the appropriate assistive devices for proper height and comfort.
8. Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
Keeping your prosthesis or orthosis clean extends its lifespan and prevents skin irritation.
- What to use: Gentle antibacterial soaps, microfiber cleaning cloths, and drying stands.
- Tip: Avoid alcohol-based cleaners that may damage materials. Follow the cleaning guidelines provided by your prosthetist.
9. Cooling and Comfort Aids
Heat buildup inside a prosthetic socket or under a brace can cause discomfort, especially in warmer climates.
- Helpful products: Cooling sleeves, breathable liners, and moisture-absorbing powders.
- Where to find them: Online prosthetic supply retailers or adaptive comfort stores like Amputee Store.
10. Exercise and Therapy Equipment
Light exercise tools can aid in strength training and rehabilitation, helping you maintain flexibility and balance.
- Options: Resistance bands, stability balls, or portable pedal exercisers.
- Why it matters: Improves muscle tone, joint health, and overall endurance.
- Recommendation: Ask your physical therapist for exercises that support your specific prosthetic or orthotic needs.
Supporting Your Journey to Independence
At Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, our goal is to help you achieve comfort, confidence, and independence with your device. Whether you need guidance on daily care, adaptive accessories, or advanced products that make life easier, our clinical team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact or visit a CPO USA location in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, or Missouri to learn more about products that can enhance your comfort and mobility as you adjust to your new device.
Contact Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics for a Free Evaluation
At Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, our team is committed to improving your quality of life and alleviating pain. Take the first step in your journey towards returning to your new normal. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a specialist at your nearest CPO clinic.