Buying Shoes for Amputees

Amputation is a complicated procedure requiring several steps to ensure that further damage is not done to the patient during the surgery.  The surgeon’s first task is to tie off the major arteries and veins to prevent hemorrhage, which can lead to the patient’s death.  The muscle groups must then be carefully separated and transected in a way that will retain the maximum mobility possible.  Finally, the surgeon saws off the bone.  Skin and muscles are sewn over the stump.

Advances in medical technology have made limb transplants more of a feasible possibility in the twenty first century.  The first successful hand transplant was completed in 1999.  However, most amputees are still limited to the possibility of a prosthesis.  Sometimes mechanisms that will be used to attach a prosthesis are inserted into the stump at the time of amputation.  Other prostheses are externally attached at a later date.  Prosthesis technology has become increasingly advanced with the invention of prosthetic legs that give the amputee the ability to jump and even sprint.  Some amputees have even used these high-tech prostheses to compete in sporting events, persevering in their quest for an active lifestyle.

Both the leg attached to the prosthesis and the unaffected limb require special care after the amputation surgery.  When a prosthetic limb is not used, the remaining leg and foot will be under much more stress than usual as they compensate for the missing limb and bear the weight of the body.  Shoes with the proper orthopedic support are absolutely essential, and many amputees choose to wear athletic shoes or to use orthotics (orthopedic inserts).  

It can also be helpful to avoid stores or brands of shoes that will not allow you to purchase shoes as separates.  If you have the option to buy shoes as singletons, then you can count on saving some money.  Among amputees who choose to use a prosthetic leg, many choose to disguise the leg so that they can move through the world seemingly with two normal limbs.  When purchasing shoes, you may need to buy two different sizes to accommodate your prosthetic and your normal foot.  Shoe inserts are another option that will allow you to fit your prosthetic foot into your regular shoe.