Stump sock

Stump socks^[1] are tubular medical or clothing accessories with a blind end that are fashioned similar to socks, usually without a heel. They are worn on amputation stumps for a number of reasons. As stump socks are typically worn on body parts that do not contain a foot, their definition is distinct from the average sock type garment.

Amputation stumps can be sensitive to cold or heat,^[2] particularly as their capacity to regulate tissue congestion is limited. The skin of amputation stumps can be very sensitive to allergic, chemical or mechanical irritation^[3] and thus may have to be protected.

There are different types of stump socks, some of which are available individually made to fit, some as industrially manufactured items:

• socks with metal fabric that are worn to reduce phantom sensation or pain^[4][5][6]
• compression socks that are worn to reduce tissue congestion or swelling^[7]
• protective socks or liners that are worn to fit the stump inside a prosthesis^[8][9]
• socks that are worn to keep the stump warm ^[10]
• socks or liners that contain skin care products on their inside that are released into the skin ^[11]

References

1. Amputee Supplies Prosthetic Sock FAQ
2. "Effects of Regional Intravenous Guanethidine Block in Posttraumatic Cold Intolerance in Hand Amputees. - ENGKVIST et al. 10 (2): 145 - Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)". Jhs.sagepub.com. doi:10.1016/0266-7681(85)90003-8. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
3. "Elsevier". Archives-pmr.org. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
4. "Pain Relief | Pain Management | Amputee Phantom Limb Pain | Chronic Pain Treatment | Muscle Strains | Delayed On-Set Muscle Soreness | Fibromyalgia". Farabloc.com. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
5. http://www.farabloc.com/pdf/BCMJReview01.pdf Clement DB, Taunton JE (2001) Alleviation of pain with the use of Farabloc, an electromagnetic shield: A review. BC MEDICAL JOURNAL 43 (10)
6. Conine T, Hershler C, Alexander SA, Crisp R (1993) The Efficacy of Farabloc in the Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation 6(3):155-161
7. Amputee Supplies, Inc. "Buy Amputee stump shrinker socks for BK and AK amputee limb shrinking and swelling. Compressogrip, Juzo, Comfort Prosthetic Manufacturers". Amputeesupplies.com. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
8. Ossur liners
9. Otto Bock liners
10. Bev's residual limb covers (aka stump socks) for amputees
11. Alpha liners manufactured and sold by OWW are an example for this technology