Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, you will be assessed by your surgeon as to your suitability for a prosthesis (the artificial replacement for the missing limb or part of the limb). Choosing to use a prosthesis will depend on the support from your surgeon that you are a prosthetic candidate. Others may decide not to use a prosthesis based on their personal goals or preference.

Although a prosthesis is never as natural as your own limb, it is a tool that can help you do many things quite effectively. You must be willing to combine your energy and willpower into learning how to use it and practice! It is important for you to work closely with your physician, prosthetist, and therapists. These are the people who will be providing your care.

Following surgery, the most important thing is for your residual limb to heal. Your limb will be swollen and any pain that you are experiencing will need to be managed. To promote healing, your doctor may recommend a compression sock (shrinker) to reduce the swelling in your limb. Keep your limb elevated and do stretching exercises every day so your joints don’t stiffen. Change your position frequently to prevent pressure ulcers. Use care when transferring or moving to not injure your residual limb. Try to eat healthy and refrain from smoking as poor nutrition and smoking slow the healing process.

Phantom pain, or the sensation of pain in the part of the body that is no longer there, is common. The nerves that were cut are still active and the intensity and duration of any phantom pains is different for everyone. Typically, phantom pain will subside over time. Phantom sensation, which is the feeling that the amputated body part is still there, are not painful but can be bothersome. These phantom feelings are both normal and often occur in the evening as your day comes to an end. Some things you can do to distract yourself from the pain; change positions, focus your attention on something else like doing a puzzle, or massage your limb. Speak with you physical/occupational therapist about specific exercises or mirror therapy to discourage the phantom pains. When the phantom pains are severe, your physician can prescribe alternative treatments such as acupuncture or refer you or pain management for treatment.

This will depend on your body’s individual healing abilities and is difficult to predict. The swelling in your residual limb will need to go down and your suture line needs to fully heal. The prosthetic process typically begins once the sutures or staples are removed, and your surgeon clears you to start.

For some who may have lost their limb due to an accident and are otherwise healthy, they could be ready for a prosthesis in just a few weeks. For others who may have diabetes or a vascular condition, the healing may take much longer. Once healed, and cleared by the surgeon, the prosthetic process can begin.

Most who undergo limb loss will need to use a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker in the beginning as they heal. Others may rely on these assistive devices for a longer period to remain mobile but also safe. The type of assistive device you use is based off recommendations by your physical therapist and your personal choice. You should use the device that will help you live the life you want to live.

It may be a good idea to have a wheelchair or crutches available for when they may be needed, even if only part of the time. Some amputees use assistive devices for nighttime trips to the bathroom, showering, when traveling long distances, or if a problem arises that requires not using the prosthesis for a length of time. A physical/occupational therapist can help determine which equipment is best for you and your lifestyle.

There are several things that you can do while you are healing to prepare for a prosthesis. Using the shrinker will reduce the swelling and help to desensitize your residual limb. You can continue with both upper and lower body exercises to maintain your range of motion and increase your strength and endurance. Focus on balance, core strength, and cardio conditioning. Frequently touch and gently massage your residual limb to make it less sensitive when it is ready to go inside the socket.

Work through your feelings and emotions about your limb loss. Decide how you want to rebuild your life and find your new normal. Connect with a support group either in person or virtual. See Resources >

Seek professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed.

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The basic parts of prostheses are a socket, pylon, and either a terminal device or a foot. Lower limb prostheses require a foot (and a knee joint if above the knee) with a goal of walking. Upper limb prostheses require a terminal device such as a hand or hook, (and an elbow joint if above the elbow) and focus on function or completing tasks.

Which specific prosthesis is best for you will depend on the level of your amputation, your overall health, your functional activity level (K Level) and specific vocational/recreational requirements, and your personal goals. All prostheses are different. With that, there are numerous ways that the prosthesis is held onto your residual limb and many components to select from. Some suspension systems use a belt or strapping, some rely on suction or vacuum, while others may use a locking pin system. Your prosthetist will discuss these options with you and as a team, you will decide what may be most suitable for you. Your prosthesis should feel like it is an extension of you and can be customized to your choice of color or design.

K levels were created by Medicare as a rating system to indicate a person’s potential for rehabilitation. This system is used by most insurers to determine whether a person is likely to successfully use a prosthetic device.

Basically, if you had a prosthesis and were properly trained, would you be able to use it well? Insurance companies want some assurance that the prosthetic recommendation for you is realistic based on your functional abilities.

Your K level is important because it is the driving factor the insurance company will use to determine which components it deems appropriate for you, and whether they will authorize the payment of them on your behalf as medically necessary. Physical therapists conduct the K level assessments and assign a K level from K-0 through K-4.

Further information about K levels can be found on the Amputee Coalition website-

Do You Know Your K-Level?

The cost of a prosthesis varies greatly in price depending on the level of amputation and the specific components selected. The higher level of technology used in your prosthetic design, the higher the cost. Most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of the prosthesis. Medicare covers most devices at 80%. A few private/commercial insurance companies may cover the cost in full.

You need to become familiar with your specific insurance company and your specific plan to understand what is covered under your policy. You may have an unmet deductible or a co-insurance to be paid, or co-pay amount that you will be financially responsible for. Be your own advocate and be prepared to make calls or research if you policy has any exclusion or limitations for prosthetics. Look under DME (Durable Medical Equipment) for prosthetic coverage.

Prosthetics are billed using L codes which are assigned by Medicare, and
assigned a dollar amount depending on the region/state.

If your insurance does not cover part or any of your prosthesis, you can
apply for Care Credit- a credit card for medical care. [LINK]

If you do not have health insurance, contact local prosthetic companies and ask if they do pro-bono work. You can also ask if they will negotiate a cash pay price for you.

You may qualify to apply for prosthetic coverage through a non-profit organization who may offer a grant to help fund the cost of prosthetics. See our Resource Page. [LINK]

Depending on your age, activity level and growth, the prosthesis can last anywhere from several months to several years. In the early stages after limb loss, many changes occur in the residual limb that can lead to shrinking of the limb. This may require socket adjustments, new liners and supplies, or even a new socket. An increase in activity level and the desire to participate in specific sporting activities can create a need for a change in the prosthesis or its components.

Prostheses that are well used naturally undergo wear and tear, and components overt time can require repair or replacement. It is important to schedule routine maintenance appointments to have your prosthesis examined to avoid potential problems. Regular visits to your prosthetist will resolve any issues that you may be having and deter major problems. There is no benefit to putting off a small problem as it can lead to a bigger problem.