Deist & Associates Prosthetic Centre

16/10/2026

Residual limb volume can change during the day, especially with activity, temperature and fluid shifts.

That means a socket that feels comfortable in the morning may feel different later.

Pay attention to pressure, looseness, rubbing or reduced control. Small fit changes can affect both comfort and function.

www.deistorthotists.co.za

13/10/2026

Children often notice other people looking long before adults realise it.

For a young amputee, unwanted questions, staring or comments can become tiring, especially at school or during social activities.

Parents do not need to have the perfect answer. Listening first is often more helpful than immediately reassuring them that it “doesn't matter”.

Help them decide how much they want to explain, practise a simple response together and involve the school if unwanted attention becomes persistent.

Confidence grows when children know the adults around them take their experiences seriously.

www.deistorthotists.co.za

10/10/2026

Fear of falling after amputation is understandable, but it can quietly start limiting everyday life.

People may walk less, avoid uneven surfaces or become overly dependent on furniture and other people for support.

Confidence is usually rebuilt through safe, gradual practice. Balance training, strength, gait training and exposure to different environments can all form part of rehabilitation.

If your prosthesis suddenly feels unstable or your walking pattern changes, do not assume it is simply a confidence problem. Fit, alignment and physical changes may also need to be checked.

If walking feels less secure than it used to, arrange a prosthetic assessment.
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08/10/2026

Trans-tibial prosthetic refit can make a big difference when socket fit changes.
Sometimes getting comfortable again is the first step back to walking well.

I get inspired by my patients more often than they probably realise.

Vince Weber is one of those amputees who has had plenty to deal with in life, but simply does not quit. He keeps standing up, both mentally and physically, and that attitude motivates me every time I see him.

I recently had the opportunity to do a trans-tibial refit for Vince and get him going comfortably again. A refit is a very normal part of life for an amputee, whether the residual limb volume has changed or a socket has simply been used for many years.

It is often not about changing everything. Sometimes it is about getting the fit right again, improving comfort and restoring confidence in every step. 👣

Vince, thank you for your loyal support over the years. Happy walking!

The prosthetic socket should be refitted when residual limb volume or shape changes affect comfort, control or suspension.

If your socket no longer feels right, let’s have a look.
https://www.deistorthotists.co.za/

Deist and Associates specialises in the manufacture and fitting of a range of artificial limbs, pro

05/10/2026

Phantom limb sensations do not always mean phantom limb pain.

Many amputees experience sensations from the missing limb, including tingling, pressure, itching or the feeling that the limb is still present.

Pain is different. It may feel sharp, burning, cramping or shooting.

Keeping track of when symptoms occur, how long they last and what they feel like can give your healthcare team useful information when discussing treatment options.

Persistent pain should never simply be accepted as something you “have to live with”.

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02/10/2026

Amputation can change far more than mobility.

A person may also be adjusting to changes in routine, work, independence, relationships and how they see their body.

There is no correct timeline for feeling “okay” again.

Practical rehabilitation matters, but emotional wellbeing matters too. Small goals, honest conversations and the right professional support can make difficult periods easier to navigate.

If sadness, anxiety or withdrawal begins affecting everyday life, speak to a healthcare professional rather than trying to manage it alone.

Save this for yourself or share it with a family supporting someone after amputation.
🌐www.deistorthotists.co.za

30/09/2026

Progress is rarely a straight line. Some days bring breakthroughs, others bring challenges, but every experience is part of building confidence, strength and independence.

We are committed to helping our patients move forward with prosthetic solutions and support tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Learn more about our prosthetic services at https://www.deistorthotists.co.za/

25/09/2026

Active amputee prosthetic fitting can be demanding, especially with a short residual limb.
Anton’s daily routine showed me just how important the socket fit really is.

Anton gets up at 04:00 every morning and works at a huge vegetable market until 18:30, six days a week. After work, he still goes to the gym and does plenty of leg exercises and squats.

For an amputee, that is a seriously demanding lifestyle, and it puts very specific demands on the socket and suspension.

Anton has a short, bony residual limb, so we used the Össur Direct Socket system with basalt reinforcement and a Seal-In X Hybrid liner, combining vacuum with pin-lock suspension.

We also used a Soderberg socket design, giving him more depth and weight-bearing surface while allowing the femoral condyles to move forward during a deep squat.

The difference was immediately noticeable. Now comes the adjustment period, because Anton has always worn a suspension sleeve over his socket and knee, so having a freer-moving knee feels very different. 💪

The Össur Direct Socket system allows precise socket fabrication around the residual limb, while suspension choice helps control movement and stability.

If you need a prosthetic refit, a new prosthesis, or simply want another professional opinion, feel free to contact me.

https://www.deistorthotists.co.za/

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24/09/2026

At Deist Orthotists, we are proud to be part of a diverse community and to support people from all walks of life with care, dignity and compassion.

Happy Heritage Day, South Africa!