Having a limb amputated is not just a complex medical procedure; it is also a complex psychological problem for the amputee as well. Thankfully, modern prosthetics can make the whole process, from amputation to becoming acclimatised to your new leg, much simpler than many amputees believe possible.
When looking at leg amputations, a below knee or transtibial amputation is easier to deal with than a transfemoral or above knee amputation. This is all to do with the knee. The knee performs a range of complex movements that need to be replicated mechanically in an above knee amputation.
The presence of the knee in a transtibial amputation means that the functions of the knee do not need to be replicated and the whole process from fitting to final wearing is much faster. Becoming accustomed to a below knee amputation / below knee prosthetic is also a faster process since normal walking and running can be achieved much more quickly thanks to the presence of the natural knee.
Quite frequently in a transtibial amputation, a fitting of a temporary prosthesis can be done within a few weeks. This allows the wearer to get used to the prosthesis, including learning how to put it on and take it off, and to become accustomed to putting weight on the amputated limb once again. This also helps the medical team to assess your needs more accurately and will aid in the fitting of the prosthetic socket. The socket has to fit the amputee’s needs and expectations exactly, much like wearing a comfortable shoe. Aligning the socket will ensure it fits well and allows the amputee to walk with a natural gait.
It will still take some time to get used to the below knee amputation / below knee prosthetic, but practice, as they say, makes perfect and most amputees are up and moving around again within a few months of the amputation.