INFORMATION FOR YOUR NEXT STEP

Understand your options.
Feel more prepared.

A practical introduction to prosthetics, orthotics and finding the right support for you.

Sources checked: 26 October 2026. General information for discussion with your care team, not a personal prescription. Services and funding differ across the UK.

01 / START HERE

Prosthetics and orthotics: what is the difference?

Prosthetics replace a missing part of a limb

A prosthesis is an artificial limb or part of a limb. A prosthetist assesses your needs and fits it. People may have limb absence from birth or following amputation.

Orthotics support a part of your body

An orthosis is an external support, such as an insole, brace or splint. An orthotist assesses how it can help support movement, alignment or stability.

Using a prosthesis is one option. Some people use wheelchairs, other aids, or choose not to wear a prosthesis. Your goals, health and preferences matter.

Different limbs. Different possibilities.

These are common groups, not a complete catalogue. The right combination depends on your limb difference, comfort, strength, daily activities and rehabilitation assessment.

Lower limb prostheses

Below knee (transtibial): replaces the missing lower leg and foot while retaining your own knee.

Above knee (transfemoral): includes a prosthetic knee as well as a lower leg and foot. Other designs support partial-foot, through-joint or higher-level limb absence.

A socket connects the prosthesis to your residual limb. Fit, suspension and footwear are discussed with your prosthetist.

Feet and knee components

Feet and knees have different mechanical features. Some knees use a microprocessor to adjust control during movement; this does not make them suitable for everyone.

Ask how an option fits your activities, what training it needs, and what maintenance, charging or water restrictions apply. NHS England has a funding policy for microprocessor knees with eligibility criteria.

Upper limb prostheses

Passive or cosmetic: provides appearance and can help with support or stabilising tasks.
Body powered: uses body movement, often through a harness and cable, to operate a terminal device such as a hand or hook.
Myoelectric: uses signals from muscles to control an electrically powered device. Training is needed.

Devices for particular activities

Some devices are designed for a specific task, hobby or sport. They may complement an everyday prosthesis rather than replace it.

More complex technology is not automatically the best match. Discuss benefits and limitations. Multi-grip hands can be available through NHS England where the policy criteria are met; they are not exclusively private.

03 / ORTHOTIC TYPES

Support, shaped around your needs.

Foot orthoses and footwear

Insoles sit inside footwear to support or change how forces act through the foot. Adapted or specialist footwear may also be prescribed. Shoe fit matters.

Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

A brace around the lower leg and foot that helps control the ankle and foot. It may also affect balance, posture and how the knee moves. Designs vary with your needs.

Knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO)

A longer brace that supports the knee as well as the ankle and foot. Joints may lock or allow movement, depending on the prescribed design.

Other braces and splints

Spinal braces, knee supports and upper limb orthoses address different needs. Devices may be custom made or supplied in a suitable ready-made size. Your orthotist explains the purpose and fitting plan.

Follow your own wearing and skin-check instructions. Ask the orthotist about pain, rubbing or persistent marks. Do not heat, bend, pad or repair a prescribed orthosis yourself.

04 / FINDING YOUR CARE

NHS and private care: what to expect

Ask about the whole care pathway, including assessment, fitting, training, reviews and repairs. A private company can also deliver an NHS-funded service; the provider’s name alone does not tell you how your care is funded.

Through the NHS

Getting in: ask your GP, surgeon or treating team about the local referral route. Some specialist services accept only certain referrals.
Assessment: clinical needs, goals and local or national eligibility rules guide what is offered.
Costs: ask your service what is NHS funded and whether any permitted charges or exemptions apply, particularly for orthotic items.
Timing: ask for local assessment, fitting and repair times. There is no single reliable waiting time for every UK clinic.

Through a private service

Getting in: ask whether you can book directly and whether a referral or clinical records are needed.
Assessment: suitability still needs clinical assessment. Confirm who will provide rehabilitation and follow-up.
Costs: request an itemised written quote for assessment, device, fittings, therapy, consumables, servicing and replacements. Check insurance cover before committing.
Timing: confirm availability and manufacture times directly. Paying privately does not guarantee faster treatment or a better outcome.

If you use both

Paying for additional private care does not in itself remove your entitlement to NHS care. Private and NHS treatment should be clearly separated. Discuss responsibility for adjustments, repairs and follow-up with both teams before buying a device; do not assume an NHS clinic will maintain a privately purchased item.

Check your clinician: use the HCPC register, choosing Prosthetists / orthotists and entering their surname or registration number.

05 / GETTING READY

Preparing for a prosthesis

There is no fixed timeline that suits everyone. Your team will assess healing, general health, strength, movement and what you want to do. Assessment does not guarantee a prosthesis, or that it will be fitted on the first visit.

Before your appointment
Follow the exercise, positioning, wound-care and compression instructions given by your own team. Ask before starting a new programme or changing a prescribed garment.
Bring what helps your assessment
Check your appointment letter. Bring a medication list, medicines needed that day, comfortable shoes, loose clothing or shorts, and your usual mobility aids. Write down a few daily activities you would like to work towards.
Plan practical support
Ask about step-free access, transport eligibility, an interpreter, large-print information or bringing a supporter. Allow time for assessment and questions.
Expect a process of learning and review
You may meet a prosthetist, therapist, nurse or rehabilitation doctor. If a prosthesis is suitable, further appointments can involve measurements or casting, fitting and rehabilitation. Ask who to contact between visits.

Confidence and support count too

Adjustment can be emotional as well as physical. Ask your team about counselling, peer support and practical help at home. Explore charities and community support.

Tell your team about new pain, skin damage, swelling or a change in fit. Follow their advice on whether to stop using the device and arrange review.

06 / TAKE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

Questions worth asking

What is this device intended to help me do, and what are the alternatives?
What training and follow-up will I need?
How should I put it on, check my skin and build up use safely?
What should I do if it hurts, breaks or no longer fits?
Who pays for adjustments, liners, repairs and replacements?
Who can I contact, and what happens outside clinic hours?

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Understand your options.Feel more prepared.