What corrective action should be taken when there is a lack of total contact at the distal end?

When there is a lack of total contact at the distal end of a prosthetic device, adding a distal end pad is the most effective corrective action. The purpose of a distal end pad is to enhance the fit of the prosthesis by providing additional cushioning and support at the distal socket area. This ensures that the remaining limb is adequately engaged with the socket, which is crucial for both comfort and function. A good fit promotes better load distribution and helps prevent issues such as skin irritation or pressure sores.

While increasing ply socks, educating about limb swelling, or changing the stump shrinker may address other fit and comfort challenges, these actions don’t directly resolve the lack of total contact at the distal end. Increasing ply socks can create bulk and potentially change socket dynamics, while education on limb swelling is important for overall prosthetic management but does not directly add contact. Changing the stump shrinker could be relevant if the volume of the limb has changed, but it does not specifically target the lack of contact at the distal end as effectively as adding a distal end pad does.