What symptom may suggest the need for adjusting the prosthetic alignment due to too few socks?

Redness at the distal patella is a key indicator that may suggest the need for adjusting the prosthetic alignment, particularly due to an insufficient number of socks. When there aren't enough socks to provide adequate cushioning and support, the residual limb can experience increased friction and pressure points, which may lead to localized irritation and redness. This redness indicates potential skin breakdown or an improper fit, suggesting that the socket may be too loose or not providing the necessary support, thus prompting a review of the prosthetic alignment and fit.

In contrast, discomfort at the proximal thigh may indicate issues related to other alignment factors or even the socket design, rather than the specific need for more socks. Increased fatigue during walking can result from multiple factors, including overall strength, endurance, or improper alignment; it does not specifically point to sock quantity. An altered gait pattern can also arise from alignment issues but may not necessarily correlate directly with too few socks. The presence of redness at the distal patella, however, clearly signals a fitting issue that could be rectified with the right number of socks to ensure proper support and comfort.