Meet Fred Kjorlien

Fred Kjorlien, an American Board Certified Prosthetist at Great Steps O & P, has been impressing his

patients since 2006 with his special designer sockets. Each socket Fred creates is made out of printed fabric that is customized to fit his patient’s personality and style. Not only does he make designer sockets for his patients, he provides encouragement and support.

At the age of 19, Fred lost a leg during the Vietnam War. Due to his young age, he fortunately bounced back easily and had a relatively quick recovery. His body learned to adapt to the prosthesis so well now that he has a hard time remembering what it was like to have his full leg. 

Fred’s decision to go into prosthetics happened when the owner of the limb company where he received his prosthesis approached him about getting in the field. At the time he was working at a machine shop and decided a change would be good. Fred loves the O & P industry not only because he has such a close and personal connection with it, but also because he truly enjoys helping people improve their quality of life.

It is important to Fred that people know that even though he has adapted to wearing a prostheses, he still faces challenges living in a world with most people having both limbs. Fred states, “Even though I get along really well with my prosthesis, there are still times when I get sores/pains associated with my amputated leg. I often cover up the pain and go about my daily routine as my life requires me to be mobile. I appreciate the fact that people who have not gone through an amputation can empathize with me; however, they really don't understand or know what it is like unless they go through it themselves. Fortunately, technologies have significantly improved the comfort of prosthetics and help alleviate the pain that often is associated with amputations.”

Fred also emphasizes that amputees will have life long relationships with their Prosthetists; people grow and change, but will still need to remain mobile. A Prosthetist like Fred will be there for the amputee not only to accommodate for the physical changes of the body, but to also help keep spirits up and help them remain positive. Whether you are a patient of Fred’s or have a family member who is, he is here to help guide you through the prosthetic process. Next time you are at Great Steps O & P, say hello to Fred!