A volume control pad is provided for use in the socket of an artificial limb. The volume control pad has a core surrounded by a flexible shell. The core includes super absorbent polymer particles which form a gel upon the addition of water thereto. The volume control pad includes a tube for the introduction of water into the core portion of the pad. The volume control pad provides a simple and inexpensive means for adjusting the conformance of the socket around the residual limb from an initial swollen condition to a further point in time in which the swelling has diminished.