It’s hard enough dealing with losing a leg, but it doesn’t mean you can’t reclaim some of your former mobility. And, a prosthetic leg can improve someone’s life in so many ways that they never thought possible.
Some people find they gain very high levels of mobility after using a prosthetic. Others may still need to use a walker or cane. Yet, for those who don’t try one, they’ll never know.
Many people with prosthetics can walk in a comfortable manner. And look at the sporting world these days – some exceptional athletes are paving the way with advanced prosthetic technologies.
So, if you are considering getting a prosthetic leg, here’s some important information to consider.
Who Benefits From Getting a Prosthetic Leg?
Although many people who have had a leg amputation find prosthetic legs helpful, not everybody is suitable to use one. Before deciding on an artificial leg, consult your doctor to discuss questions such as:
- Do you have an adequate amount of soft tissue to cushion your bone?
- What are your pain levels?
- What is your leg’s skin condition like?
- How much leg motion do you have?
- Is your other leg strong?
- How active were you before the amputation?
- What level of mobility would you want to try and achieve?
Your selection may also be influenced by the kind of amputation you’ve had (below or above the knee).
Below-the-knee prosthetic legs are often easier to operate than above-the-knee prosthetic legs. If your knee joint is healthy, moving the prosthetic limb is easier, and you’ll have a broader range of movement.
The cause of the amputation should also be a consideration. This is because it may influence the remaining part of your leg’s health.
It’s also crucial to think about your physical condition and health. If you didn’t have a healthy lifestyle when you lost your leg, you might have difficulty adjusting to the prosthesis.
In the end, everyone’s going to have different circumstances concerning their leg amputation. Thus, the case for getting a prosthetic leg is different from person-to-person.
Prosthetic Leg Components
If you are thinking of getting a prosthetic leg, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the standard components. Of course, if you get one, your prosthetist should run you through all of this.
The main body of the prosthetic leg is made up of durable and lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and flexible plastic. You may need a knee joint if your amputation is above the knee.
The socket part will have a precision mold that wraps around your limb. The better this mold is, the better connection you should feel to your new prosthetic.
There’s also a suspension system that you use to keep your prosthetic attached. You can get vacuum suction or suspension. In addition, there’s sleeve suction and distal locking that uses a lanyard or pin.
What Is a Prosthetist?
Prosthetists are health care professionals that specialize in prosthetic limbs. They may assist you in choosing the proper components.
You’ll see your prosthetist frequently, to begin with. So, it’s critical that you feel at ease with the person you pick.
Rehabilitation
You’ll require therapy to strengthen all your limbs and cardiovascular system when learning to walk with your new artificial leg. To establish a rehabilitation plan for your objectives, you’ll work with rehabilitation specialists.
Keeping your strong leg in good condition is an important aspect of this regimen. Later down the line, this leg will become much stronger as it helps you to support your prosthetic.
Check out Restorepoc.com if you want to learn more about rehabilitation and more.
Getting Accustomed To Your New Leg
It might be challenging to adjust to life with a prosthetic limb. When your first therapy is over, you may encounter problems that your and rehabilitation team and prosthetist can assist you with. Among the most common roadblocks are:
- Phantom limb pains
- Weakness in your affected limb
- Changes in the shape of your affected limb
- Sweating
Some of these issues can make it so you don’t fit your prosthetic as you should. Others can also inhibit your ability to use the artificial leg due to pains or weakness.
Phantom Limb Pains
After your amputation, you may have phantom limb pains or discomfort that appears to originate from the severed limb. Many people who have had amputations suffer from this phenomenon, which has no known cause. However, discomfort in your limb before amputation might be an indicator.
One solution that can work for some is mirror therapy. This involves you performing exercises while in front of a large mirror. Looking in the mirror may trick your brain into still believing your amputated limb is there, which could stop your pain.
Your Needs May Change Over Time
You may realize that your present leg prosthesis isn’t as effective as you’d want it to be down the line. Perhaps you’re ready to upgrade from a short-term prosthesis to a longer-term option.
You can outwalk prosthetic legs by moving faster or in a unique manner than it was intended. Discomfort, new pain, or a loss of stability are all signals that it may be time to talk to your prosthetist about reassessing your requirements.
Your prosthetist may suggest that you tweak your present equipment or replace a component. Alternatively, they might prescribe you a new prosthetic limb, which you can expect to happen any time between three to five years.
It’s critical to spend time learning how to use new components if you obtain them. Physical therapy might assist you in adjusting to your new prosthetic leg.
Getting a Prosthetic Leg
If you decide to get a prosthetic leg, you’ll have a real chance of gaining some upright mobility again. This can be such a confidence boost for many and a real positive step forward.
Thank you for reading through this post; we hope you found it helpful. If so, please check out our main blog page for more tips and advice.
