Life And Sports With A Prosthetic Leg

Some people are born without a limb due to which a person has to wear a prosthetic.

Some undergo the process of amputation, which requires the need for a prosthetic.

One of the major challenges that the new amputees face is how to return to their normal lives. Along with this, the primary concern is how to return to practicing the things that they love the most. 

Some amputees are very much into sports. They like to run, play basketball, swim and much more. Unfortunately, returning to sports wearing a prosthetic is not easy. However, advancements in the field of prosthetics make one able to achieve this as well. Modern prosthetics increase the likelihood of an amputee to return to sports.

Living a life with prosthetics is easy for a person who wears it right from the start of their lives. The level of difficulty increases with a person who is a new amputee. Such people need regular physiotherapies and rehabilitation. Such practices will help you come back to your normal routine on prosthetics. However, as you progress, individuals can play their favorite sports as well.

You can visit https://www.mobilityprosthetics.com/prosthetic-leg for some great information on custom prosthetics.

Playing Sports With A Prosthetic Leg

Playing sports with a prosthetic leg is very common. The trend for sports among the specially-abled people is quite high. A high ratio of participation is the reason for the special sports competition.

The majority of these sports competitions take place in the spring. It includes the disabled sports USA, Adaptive sports New England and many more. Not only this, but there are also competitions for those who love to ski and play ice hockey as well. There are special prosthetic limbs that allow you to play your favorite sports. Let us discuss a few.

For the runners

Runners can use the running blades. These blades have been in use since the ’70s when Van Phillips made them, especially for sports. It was a significant advancement in the field of prosthetics. The running blades allowed the amputees to compete in any sports. It can even be running or sprinting. 

The running blades mimic human bones, ligaments, and tendons. The manufacturers use 80 layers of carbon fiber to make it.  Hence, it allows copying the swing movement and stance of a natural runner. 

For the Swimmers

There are specially designed prosthetic legs for swimmers. It helps in balancing out the stroke. You cannot only swim with these special prosthetics. With the help of these prosthetics, you can enjoy and compete in any of the water sports. Such as water skiing. 

These especially designed prosthetic legs containing microprocessor technology. They are waterproof. You can even get specialized attachments according to your need. Because some individuals only like to take part in water sports for a hobby. At the same time, some want to compete with others. For example, a flipper foot helps to swim fast. 

For Climbers

A professional climber, “Hugh Herr,” designed these prosthetics. This allowed him to fulfill his needs to return to his hobby of climbing. Many amputees can even climb without a prosthetic. However, many prosthetics enable you to climb mountains. These prosthetics have a stubby style foot. It does not have a knee attachment.

For Skiing and Snowboarding

There are special prosthetics that allow amputees to ski and snowboard downhill. These prosthetics have special flexor and extensor movements. Such prosthetics are useful for waterskiing and wakeboarding as well. All these sports use the same movements.

The design of this prosthetic is such that the foot perfectly fits the bindings on the snowboard. 

For Hockey Players

A special prosthetic is available that is suitable for both floors as well as ice hockey. Such types of prosthetics have an ice skate attached to their prosthetics. 

The Bottom Line

Living life with a prosthetic may seem difficult at first. However, a person can succeed with this if he has a strong will. The rehabilitation process is a bit difficult. However, as soon as you are up on your feet, there will be not much to stop you. 

Having a prosthetic leg does not mean that you will have to quit your favorite sports. All thanks to the latest advancements in the field of prosthetics. In fact, with the help of the latest prosthetics, you can even excel at it. Various support groups exist to help you with the process. After a lot of practice, you can even compete at your favorite sport on different levels. There may be a day when athletes with prosthetics will have an advanced league.