Individuals who have had a lower limb amputated or who have a limb difference can use a prosthetic leg to move around. Prosthetic legs, also known as prostheses, can make it easier for persons who have had their legs amputated to move around. They have the same function and, in some cases, the same look as a real leg. Some persons who have a prosthetic limb still need a cane, walker, or crutches to walk, while others can walk without them.
If you currently have a lower limb amputation or will soon, a prosthetic leg, in most cases, will be your best course of action. The team at APC Prosthetics in Sydney, Australia give us some information surrounding prosthetic legs and what you should know before going through with the prosthesis.
Not Everyone Benefits from a Prosthetic Leg
While many people who have lost limbs find prosthetic legs to be helpful, not everyone is a good candidate for one. Before deciding on a prosthetic limb, you should discuss a number of things with your doctor such as, is there enough soft tissue to soften the remaining bone? How much pain are you in? What is the range of motion of the residual limb? What about your other leg? Is it in good shape?
Your selection may also be influenced by the kind of amputation (above or below the knee). A below-the-knee prosthetic leg is often easier to operate than an above-the-knee prosthetic leg. Each person is different when it comes to amputation. The choice to proceed with a prosthesis should be made in consultation with your doctor.
What are Prosthetic Legs Constructed From?
Prosthetic legs typically consist of a socket that is custom-made to fit the individual’s residual limb, prosthetic components (such as a prosthetic knee and/or foot), and connective components that connect the socket and elements together. To acquire this specific socket form, a mould or plaster cast of the individual’s leg is taken and adjusted.
A representative of APC Prosthetics mentioned “Amputees who have had OsseoIntegration surgery do not have a socket in their prosthetic legs since their prostheses are “bone anchored.” This implies that their prosthetic components are connected directly to a metal rod that was surgically implanted into their bone.”
This prosthesis may be customised to fulfil a range of functions according to the individual’s preferences, desires, and skills. An ‘everyday’ prosthetic leg and a ‘waterproof’ prosthetic leg are usual for most persons. Individuals who participate in certain sports or leisure activities may develop an extra leg for these purposes. A prosthetic leg with a running blade, for example, or a prosthetic leg made expressly for snow skiing. We’ll be pleased to work with you to determine which type is ideal for your requirements.
Not One Size Fits All
Each of the aforementioned components has a variety of possibilities, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The representative from APC Prosthetics let us know “It’s critical to work closely with your prosthetist to acquire the correct type and fit — a connection you may have for the rest of your life.”
A prosthetist is a health care provider that specialises in prosthetic limbs and may assist you in choosing the proper components. Since you’ll be visiting the prosthetist on a regular basis, particularly at first, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with the individual you choose.