Losing a limb can be devastating, but not anymore. Prosthetic limbs have made life easier to a great extent. Now people can walk and even run with a prosthetic leg if they lost it in an unfortunate event. As technology is making advancements, prosthetics are becoming advanced as well. However, everyone has their own case. If you see someone participating in sports with their new limb, it does not mean you can do the same. It depends on the residual limb. However, getting a well-designed prosthetics can make your life easy by enabling you to perform casual activities of life yourself. As a result, you can feel comfortable emotionally and physically and regain your self-esteem.
Consulting a prosthetist is essential before reaching a decision because they can advise you of all good and bad. You can find the best Prosthetics Services in Dubai and other global metropolises. As everyone has a different case, some people can walk freely with a prosthetic leg after amputation. However, some may need crutches to walk with the prosthetic leg, but something is better than nothing.
Types of prosthetics
First, let’s talk about the main types of prosthetics. Below are the four prosthetic types, each with a different function.
1. Transradial Prosthetic
It is for the arm below the elbow and encompasses the forearm and wrist. It allows amputees to make natural hand movements and handle their work independently.
2. Transhumeral Prosthetics
It is for the arm above the elbow. Transhumeral prosthetics have difficult functionality and cannot mimic exactly the natural arm movement. Suction and roll-on liner systems are the two most common attachment methods for adjusting this prosthetic.
3. Transtibial Prosthetics
It fits below the knee. People who need this prosthetic are lucky because they have the healthy part of their leg in place, which helps in mobility. As the knee is in place, people with transtibial prosthetics can take part in recreational sports because the knee can handle the movement. However, keep in mind to get a comfortable prosthetic if thinking of indulging in sports because it carries the entire body weight.
4. Transfemoral Prosthetics
It is a part above the knee. The transfemoral prosthetics can be more challenging because it takes time for rehabilitation and regains normal movements.
Parts of prosthetics
If you just have an amputation, you must be considering the prosthetic leg. Before reaching a decision, knowing essential information about it can help you in adaptation. Below are the parts of a prosthetic leg which work together to help you make natural movements.
1. Prosthetic limb
It is the part that replaces your leg and mimics the original one. In some cases, people cannot differentiate between the prosthetic and the original one from under the clothes. It is made of durable material. The manufacturing of the model depends on the location of the amputation.
2. Socket
It is a device that joins the prosthetic leg with your residual limb. Experts call you for several fittings because the socket is made just for you as per the shape of your residual limb.
3. Suspension system
It is a connection between your residual limb and the prosthesis. It is an important part of the prosthetic limb because the better the connection, the more comfortable you will feel handling it.
Rehabilitation is important
You cannot get the prosthetic and start using it just like that. You first need to strengthen your residual limb. After amputation, it takes nearly four to eight weeks to heal the wound. After that, you need to take rehabilitation to strengthen your remaining limb, as moving with a new limb can be tough to handle. Rehabilitation physicians and therapists help you get used to your new limb, which improves your mobility. You can easily find the best clinics for advance Care in Dubai and other regions because prosthetics are becoming common with time, and almost all global metropolises offer services for it.
Getting around with a prosthetic leg can be challenging
Getting used to something new is never easy. But being aware of the challenges can motivate you or give you positive energy to try. Below are the challenges you may come across. Rest assured your therapists will help you cope with these challenges.
1. You can feel excessive sweating
2. Residual limb may change shape, which is normal
3. You can feel weakness in the remaining limb
4. You can feel phantom pain which can be treated with medication.
Talk to a qualified prosthetist and get the ideal prosthetic leg that can give you the lifestyle you desire. Life never stops for anyone. So get yourself enough strength to move on.
