A variety of options are open to amputees today and acquiring a prosthetic leg is an important call to make. This is due to the fact that you will be using it for a long time. However, getting the right product will enhance your appearance and improve the quality of your life. In this article, we will show you the things you need to consider before buying your new leg.
8 Vital Things You Should Not Overlook
Here are 8 vital things you need to take into consideration before buying an artificial leg:
1. Your Activity Level
Every human is unique because we all have different goals and purposes. Therefore, you need to consider the kind of activities you engage in before making a purchase. You can ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to walk or run?
- Do I want to participate in recreational sports such as biking, swimming, or skiing?
- Do I need it to appear for work or play?
- What kind of tasks do I want to undertake on a daily basis?
The essence of asking yourself these questions is to ensure that you have a definite description of what you want. When you schedule a visit with your prosthetist, you will not sound confused or indecisive. Your prosthetist can design any type of artificial leg that will suit your lifestyle. Whether you need it for recreational activities or to perform household chores, (you know best) it can be designed for that purpose.
2. Function or Form … or Both
Our priorities differ and that is what makes life unique. There are people who love exercising. In fact, they feel like the world will fall apart if they do not exercise. If you are in this category, you will need a functional leg. On the other hand, there are people who just need a beautiful leg that will look like a natural human leg.
You need to know that the type of artificial leg you will get for exercising, running, or other types of sporting activities will be different from the one you will wear to work with dress shoes or high heels. However, if your priorities fall under both function and form, you can consider buying more than one type of prosthetic leg to suit your lifestyle.
3. The Amputation Level
Your amputation level is a very important point to consider as it affects the value of things. For instance, if your amputation level is below your knee, you will not be concerned about joint movement. But if it is above your knee, then joint movement becomes an essential factor. You can visit mobilityprosthetics.com/prosthetic-leg to find out more about above and below the knee amputation levels.
4. The Cosmetic Look
Most times, amputees need to choose between cosmetic look and features. For leg amputees, it is very costly to get an artificial leg with high cosmetic coverings. And after acquiring one, it may not last long if you are a very active person. Hence the need to balance your desire for looks and features.
5. Recreation or Special Limbs
We mentioned earlier that you need to consider your level of activity before buying an artificial leg. However, some people need specially designed limbs. Your prosthetist can make special limbs for recreational purposes or specific sports like skiing. So you have to inform your prosthetist if you need special limbs for a specific kind of movement.
6. The Environment
This is a vital point to consider because you will be wearing your artificial leg to different places. The environs and the weather conditions of those places will not only affect the remains of your amputated leg, your artificial leg will also be affected.
Whether the weather is dry, cold, or humid, it contributes to the way your artificial leg works. During the dry season, your skin will be dry, and this can cause friction between your amputated leg and the artificial one. Also, humid conditions can result in the accumulation of sweat, thereby, making you uncomfortable. The joints of your artificial leg can be affected by sand and it can corrode if exposed to saltwater.
7. The Wearing Schedule
When you start wearing your artificial leg, it will take some time and a lot of effort for you to get accustomed to it. After the amputated leg has healed, your physical therapy will come to an end. It is at that point that your prosthetist fits you into an artificial leg. Now, this will not be the final fitting as different alterations and re-fittings will be done.
Your prosthetist will give you a schedule that will help you become comfortable with wearing the artificial leg. This schedule will include a short duration for walking and standing. It will be increased as you continue to show more signs of comfort.
Therefore, before making a purchase, you need to consider that you will not start using the leg automatically. It will take you some time and you need patience.
8. The Financial Implication
Fortunately, most insurance companies make provision for artificial limbs. The level of coverage may differ depending on your insurance plan. You need to confirm what your insurance covers and what it does not, from your prosthetist. After that, you can work out the remainder of the expenses you have to make.
Conclusion
When it comes to acquiring an artificial leg, finding a good prosthetist is essential. While you may know what you want, your prosthetist can help you achieve it by fitting you into the appropriate tool that will enhance your lifestyle. We hope that this article will guide you in your decision to buy a prosthetic leg.
