custom prostheticsLimb loss is very common in the United States, as there are approximately 1.9 million people across the nation that are living as an amputee. You may now be at the point in your life where you are considering visiting a prosthetist to find out your options for custom prosthetics, but you may have a lot of questions. To prevent confusion, here are some commonly asked questions about orthotic prosthetic limbs to decide if this option is the best for you.

Q: Why would I use a prosthetic limb?

Depending on personal preference, there are plenty of reasons to use a prosthetic. As an artificial replacement for a missing limb, these accessories can really help boost your quality of life and help you reach your personal goals. If you are questioning getting a prosthesis, some questions you can ask yourself include:

    • Do I require a prosthesis to complete activities such as running or walking every day?

 

    • Do I care about how my limb loss affects my personal appearance?

 

  • What will I be able to do with my prosthesis if it was customized exactly for me?

Answering these questions may be able to help you come to terms with exactly what you want to achieve with the prosthesis.

Q: How exactly does a prosthesis work?

Your exact accessory will differ based on your needs and your physical ability. The best way to view a prosthesis is an extension of your body — it will connect to your residual limb and function as your limb would have. Every piece differs, so you can be rest assured that your piece will be customized just for you.

Q: Is there a need to use additional assistance such as wheelchairs or crutches?

Depends on your personal preference, as a wheelchair may be able to help you work on your goals. Of course, if this is your choice, you may have custom prosthetics created to help you utilize wheelchairs and crutches effectively

Enhancing mobility via customized prosthetics will help you achieve your goals and to feel confident in your body. If you are interested in learning more about prosthetics and how they can work for you, keep an eye out for our next blog post!