Game Changers – Innovations in Lower-Limb Prosthetics

In very recent memory, there was a time in which it was a medical and engineering achievement to have a prosthetic lower-limb merely able to provide an amputee with the ability to have basic ambulatory movement like being able to get around the house or take a short walk outside. Yet, as brilliant as this was, it simply was not good enough as amputation would often remain a barrier to leading the active life that many desired. Indeed before recent innovations, those with lower-limb amputations had to plan their days and lives around their limited ability to walk. For instances, places with stairs or uneven sidewalks would have presented a most daunting and intimidating obstacle for amputees, which meant that often many would have opted to stay at home and miss out on the fun and excitement outside their front door. Thankfully, as a result of some serious innovations to lower-limb prosthetics amputees need not sit on the sidelines of life any longer – they can jump head first into the active, happy and healthy life they deserve.

Innovations in Prosthetic Feet and Blades

Those with below-knee amputations can now benefit from prosthetics that will put the world back at their feet once again. Previous prosthetic feet were marred by an unnatural or limited range of ankle motion, which often resulted in strain on knees, hips and back, or – worse yet – nasty trips and falls. The latest technology – seen in prosthetic feet like the Ossur Proprio Foot with Evo – offers a motor-powered ankle that increases ground clearance and allows the user to walk across all kinds of terrain in a natural and safe fashion. Such an innovation allows lower-limb amputees to walk virtually anywhere again: to the shops, long country walks or even exploring cities like New York, Paris or London on foot!

Walking is brilliant, but how about running? Thanks to the emergence of the Paralympics as a bona fide sporting event, we have all seen the so-called ‘blade runners’ – the world class track and field athletes that defy their disability to achieve feats about which able-bodied persons might only dream. But it is not only paralympians who can access this life-altering blade technology – it is available to all amputees who either want to resume their old sporting lives or to explore new ways to be active. Technologies like Blatchford’s Elite Blade – a lightweight, e-carbon foot with flexible, independent springs that reduce shock transmission – let users participate in high impact sports from serious running to football, basketball and more. These amazing innovations to prosthetic feet and blades mean that those with below-knee amputations can live their lives to the fullest and most active extent, unimpeded by their disability.

Innovations in Prosthetic Legs

One of the most exciting innovations in engineering – not to mention prosthetics – in recent years has been the multi-award winning Blatchford Linx. This prosthetic leg for above-knee amputees is practically out of a science fiction movie as it is the first one ever that is integrated with robotic control of both the knee and foot that communicate with each other to move just like a human leg. It uses a network of sensors that act like human nerves to continuously collect data about the way in which the user walks, their activity and the terrain on which they are moving. This information is processed by Linx’s central computer to adapt its responses so its wearer can always walk confidently, knowing that they will always be at the right speed and enjoy the right support at all times on practically any terrain and on slopes and steps. Beyond walking and navigating one’s world happily and uninhibited, users can participate in a range of sporting activities, notably cycling. Linx has even innovated the mere act of standing still, which has long been a difficult and painful task for amputees, by sensing when it has come to a standstill and automatically locking so its wearer can relax in a normal standing position. Lastly, unlike previous cutting-edge prosthetic legs, there is no need to endure the lengthy process of recalibrating the ankle and knee joints again and again; Linx uses a smart algorithm to calibrate the limb automatically.

There been major innovations in lower-limb prosthetics in recent years and we expect technologies to become even more exciting, useful and capable of catalyzing amputees to a happy, healthy and active life filled with doing the things they love most. If you would like to speak about the latest developments in lower-limb prosthetics, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at the Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at (212) 241-6321.

Why You Should Jog Twice a Week

U.S Navy SEAL William McRaven broke the internet in 2014 with an inspiring speech to then-recent university graduates. The talk began with a strange and unobvious statement that left the crowd confused: “You can change the world by making your bed.” But the message soon became clear. The Veteran was explaining that small tasks make the foundations for larger tasks. A marathon is run one step at a time, making your bed is the first step - which then leads to the next. He began each day of gruelling training, involving swimming in shark infested waters, by simply making his bed. Every small, beneficial task will lift you up a little bit each day, and eventually climax at an extraordinary accomplishment. And, even if you have an awful day – at least you come home to a made bed.

A regular jogging routine, even just twice a week will strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, burn plenty of calories, help maintain a healthy weight, and even can help in building stronger bones. Our health routine and the way we look after ourselves is similar to William McRaven’s story. Just as he aimed at becoming a SEAL, we aim to be fitter, lose weight, get an early start to the day – we may even dream to one day complete or compete in a marathon. These aims are the great achievements and usually make up our deepest desires. One way we can begin working towards them is jogging. Jogging is more than a fad. It is a tried and tested way of maintaining a stable weight, helping deal with mental illnesses, and optimising the functioning of vital organs, like the heart.

The same way making his bed got him into the Navy SEALS, we can achieve health goals by going for a jog or joining a sports club, but are put down in thinking – what’s the point? If I go for one run, will it really make that much of a difference? After all, it’s only one run and I need to go on plenty of runs to be healthy. Health, like the accomplishments of Mr William McRaven, is an on-going battle of willpower. Respectively, one run is like making one bed – and Rome wasn’t built in a day.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

If you are over 40, it’s best to get a check-up with your physician and outline a plan of action. You may need to slowly build up from a walking pace – or maybe you’re ready to jump into the deep end and join a sprinting club. Either way, it’s best to get checked.

After this, you need to get some running shoes to look after your feet – don’t wear old sneakers. You should look at getting specialist running shoes. The larger your frame the more “cushion” you need in the sole – and depending on the arch of your foot, you will need more or less support from your shoe depending if you are high-arched or low-arched respectively. Any good running shop will have you jog on a treadmill and analyse you. Apart from that, grab some old clothes (it’s not a fashion parade) and enjoy building a healthier you, even though it can be a struggle, especially in the morning.

However, even if you have had an awful day, you can go back to your made bed and think to yourself “at least I went for a jog today.”