Your prosthetist will conduct a physical fitness evaluation, assessing your strength, balance, range of motion, and overall physical condition. They will also consider the types of terrain you will be traveling on and your functional requirements for your prosthesis.  

For example, do you want to begin jogging, play softball, go to the gym, or just be more active with your kids? 

Sports and other physical activities place unique levels of stress on the body, especially for the lower-limb amputee. So proper training, technique, socket fit and equipment choice are even more critical than when being fitted for everyday prosthetics.   

You also might need a new or different socket, because running positions your socket in more extreme angles and exerts much greater impact forces compared to ordinary walking. Your prosthetist will also play a vital role in modifying and fine-tuning your prosthetic blade and socket to optimize your safety, comfort and performance. 

Remember: sports prostheses and running blades are not one-size-fits-all. In fact, just trying on a sports blade without a prosthetist’s guidance should be done with caution, because people who are unfamiliar with sports prosthetics are at increased risk for injuries including skin or soft tissue abrasion, falling or even ligament damage. 

Many people also wonder about the cost of sports prosthetics or running blades.  

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t typically cover these prosthetics, but nonprofits like the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which partners with Össur, grant Flex-Foot and Cheetah sports prosthetics to hundreds of people every year. 

There’s also a new legislative initiative called So Every BODY Can Move, which is helping change laws to secure insurance coverage for running blades at the state level. Thus far, five U.S. states have passed laws requiring insurance coverage for sports prosthetics and adaptive equipment.  

And because sports prostheses prosthetics and running blades are prescription products, they should never be purchased either new or used from a private party, directly or from unauthorized retail websites like Amazon. Always work with your prosthetist to get the sports prosthesis that’s right for your needs.  

Once you get your running blade, remember that you may need some time to adjust to the unique feeling of using a sports prosthesis. Many people also need targeted training and conditioning before they can gain the full benefits of a sports blade. Expect progress over time, as you will grow in confidence and capability the more you work with your sports prothesis. 

You can also reach out to other people in the limb loss and limb difference community. Attend Mobility Clinics – like the ones sponsored by Össur and CAF – and talk to people who are already using sports prostheses about their experiences. You might even cultivate new friendships and find workout buddies and as you encourage each other in continuing your fitness journey and your life without limitations.