How to Walk With a Leg Prosthesis

A leg prosthesis is an artificial leg that amputees may wear to regain the ability to walk again. A prosthetist is a medical professional that will work to custom fit a leg that will function as much as the leg the amputee had. While this prosthesis will be designed with a comfortable fit, the amputee will need help in being able to function daily with the prosthesis.

Instructions

How to Walk with a Leg Prosthesis

• 1

  Participate in gait training with the prosthetist. Gait training is a discipline that will help the amputee learn to walk with the prosthesis. This training will include exercise to help develop strength and flexibility.

• 2

  Use parallel bars. A leg prosthesis is a big adjustment to a real leg, and standing alone will be a huge challenge. The use of parallel bars will aid an amputee in the ability to stand on his or her own. These bars help amputees learn how to adjust their weight on the prosthesis. When standing is accomplished, the amputee may begin to walk slowly using the parallel bars.

• 3

  Use a walking aid. When walking can be done using the parallel bars, amputees may feel that they are ready to walk on their own. However, they need to use a walking aid for a while. A walking aid such as a cane can be used. When using a cane, hold it on the opposite side of the prosthesis. The cane and the prosthesis should be moved in the same direction at the same time. When climbing steps, amputees will always want to take the first step with their leg and not the prosthesis.

• 4

  Walk with someone. When recipients of a prosthesis feel that they can walk by themselves, they should walk with someone just in case something happens, such as falling down. Holding someone else's hand can help the amputees keep their balance until they have had lots of practice on their own.

• 5

  Walk only in comfortable environments. When learning to walk, it will be important to walk in places that are familiar to the amputees, such as home, work or gym. This way, the amputees know the layout of the environment. Lighting can be adjusted to ensure that they see well, that objects are out of the way and the amputees can avoid tripping. In new places, amputees may not have these benefits and tripping over something is more likely.