An above-the-knee amputation presents special challenges but shouldn't keep you from participating in any activity you enjoy. Barring any medical complication, such as diabetes or heart disease, amputees can enjoy a full range of activities. As always, check with your prosthetist and your medical care team before engaging in new physical activity. Chances are, they will be cheering you on.
Know Your Prosthesis
Check with your prosthetist to make sure your prosthesis, if you have one, is adequate for the types of conditions you may encounter. Knowing how your prosthetic limb functions on different surfaces is crucial. An artificial limb can be damaged by using it in ways it was not designed for. For instance, some companies may void your warranty if the limb gets wet. Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure.
Start Slow
Try short hikes in relatively easy locations before tackling a challenge like the Appalachian Trail. Hiking downhill with a prosthesis is especially difficult and your best bet is to practice close to home before heading into the wilderness. Some favor the use of poles for added stability. If you choose hiking with crutches instead of a prosthetic limb, it is vital that you practice climbing and descending on progressively difficult surfaces.
Common Sense Safety
Anyone who hikes should have a safety plan. Either plan your trip with others, or notify friends or relatives of where you plan to go and when you will return. Take a cell phone, water and any first aid equipment you might need. Technology has advanced to an amazing degree allowing amputees to live full lives with virtually the same abilities as they had before. Still, while it is fine to feel confident in your abilities, it's not worth taking unnecessary risks.
Celebrate Progress
No one but another amputee can understand the challenges you face. Knowing what you have done and can do opens doors to things you might never have dreamed possible. Some amputees are even learning to jump out of airplanes. Just as anyone with a health condition, you must take proper care of yourself and train accordingly. Hiking presents challenges, and like any sport, requires training. But with preparation you should be able to enjoy hiking or any other sport you wish to try.
