Hiking is precarious for amputees. Walking on uneven terrain and varying surfaces is a test of courage for the amputee and a test of the quality of his prosthesis. In the early 21st century, prosthesis are available for a growing number of sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing, handball, golf and water sports. If you are a hiker, you are covered as well. A number of companies make custom prosthesis. A German company, Otto Bock, makes a C-Leg prosthesis used by a number of hikers. Roland Zahn, 73, plans to walk 1,000 kilometers on his C-leg across Germany in 2011 to encourage other amputees to exercise and expand their horizons.
Second "Shoes"
Amputee and custom prosthesis maker Richard L. Riley, is often asked why an amputee needs a second or third prosthesis, usually by insurance companies leery of the cost. He responds, "Do you only have one pair of shoes? Can you safely accomplish all of your activities of daily living or recreation with a single set of shoes?" Specialized prosthesis are essential in returning amputees to a life with few barriers.
Custom Prosthesis
Syracuse Prosthesis Center is an example of a company that makes custom prosthesis for amputees who run, ski, snowboard and golf. In addition, the company creates special limbs that allows people to return to their old occupations. If you want to return to an activity you aren't able to enjoy with your current prosthesis, the designers at SPC, as with most custom prosthesis designers, will attempt to invent something new.
C-Leg
The C-Leg, invented in 1997 and upgraded in 2004, features the first microprocessor-controlled knee. Since it is controlled in real time throughout your gait cycle, the "intelligent" knee joint recognizes the walking phase you are in and adjusts accordingly. The ability to adapt to the surface you are on makes the C-Leg safer and more versatile. Putting your full weight on the prosthesis gives you the ability to walk up and down with more confidence and less expenditure of energy.
1,000 Kilometer Hike
Roland Zahn's 1,000 kilometer hike across Germany, scheduled to be accomplished in 100 days, puts both Zahn and his C-leg in the spotlight. In 2006, Zahn's leg was amputated above the knee, and he spent the next year in a wheelchair. Now he intends to hike the Green Belt nature preserve, the former no-man's land that once separated East and West Germany. Zahn's intention is to motivate other amputees to get up and return to activities they enjoy.
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