Whether you have a single- or a double-leg amputation, it is possible for you to run again. Here's a name for for motivation: Oscar Pistorius. This world-class sprinter is a bilateral amputee who is running against athletes without disabilities. You must develop a strong walking gait before you start to run. The mechanics of running will be different now, so give yourself time and patience, and keep trying.
Step 1
Get a complete physical assessment from your therapist or physiotherapist. He will see whether your body is ready to start running by assessing your hip rotation, remaining limb position and your walking gait.
Step 2
Work with your prosthetist to learn the limitations of your artificial limb or to discuss the options of other prosthesis. This health care worker can fit you for a special running prosthetic or ensure that your current prosthetic foot can bear the load of running before you get started.
Step 3
Employ the help of a trainer who has worked with amputees. Running is not fast-walking -- you have an entirely different gait and weight distribution when running. You could do damage to your stump, hips or remaining joints if you are not taught how to evenly distribute your weight during a running gait.
Step 4
Think about each phase of the running gait while you run. Take longer strides with your natural limb to make up for the longer prosthetic stride. Swing your arms for balance as you would running without a prosthetic leg.
Step 5
Evaluate and fix any difficulties you had on your first go at running as an amputee. If you had balance problems, you might need to work on core strength. If you had hip discomfort, you might need some strength-training, such as squats, to strengthen the quadriceps and hip flexors.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask you trainer to teach you the proper way to handle a trip or fall with a prosthetic. Get any phantom limb pain addressed before you try to run.
References
- "The New York Times"; Pistorius Told He Can Run Only First Leg of Relay; Christopher Clarey; August 2011
- Amputee Coalition: Fact Sheet -- Prosthetic FAQs for the New Amputee
- Advanced Prosthetic Centre; Preparing Amputee Athletes: The Australian Approach; Joellen McPhan
- OandP.com; Five Steps for the Introduction to Lower Limb Amputee Running; Robert Gailey; December 2003
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