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Running Prosthesis

Once you are competent and confident performing your routine daily activities, you may want to explore more demanding activities such as running. Running may have been one of your favourite past times and you are once again looking to pound the pavements, run in the mountains or now have aspirations to become a Paralympian.  

Although it is possible to run on some standard prostheses for a short distance, you will require a more specialised running prosthesis for longer distances. These prostheses have running specific components that are able to withstand the demands of this high impact activity on both your body and on the prosthesis. 

Once you have been fitted with your running prosthesis, we highly recommend seeing a Biokineticist or a Physiotherapist with a keen interest in active amputee’s. Learning to run again might not be as easy or as natural as it was before. Learning to hop on your running prosthesis and trust that it won’t break is one of the first obstacles to overcome. From there it is on to running drills to help improve your gait and coordination and get the most out of your prosthesis. The level of your amputation has a direct impact on the level of energy expenditure as well as the weight of the prosthesis. 

Activities that may require these specialised components are as follows:

  • Road running 
  • Track running 
  • Trail running 
  • Sprinting 
  • Field and court sports 

The most commonly used method of suspension for a running prosthesis is vacuum suspension, but there are quite a few options. With new innovations in methods of suspension such a Ossurs Iceross Seal-In Locking system, a dual locking and vacuum suspension method, the reduction in pistoning within the socket is reduced and in doing so, you have a much more controlled fit and proprioception is enhanced. 

A running prosthesis is made with specialised running specific components. These components are sourced from companies such as Ossur and Ottobock. Your prosthetist will be able to help you select and decide on which running blade will work best for you. 

Recreational runners or trail runners may opt for the Flex Run blade from Ossur as it gives some shock absorption as well as a very good energy return. Sprinters on the other hand usually prefer the Cheetah blade from Ossur or the 1E90 Sprinter carbon spring foot from Ottobock. Running prostheses are not limited to adults, there are various options for children too.  

Above Knee (TF) and Through Knee (KD) amputees either opt for the 3S80 or the 3R46 knee joint from Otto Bock or the Cheetah Knee from Ossur. These are the some of the components that are used by national and international athletes. 

Contact us to see how we can help