Water and Prosthetics

It is summertime, so bring on the water activities! Participating in aquatics with limb loss can be difficult, but it does not have to be! Here are some quality tips to enjoy your H20 fun this season!

“Shower leg”

Some individuals are able to create/use a “shower leg” on the beach. A “shower leg” is a very simple prosthesis without a foot shell that will not break down when introduced to water. This leg is great for standing while showering, but also when walking on the beach! It may not be able to maintain connection to the residual limb while swimming, so you can walk on the beach and remove it before entering the water.

Swimming prosthesis

The prosthetic world does offer swimming specific limbs, often with some type of webbing. For the most part, individuals that enjoy swimming, will report that it is easier to swim without any adaptive equipment. Ask your prosthetist for swimming specific limbs that may assist you. Otherwise, remove your prosthesis, jump in, and have some fun!

Sand

Some prosthetic limbs can not tolerate sand without a breakdown. Be sure to protect your limb when on the beach with plastic wrap or a cast cover. When you return home, clean the limb carefully to remove all of the sand and water to decrease the risk of breakdown.

Have questions about adapted SCUBA, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and/or water skiing? Just send me a message or stay tuned for more water sports specific blog posts.

The bottom line is: Don’t be afraid to enjoy the beach this summer! Have some fun!