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At Amputee Care Centre (ACC), we get a lot of questions about the possibilities of a blade prosthesis. The blade prosthesis is a type of leg prosthesis designed specifically for running (walking). A blade prosthesis is easily recognised by its unique curved design and is often made of carbon fibre. This makes the prosthesis flexible, durable and stores energy.
They are specially designed to give the wearer more speed, stability and strength. Blade prostheses are therefore suitable for intense activities such as running and jumping. At Amputee Care Centre by Spronken, we are happy to tell you more about the possibilities of a blade prosthesis and how we can help at our prosthesis centre in Genk, Belgium.
Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.
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Over the years, the functioning of a blade prosthesis has been based on a combination of biomechanics and material science. For example, modern blade prostheses are made of carbon fibre, a flexible material that stores energy on impact (when the foot hits the ground) and then returns this energy to support forward movement.
The characteristic arch (J-shape) design of the blade prosthesis acts like a spring, allowing you to move smoothly and accelerate faster. Blade prostheses are also lighter than traditional prostheses, giving you more freedom of movement and better performance.
At Amputation Care Center, sports prostheses, such as the blade prosthesis, are always fully custom-made. This way, we guarantee a prosthesis that fits you perfectly and also offers maximum comfort.
The cost of a blade prosthesis, also known as a sports prosthesis for running, varies considerably and depends on several factors. These include the type of prosthesis, the materials used, the complexity of the fitting and the specific needs of the user.
Blade prostheses have gained notoriety in particular thanks to the Paralympic Games, where many athletes use them. However, it is good to know that blade prostheses are not only suitable for elite athletes. Anyone with a leg amputation who pursues an active lifestyle and wants to play sports can basically use a blade leg prosthesis.
At Amputee Care Centre (ACC), we see professional athletes and recreational athletes who like to run for blade prostheses. We also regularly make specially designed models for children who like to play sports. The blade prosthesis is a popular children's prosthesis.
Although blades provide excellent performance, there are some challenges. Blades are less suitable for long-distance running because they are specifically designed for short, explosive distances. The blade sprint technique requires intensive training and beginners must gradually build up their speed and strength.
With a blade prosthesis, it is certainly possible to achieve impressive speeds, especially with the right training and mental attitude.
The main reason for choosing a blade prosthesis is the huge performance improvement in running. The carbon fibre construction creates a spring effect that not only helps with speed, but also explosive power movements. Blade prostheses are light and flexible, allowing you to move more naturally and freely.
It is good to know that blade prostheses may be mainly known for running, long jump and high jump, but these prostheses are widely applicable and adaptable for different sports.
With a blade prosthesis, such as a carbon fibre running prosthesis, people can achieve impressive speeds, depending on their physical condition, technique and experience. These prostheses are specially designed to maximise push-off force and improve energy efficiency, making them ideal for running.
Blade prostheses are designed to absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly. This reduces stress on the joints and muscles in the stump. This is important for maintaining good balance and also the long-term health of the stump.
In addition, using a blade prosthesis can give a huge boost to self-confidence. As a prosthesis wearer, it enables you to actively participate in sporting activities. This not only gets you involved in sports, but this often also provides a new social outlet where you can meet other and like-minded people (without disabilities). Ultimately, this collectively improves mental health and quality of life. That is where we at the Amputee Care Center are happy to help you and is even one of our main goals.
The Amputee Care Center (by Spronken) in Belgium has more than 60 years of experience working with people with amputations, which we also call amputees. Besides supporting and making basic prostheses, we also specialise in sports prostheses, including blade prostheses. For example, we even assist a number of professional athletes who have participated in the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and in Paris!
At Amputee Care Centre, we always start with a no-obligation introductory meeting. We discuss your wishes and requirements as well as your (sporting) goals to see what suits you. Then, during a free gait and running analysis in our own lab, we do a comprehensive analysis of your physical condition and your stump.
A blade prosthesis, like other prostheses, should fit your body perfectly and also be tailored to your sporting goals. At Amputee Care Center, we therefore always customise a prosthesis, which is crucial for comfort and performance. We do this in our own lab using 3D printing. We also make adjustments based on the sport that will be practised with the prostheses. This way, you can be sure that you will always get a prosthesis that fits you and your goals perfectly.
Because a blade prosthesis is therefore always custom-made and made of high-quality materials, a blade prosthesis can be pricey. Moreover, they are generally not covered by Belgian mutual insurance or Dutch health insurance as standard, but are sometimes reimbursed by other insurances.
At Amputee Care Center, we help you apply for the right reimbursements and advise you on this as well. So you don't have to think about this, but we make sure you receive the maximum reimbursement for your leg prosthesis with a blade prosthetic foot.
Want to know what a blade prosthesis costs and what exactly is the situation with regard to the blade prosthesis reimbursements? Then read our article: what does a sports prosthesis cost? And make a no-obligation appointment at the ACC prosthetic centre.
Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.
We are at your service.
At Amputee Care Center, we pride ourselves on our concept of total care for prosthesis wearers. After we have made the blade prostheses for you, we offer a comprehensive programme of support and aftercare. For example, on the running track with gait analysis laboratory in Genk, Belgium, you will learn to use your prosthesis efficiently, improve your running technique, get better balance and most importantly, gain confidence in using your blade prosthesis in sports.
Do you choose a sports prosthesis like the blade prosthesis? Then, in our experience, this can be challenging not only physically, but also emotionally. Therefore, at the Amputation Care Center, not only prosthetists and physiotherapists, but also psychologists are part of our experienced team. We also offer you psychological support as part of our overall care, if required, where we also coach and motivate you to achieve your goals.
Blade prostheses have been an important step in the development of prostheses in recent years. Did you know that Paralympic athletes with a blade prosthesis can now run even faster than an Olympic athlete without amputations? Thanks to a blade prosthesis, you get the best out of yourself and can live a sporting life even with a leg amputation.
German paralympic athlete Markus Rehm, also known as the ‘Blade Jumper’, holds the world long jump record for athletes with a blade prosthesis. In June 2023, he jumped 8.72 metres during a competition in Rhede, Germany, bettering his own previous record of 8.62 metres.
Rehm, born on 22 August 1988, lost his right leg below the knee at the age of 14 after a wakeboarding accident. He started athletics at the age of 20 and has since won several Paralympic, world and European titles in the long jump.
In para-athletics, there are several athletes with blade prostheses who have world records to their name. These records vary depending on classification and distance.
At the Amputee Care Center, we lead the way in the development of leg prostheses for children and adults and offer a unique concept of total care. This allows us to provide you with maximum support to reach your full potential and allows you to face life with renewed strength and self-confidence. Thus, your amputation is no longer a limitation, but your prosthesis an enrichment!
Are you unsure whether a blade prosthesis is right for you or would you like to know more? Contact us for a free introductory consultation and a delicious cup of coffee!
Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.
We are at your service.
Spronken is a NEN-EN-ISO 13485-certified supplier of orthopaedic equipment. Over the past 60 years, Spronken has grown into one of the largest companies in the fields of orthoses, prostheses, mobility and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment in Europe.
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