Sports prostheses for children and juniors: ready for competition!

Children and teenagers with an amputation can be just as sporty and competitive as their peers. Although sport and competition can seem challenging with an amputation or congenital defect, an active and sporty lifestyle is definitely within reach with the right aids. We'd love to tell you about that at Amputee Care Center (ACC by Spronken).

The impact of sports on children

In our experience at Amputee Care Center, we see that sports can have a huge impact on young people's development. It has physical benefits, of course, but sports also helps build self-confidence, develop social skills and promote a positive self-image. Thanks to sport, children and young people can learn to push their limits, face challenges and experience that they can play sports just as well as their peers. A good children's sports prosthesis plays a very important role in this.

Actively participating in sports as a young person with an amputation or congenital defect is a process that requires attention and the necessary expertise. It starts with understanding exactly what a child wants to achieve and what sports he or she wants to participate in. At the Amputee Care Center in Genk, Belgium, we take extensive time to listen to the wishes and ambitions of a young athlete and his or her parents and family. We believe in a personalised, tailor-made approach, with our multidisciplinary team working together to find the best possible solution.

All-round sports feet

For sports with more lateral movements, such as football, basketball or gymnastics, there are all-round sports feet. These prostheses provide extra stability and support. This allows young athletes to move and turn with confidence.

Popular examples of all-round sports feet for children are:

• Ottobock Challenger (also available in children's sizes)
• College Park Soleus Junior

Prostheses for cycling

Cycling is in Belgium and the Netherlands and very popular activity for many children and adolescents. Cycling prostheses are also custom-made, with special connectors or clips for secure attachment to the pedal. These prostheses are designed with efficient force transfer in mind. We design them in consultation with the child's specific needs and the type of bicycle in mind.

Swimming prostheses

And let's not forget sports in the water! Swimming prostheses for children are made of water-resistant materials, sometimes including swim fin adaptor or removable foot part. Moreover, they are designed to be lightweight and rustproof. With a swimming prosthesis, children and adolescents can participate in swimming lessons, aquatic therapy and competitive swimming.

Popular examples of children's swimming prostheses are:

• Ottobock Aqualine components
• Custom swimming solutions through specialised centres

Important to know about using sports prostheses

It is important to remember that sports prostheses are not intended for everyday use. They are additionally prescribed and fitted by a specialised prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center. The cost of sports prostheses can vary and is not always fully covered by health insurance or mutual insurance. At the Amputee Care Center, we will help you explore financing options and can take the entire process of applying for reimbursement off your hands.

Want to know more about the cost of a sports prosthesis? Then read our article on sports prosthesis costs.

Cooperation and support with children's sports prostheses

Playing sports with a prosthesis naturally starts with choosing the right prosthesis, but we at ACC also realise that this is only part of the equation. Successful participation in sports often also requires close collaboration between your prosthetist, trainer and physiotherapist. We work together to develop a tailor-made training programme for you or your child. This involves teaching the right techniques and ensuring that young athletes receive the best possible support.

Everyone deserves the chance to play sport

Special sports prostheses are usually not reimbursed or covered by basic insurance or mutual insurance, which is a financial barrier for many young athletes with an amputation. Fortunately, there are sports clubs and organisations and sponsors who do their bit and assume (part of) the cost for their members and athletes. At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), we make a tailor-made offer, tailored to the specific sport and needs of the child. Moreover, we usually arrange the financial settlement directly with the sponsor or association, so that the child or teenager (and the parent) can fully focus on their performance.

Learn more about sports prostheses for teenagers and children

Would you like to know more about prostheses for children in general? Then please refer to our page on children's prostheses. Would you like to learn more about the different types of prostheses specifically designed for sports? Then we would like to tell you more about them on our page about sports prostheses.

Curious about your sports possibilities with a prosthesis?

Contact the Amputee Care Center in Genk today. Parents and children are welcome to explore all options together with our specialised prosthetist. We will listen to your goals and together find the prosthesis that will help you achieve the best sports performance. Many innovative components you can even try on before you decide. So you know exactly what suits you.