Dance walk –
Once you have completed the assembly of this high-performing prosthesis, it is time to learn your dance-walk. Yes, you will become a special ballerina, and every successful step is a balanced act. So, swing that prosthesis forward by throwing your thigh forward with a bit of hip forward motion. With your knee almost straight, land on the heel, then press that heel down with weight while shifting your body weight and balancing yourself. This will store energy in the heel. Then, bend your knee slightly and use the returned heel energy from the carbon fiber and your thigh muscle to roll forward, heel to toes. This will flex and activate the entire carbon fiber rod from socket to toes, while storing massive energy, which will help your final foot lift to complete your step. Repeat with each step. This will take a bit of time and practice in order to master this dance-walk while learning to trust this new device that is attached to your body. At first, you will be looking down at your feet frequently. Try using a mirror in front of you in your initial practice so you can eventually learn how to look a bit forward. This dance-walk is unique to BK-Short since we don’t have enough residual to move that prosthesis with muscle and intent, so we maneuver each step with a balanced act.
Up and down the steps –
Stairs are difficult at first, and going down the stairs will be easier than going up. Make sure to use a handrail initially until you get comfortable with it. Here is how to get started. Going down the steps: step down with your prosthesis first, lock your prosthesis’s side knee, then step down with the good leg to catch up only. Then repeat. Going up the steps, lock your prosthesis’s knee, step up with your good leg first, then pull up the prosthesis leg. Then repeat. To help ease the task of stairs, try to turn your whole body including your feet about 30-45 degrees toward the prosthesis leg going down, and toward the good leg going up; this will make it easier for prosthesis clearance. Remember, going from one step to the next, whether going up or down the stairs, “the prosthesis is always on the lower step, and the good leg is always on the higher step”.
Up and down the hill –
Steps and hills are challenging for different reasons, and BK-Short will quickly learn that a flat and even surface is the ideal walking space. Going down the hill, lock your prosthesis side knee, then step down with your prosthesis first, using only the heel as you step down. Then, step down with the good leg to catch up only, just like steps above. Then repeat. Going up the hill, lock your prosthesis side knee, using your prosthesis toes, and step up with the good leg first, then catch up with the prosthesis leg. Then repeat. To help ease the task of climbing up and down hills, try to turn your whole body including your feet about 30-45 degrees toward the prosthesis leg going down, and toward the good leg going up; this will make it a bit easier. Remember, going from one step to the next, whether up or down hills, “the prosthesis is always on the lower part of the ground, and the good leg is always on the higher part”.
Sitting & Standing –
Given your short residual, you need to learn how to sit and stand properly. When standing for an extended period of time, stand with your feet approximately 9-12 inches apart, with feet twisted outward slightly. Don’t lock your knee, just keep it very slightly bent. Find the best position that provides the most comfortable and balanced standing, and is best for your body. When sitting for an extended period, say at work, try sitting on a slightly higher seat so that each of your hips and knees are forming approximately 90-degree angles. Sit up straight, with your lower back arched, shoulders down, and shoulder blades arched back. Hold your core for stability if you can. This sounds uncomfortable, but you will get used to this posture, and your body will thank you in the long run.