Artificial limbs, or prosthetics, benefit many people’s lives. While it’s a personal choice for everybody, some have found that prosthetics have helped them to regain confidence in their appearance or abilities. With new technology, there are more options than ever. If you are looking into getting one, learn more about them and how they work.

What Are Prosthetics?

Prosthetics can either help you with your body’s functions – like movement – or they can be for aesthetic purposes. The four common prosthetics are for limbs: a transtibial prosthetic to be placed below the knee, a transfemoral one that goes above the knee, a transradial prosthetic that goes below the elbow, and a transhumeral one to be placed above the elbow.

Artificial limbs are made with lightweight materials, like carbon fiber, foam padding, or plastic. They typically have what is called a socket, which is custom-made to help connect the artificial limb to the residual one to fit your body perfectly. The prosthetic can be connected to the residual limb using a suspension system, like an elastic sleeve or suction socket, to keep it in place.

How Do Prosthetics Work?

The most common way it works is through a system of cables that run within it. Battery packs control some prosthetics. The most advanced kind c is myoelectric, meaning electrodes are used to sense where your muscles want to go, and then the limb moves with the help of electric motors.

In other words, you think of the way you want your limb to move, and it does, just like with natural ones. When getting a prosthetic, you can consult with a prosthetist about what kind would work best for you.

If you are looking into getting a prosthetic, check out Cobb Prosthetics in Farmington and St. Louis, MO. The company is run by Matthew Cobb, an American Board-certified prosthetist. He and his team work diligently to provide their customers with the perfect solution to meet their needs. They will customize any prosthetic or brace to ensure your comfort. For more information, give them a call at (573) 760-0520 or visit them online.