AMPUTEE STORE

08/15/2026

A 13,000-volt electrical accident left Christian Arreola with severe burns and the loss of his right arm. But surgery, months of rehabilitation, and a myoelectric prosthetic hand helped him rebuild strength and relearn everyday movements.

Now, Arreola uses his bionic hand for tasks ranging from gripping objects to shaking hands. He has also returned to fitness and competition.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/j1qK0
Image Credit: Annie Pearch, UC San Diego Health

Image Description: Christian Arreola works on his fine motor skills with his bionic hand during his weekly rehabilitation sessions with Jennie McGillicuddy.

In March 2022, 23-year-old Christian Arreola climbed onto his parents’ rooftop in Rosarito, Mexico, hoping to catch a view of the ocean. But in a split second, his life changed forever.

08/14/2026

Could greater flexibility make walking on uneven ground feel smoother and more stable?

In studies shared by Lindhe Xtend, users testing the Xtend Foot Först took fewer steps over 10 meters, walked farther in six minutes, and completed the Timed Up and Go test faster than when using their regular prosthetic feet.
Participants also reported better balance, a softer gait, increased energy, and improved comfort after becoming accustomed to the foot.

🔗 Explore the Xtend Foot Först: https://zurl.co/RwP8v
Image Credit: Lindhe Xtend

Image Description: A person wearing a lower-limb prosthesis and colorful athletic shoes steps across uneven coastal rocks. The overlaid headline reads, “Xtend Foot Först: A Prosthetic Foot Designed for Sand, Slopes, and Saltwater.”

08/14/2026

For people with limb loss on one side, the sound side already does extra work every day, compensating for the missing limb. So your workout mustn't add stress to an already overworked area.

If you're not doing it yet, you might want to look into aquatic exercises, which use water resistance to help build strength while reducing weight-bearing load on the joints. From water walking to kickboard exercises, here are several ways to get started.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/xpUxs
Image Description: A bilateral above-knee amputee sits at the edge of an indoor swimming pool, adjusting his goggles before entering the water. The overlaid headline reads, “Aquatic Exercises for Amputees: Build Strength With Less Joint Stress.”

08/13/2026

After losing her left leg in a Russian missile strike in Odesa, seven-year-old Oleksandra Pascal found her way back to the activities she loves.

After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Oleksandra returned to gymnastics with a prosthetic leg and even won her first competition back. She has also embraced dance and delivered a performance that moved audiences around the world.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/k5vYi
Image Credit: Victoriia Yevremova

Image Description: Oleksandra Pascal, wearing a black leotard, sits gracefully on a white cube against a plain backround. She has a prosthetic leg and holds two batons, extending her arms and face upward.

Seven-year-old Oleksandra Pascal is known for her quiet confidence onstage. She radiates a strength that commands admiration. But beneath this composed exterior lies a story of heartbreaking loss and an inspiring journey of perseverance.

08/13/2026

What if a prosthetic knee could cushion impact similarly to soft tissue without needing a bulky mechanical system?

Researchers developed an experimental prosthetic knee inspired by origami and soft robotics. Its lightweight structure is designed to deform under pressure and then return to shape, helping absorb impact while adapting to movements like walking, climbing stairs, and navigating uneven ground.

The design is still a research prototype, but it offers an intriguing look at how bioinspired engineering could influence the future of prosthetic knees.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/KrHaw
Image Credit: Peking University

Image Description: A person wearing a modern, metallic prosthetic leg sits on a stone ledge; only their lower body is visible. The prosthetic knee has an origami-inspired design.

For years, traditional rigid prosthetic knees have been associated with challenges such as excessive weight, complex design, and discomfort, especially for those living with above-knee limb loss. However, recent advances in soft materials, robotics, and biomimicry have opened new avenues for develop...

08/12/2026

A quick-connect adapter that works with a cosmetic cover? That’s the idea behind the Xtend Connect Shape.

Designed by Lindhe Xtend, this prosthetic adapter allows users to remove and reattach part of their prosthesis in seconds. It may be especially helpful for changing clothes, tying shoes while seated, or briefly removing the weight of a prosthetic limb when comfort matters.

🔗 Learn more: https://zurl.co/iZ2Tv
Image Credit: Lindhe

Image Description: A woman sits on a white storage bench while pulling jeans over her residual limb. A prosthetic foot rests nearby on the floor. The overlaid headline reads, “The Prosthetic Adapter That Lets You Swap a Foot in Seconds.”

08/12/2026

Real life often involves walking on uneven terrain, like grass, gravel, slopes, and uneven sidewalks. Ottobock's Taleo Adapt is designed to adapt to these real-life conditions.

The prosthetic foot features a carbon spring combined with a hydraulic ankle joint that allows controlled movement as the ground shifts beneath you. That added range of motion supports smoother rollover, greater control on slopes, and more comfortable walking over diverse surfaces.

🔗 Learn more: https://zurl.co/90irj
Image Credit: Ottobock

Image Description: A smiling man with a below-knee prosthetic leg sits on a chair indoors. He wears a light blue polo shirt, dark pants, and white sneakers, with his prosthetic leg visible below the knee. The overlaid headline reads, “Ottobock’s Taleo Adapt Prosthetic Foot Adjusts to Slopes and Uneven Ground.”

08/11/2026

When it comes to finding valuable support after limb loss, it's worth talking to someone who has been there too.

AMPOWER connects people with limb loss or limb difference with trained peer mentors who can offer encouragement, practical insight, and firsthand perspective on adjusting to life after limb loss.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/XkVCk
Image Credit: South Florida Hospital News

Image Description: AMPOWER peer-support advocate Lizbeth Uzcategui smiles for the camera. She makes a thumbs-up gesture with her prosthetic arm on her right side.

For many individuals experiencing limb loss or living with limb differences, adjusting to life can feel overwhelming. The good news is that a powerful source of support is available: AMPOWER, a nationwide peer mentorship network dedicated to empowering individuals through shared experiences, guidanc...

08/11/2026

Aiden Hanna had played baseball every summer since he was five. Then osteosarcoma changed everything.

After overcoming chemotherapy, a recurrence of cancer, and a below-knee amputation, Aiden wanted to return to the field for his senior season. Equipped with a prosthetic blade and months of training, he achieved his goal. He made his first-base debut on senior night and ended his last game with a hit that brought his teammates and family to their feet.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/87eSM
Image Credit: Hampton Talbots

Image Description: Student-athlete Aiden Hanna stands outside, wearing a light gray suit, a white shirt, and a red tie. He is looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Growing up, Hampton senior Aiden Hanna’s world revolved around baseball. But a sudden change in his health would soon test his resilience and alter his life forever.

08/10/2026

Hot weather calls for a smarter prosthetic routine.

For prosthesis users, sweat can affect skin health, socket fit, odor, and safety. A damp liner can turn a secure prosthesis into one that slips, twists, or causes friction. Add dehydration or heat exhaustion, and the day can become uncomfortable fast.

Before heading out, ask: Is my skin dry? Do I have water? Can I take cooling breaks? Do I have supplies if my liner gets damp? A two-minute check can save hours—or days—of discomfort.

🔗 Read more: https://zurl.co/EUbWL
Image Description: A woman with a prosthetic leg sits on grass in warm sunlight near a city bridge. The overlaid headline reads, “Why Summer Heat and Sweat Put Prosthesis Users at Risk.”