From Patient to Prosthetist – Claudine’s Journey with Next Step Continues
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Melissa Albano-Davis
1y ago
You may have read our earlier piece about a remarkable young woman from an orphanage in Rwanda. Claudine Humure first came to Next Step when she was just a young teen after having been diagnosed with bone cancer and undergoing an amputation of her right leg. Since that time, she has been a special part of the Next Step family, pursuing education in the U.S. and doing her senior project with Next Step and her prosthetist, Arthur Graham. Her dream is to open a nonprofit prosthetics clinic in Rwanda to meet the need of amputees in that country, including those injured in the 1994 genocide, and sh ..read more
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What are Outcome Measures and Why Do They Matter?
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
1y ago
Earlier this spring, Next Step hosted an afternoon of tours, discussions, and demonstrations for Doctor of Physical Therapy students from Plymouth State University. Our ongoing outreach aims to inform incoming physical therapy community members about amputees’ special needs and how we care for them. One important topic covered that day by Kate Martin, a Prosthetic and Orthotic resident in our Manchester location, went beyond the amazing Luke Arm, the impressive fabrication and casting process, and an overview of how a prosthetist works with their patients. As a patient, chances are you may nev ..read more
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Genevieve’s Story – Triumph Over Tibial Hemimelia
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
1y ago
Genevieve is a two-year-old toddler with alert bright blue eyes, always-pink cheeks, and silky shoulder-length blonde hair. She loves donuts, cows, picture books, and bows. Her smile is infectious, and she is determined to accomplish anything she sets her mind to. She’s truly special, but there’s something else that sets her apart from your typical two-year-old. She also happens to have been born with a condition called tibial hemimelia, a 1 in a million birth defect resulting in a leg with a shorter or missing tibia. We recently sat down with Genevieve’s parents, Kara and Michael, to learn mo ..read more
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Neurofibromatosis – Patients And Parents Share Their Insights
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
1y ago
Neurofibromatosis, or NF, is a neurological disorder that can affect multiple organs and the body, including the skin, nerves, eyes, brain, spinal cord, and bone development. Of the two different types of NF, NF1 and NF2, NF1 is far more prevalent and occurs in approximately 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 births. While genetic in nature and typically passed on from a parent to a child, between 30 and 50 percent of individuals with NF are the first in their family to have the condition, something known as “spontaneous mutation.”  Since NF is caused by a gene mutation, it is typically diagnosed in chi ..read more
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Why It’s Important To Have A Prosthetist Who Listens
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
1y ago
For individuals with limb amputations, one important factor in their future quality of life is working with the right prosthetist. As one study author put it, “Successful rehabilitation is essential to improve the physical and mental outcomes of people with…amputation(s). Individuals have different goals and expectations of successful rehabilitation and experience issues that affect their quality of life.” After all, while amputation is the procedure of removing an affected limb, prosthetics is the lifelong process of restoring and maintaining that limb function, and with it, the patient’s ove ..read more
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PK’s Story – His Next Step
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
1y ago
On April 18th of this year, a lone runner crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon six hours, fifty-six minutes, and 35 seconds after starting the 26.2 mile course. The leaders had finished over five hours before the man with bib 7681 ran across the blue and gold finish line on two arched running blades. But Paul Kent, a double amputee just 16 months after undergoing Ewing procedures to remove his legs below the knee, wasn’t running the marathon to win it. “My victory was to show up at the starting line and beat the street sweepers to the finish…Not once was I not smiling.” Paul is a Nex ..read more
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Adaptive Fitness
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
2y ago
From Home Gyms to Group Classes to Extreme Sports Individuals living with a limb difference face a myriad of unique challenges, including how to craft a responsive fitness training program. For some, fitness and sport has already been an integral part of their life. For others, not so much. One thing is certain, though. A well-tailored fitness program benefits everyone when it comes to making the most of each day and living their best. What is an adaptive fitness workout? It depends on you. Adaptive fitness, is, well, adaptive, not only to your limb difference but to your lifestyle. So, whethe ..read more
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Paul’s Story Of Limb Difference
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
2y ago
Returning To Athletics on Prosthetic Legs In celebration of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Next Step is excited to share a video from Paul, a member of our Next Step family. In his own words: “My journey started in my 30s. My family, all my siblings, and I were diagnosed with a genetic neuropathy that was isolated to our lower limbs. Typically, this is the shin and below the ankles. It was no big deal other than neuropathy and related issues. But about a decade ago, that neuropathy for me, and only me, out of my eight siblings, turned into something else. I would get wounds, an ..read more
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Winter 2022 Paralympics – What And Where To Watch
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
2y ago
The Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games run from March 4th through March 13th, and there’s a lot to watch this year, including complete live event coverage. Beijing also has the distinction of being the first city to host the summer (2008) and winter (2022) Paralympic Games. You’ll find full coverage details below. Speaking of winter Paralympics, did you know we have our own gold medalist right here at Next Step? Jason Lalla is not just a world-class prosthetist. He holds the gold medal in giant slalom for the 1998 Paralympics in Nagano, Japan and for the 2000 World Championships in Switzerland as w ..read more
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Staying Safe In Winter – Tips For Lower-Limb Amputees
Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Blog
by Next Step
2y ago
With months to go before winter is officially over, not to mention those surprise spring snows and freezes, we’re taking a moment to review some commonsense tips for securely maneuvering through conditions that challenge the most sure-footed. As an amputee, there are some specific measures you can put in place to increase your safety and confidence in uncertain weather conditions. Wear the right footgear. It’s all about traction. High quality winter shoes or boots with rugged rubber soles designed to grip are your best bet. For even more security, consider cleats. Make sure your prosthesis is ..read more
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