Problem

When my hand is unsupported in any activity, my palm collapses and my forearm starts cramping from trying to prevent that collapse. When I run, the nerve from my middle finger, now tucked into my palm, feels like a boneless bag sloshing up and down. Not painful, but not pleasant. This makes me unconsciously pull my shoulder forward into a guarded position as I try to minimize the movement of my arm and hand.

Solution

A palmar orthotic made from Kydex molded over a plaster model of my hand prevents the collapse of my palm. A finned bridge across my amputation gap holds my fingers in place, and a shock cord closure provides enough pressure on the nerve in my palm to keep it calm.

With my hand fully supported and my nerve calm, I can pull my shoulder back and return to a normal arm swing. Better posture means better breathing means faster speeds! Even my balance and proprioception improved!