Did you know the C-Leg 4 can go in fresh water?

I have spent years dreaming about the Genium: all the wonderful things it can do and everything I imagine I could do with it. It is the Ferrari of MPKs and, unfortunately, out of reach for the majority of us.

And yet, when I think about everything I have done and achieved, I have always been happy with my C-Leg.

In 2019, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro wearing this almighty, powerful MPK alongside Kiera Roche, CEO of LimbPower and a fellow C-Leg user. Eight amputees took part in the epic challenge, but only four of us reached the summit.

Kiera and I were the only two C-Leg users in the group, and our knees were the only prosthetic components that did not malfunction.

We put them through high altitude, freezing temperatures, and incredibly challenging terrain. It was during that Kilimanjaro climb that I realized just how special and reliable the C-Leg really is.

So, while the Genium may be its flashier big brother, the C-Leg should not be overlooked. Instead of daydreaming about the Genium, I want to celebrate everything my C-Leg has helped me achieve.

And with some of the latest C-Leg 4 features still surprisingly unknown, it is time to show the world's most trusted MPK a little love.

No more forgetting to switch cycling modes

The C-Leg 4 now has intuitive cycling, so you no longer need to open the Cockpit app and manually switch between walking and cycling modes.

This is fantastic news for me. I've tried cycling without switching modes when I couldn't access the app. I'm not sure whether I'm the only person who has done this, but I can confirm it is not comfortable, and I don't recommend it!

It might sound like a small change, but these are often the features that make the greatest difference in everyday life. When the technology in our prostheses works intuitively, we don't have to stop what we're doing, find our phone, and remember which setting we need.

Let's face it, we already spend enough time thinking about walking. One less thing to remember is a win in my book!

The C-Leg 4 is IP68-rated

For me, the biggest and possibly least-known feature is the C-Leg 4's IP68 rating. I have only recently been brave enough to put it to the test.

Yes, you read that correctly: the C-Leg 4 can be submerged in fresh water.

However, before you jump off a boat into the crystal-blue waters of Ibiza, or wherever else you are imagining, there are some important limitations. The C-Leg 4 can be submerged in fresh water for up to one hour, but it is not suitable for every type of water.

Chlorinated swimming pools and salt water are still a no-go. Its electronics are protected from fresh water, but the knee isn't protected against corrosion from chlorine or salt. It’s a welcome step forward, even if I still can’t take it everywhere I’d like!

Why didn't I test it sooner?

I found out about the C-Leg 4's freshwater protection a while ago. But because Ottobock hadn't really advertised it, I wasn't entirely sure what to make of my discovery. I certainly wasn't going to test it myself.

I've had to send my previous C-Legs to Ottobock for repairs after water damage, so I wasn't about to tempt fate by deliberately submerging this one without official confirmation.

Now that Ottobock is talking about the IP68 rating, I finally felt ready to try it.

I recently took my C-Leg into a freshwater lake on a wild-swimming trip. To be honest, I was nervous as I walked into the water.

I had spent so many years trying to keep my prosthesis dry, particularly after repeatedly causing corrosion damage while hiking in wet weather, that deliberately submerging it felt completely unnatural.

It was one of those moments when your head knows the knee can handle fresh water, but every instinct you have developed over the years is still shouting, "What are you doing?"

What the IP68 rating does and does not mean

Just to clarify:

• The freshwater protection applies to the C-Leg 4 knee itself. Other components of your prosthesis may have different levels of water resistance.

• Salt water and chlorinated water are not included.

• The C-Leg 4 is not intended for use as a swimming prosthesis.

• The knee should not come into contact with soap or shower gel.

• Always follow the instructions supplied with your prosthesis and always speak to your prosthetist if you are unsure.

That first point matters. The knee's IP68 rating doesn't automatically mean you can safely submerge your entire prosthesis; i.e your foot may not be waterproof.

A welcome step forward, but what do you think?

Freshwater protection and intuitive cycling are welcome additions, but I would still love a future C-Leg that I could take into the sea or a swimming pool.

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

• Did you already know about the IP68 rating?

• Have you taken your C-Leg into fresh water?

• How are you finding intuitive cycling?

• If you wear another MPK, how does it work for you?