Losing a leg doesn’t mean you lose your freedom too!! because As you know, a prosthetic foot is the best artificial replacement for a better stride after amputation. You can live your life as before and to the fullest. Prosthetic foot are designed for your daily activities like walking, running, swimming, etc. Prosthetic legs are also designed for various levels, such as lower and higher activity. Lower activity foot provides stability and balance for you. Meanwhile, with a higher activity foot, you can use it for all kinds of activities such as walking, adapting to uneven terrain, absorbing shock, etc.
With the right prosthetic leg, you can transform your life, bringing mobility and confidence to those who need it. Before going to the steps for choosing the prosthetic foot, Let’s break into the evolution of artificial foot types from then to now.
1. SACH (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) foot
If you want a simple and durable foot, you may prefer SACH foot. This type is perfect for low-activity users who are looking for stability. This is budget-friendly among all the prosthetic foot types, making it a popular option for those considering artificial foot prices.
2. Single- Axis foot
This single-axis foot pivots at the ankle for those who want enhanced support, enabling smooth movements on uneven surfaces. It usually moves in one plane, mimicking up-and-down ankle motion (dorsiflexion and plantarflexion). This artificial foot is particularly suitable for those who need only moderate mobility. It is suggested for elderly people or those who face problems related to balance because it works perfectly for concerns regarding performance and cost.
3. Multi- Axis foot
If you are an explorer, this multi-axis foot offers the flexibility essential for mimicking the human joint. As a result, it will assist active users in covering all terrains without much strain on the residual limb. These features include the intelliweave composites, which enhance the ground contact and make this among the best artificial foot available.
4. Dynamic Response foot
This prosthetic foot type is meant for athletes and other physically active persons. It charges and discharges energy that has a spring-like action. The degree of expectation fulfilled for high performance makes the investment all worth it. Advanced response feet like the College Park Breeze foot feature intelliweave composites for efficiency, support, and lightweight. However, due to a slightly higher price of artificial foot, their performance indicates that the money invested is worth it.
5. Microprocessor- Controlled foot
It’s a booming technology; these prosthetic foot types allow you to adjust automatically to your walking speed and all terrains. While premium in price, they deliver unmatched precision and comfort. Microprocessor feet, like the Proprio foot, use built-in sensors and software to adapt to various terrains in real-time. These feet provide unmatched mobility and customization, ideal for users seeking high functionality.
What to Know Before Getting a Prosthetic Leg
It’s better to consider some basic things before getting a prosthetic leg.
- Initially, your doctor wants to know about the condition of your limb, such as the amount of soft tissue, range of motion, and skin condition.
- Think about your goals, such as what purpose you want the prosthetics for, such as sports or daily tasks.
- Check out your activity level and how you will use the prosthesis.
- When getting a prosthesis, one should consider the technology and materials for long-term usage.
- Consider how the environment and weather affect the prosthesis and your limb.
‘Check out the blog What You Need to Know Before Getting a Prosthetic Leg: Step-by-Step Guide for more”
Simple 4 Steps to Choose the Best Prosthetic Foot for Your Needs
1. Identify Your Mobility Needs: K1-K4: It should pair activity level with the type of terrain it will encounter: SACH feet for users of low mobility and dynamic response or Microprocessor feet for active users.
2. Evaluate Key Features: There are two basic options: stability (SACH foot) or rebound (dynamic response foot); microprocessor feet are designed to switch between the two according to the terrain.
3. Consider Physical Factors: Make sure that it conforms to the level of amputation, weight-bearing capability, and other unhealthy factors such as steadiness and arthritic problems.
4. Seek Expert Guidance: Ask a doctor for a referral to a prosthetist for an evaluation and to try out fitting and gait advice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right prosthetic foot is a challenging task. If you are not selecting the right prosthesis, you may feel discomfort while walking, skin breakdown, phantom limb pain, and more. To avoid those unwanted situations, get your prosthesis wisely. To get the right one, you have to undergo these main steps,
1. Evaluation: When you go to a prosthetist, they will focus on your needs, medical history, limb condition, and lifestyle to choose the right prosthetic leg type. They will also take correct measurements and the size of the residual limb to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Fitting: In the fitting process, there are specific steps like
- Liner fitting and casting to ensure comfort and prepare the socket design.
- Test socket fitting, which includes a temporary socket for alignment and comfort.
- The final prosthesis will be ready with proper alignment, and it will be adjusted for optimal functionality.
3. Training: After getting the right prosthetic foot, you will undergo gait training with the clinician to learn about balance, walking, and everyday activities.
KARE: Prosthetic and Orthotic Center
KARE prosthesis presents high-quality prosthetic feet for any need available for above and below-knee amputee patients. To this end, our technologies guarantee that you can find the mobility aid that best fits your lifestyle. In addition to offering you high-quality prosthetic devices, KARE offers you exercises after knee replacement practice sessions to enable comfortable adjustment to using the prosthesis.
Find the KARE prosthetics and orthotics near you and come for quality care and excellent services that ensure all patients get the best care to help them achieve superior mobility and independence. As a team or company, we hope to be your reliable partner in attaining your objectives!
