There are more than 50 models of prosthetic feet available today. Some are designed for special tasks such as walking, dancing, cycling, golfing, swimming, snow skiing or running. Many are waterproof and made of lightweight materials such as plastic, metal alloys and carbon-fiber composites.
Prosthetic feet can be basic (unmoving), articulated (moving in one or more directions), or dynamic-response (storing and returning energy when walking, giving a sense of “pushing off,” much like the human foot). Today’s prosthetic feet may have toe and heel springs to allow more ankle movement and adjustable heel heights, and to absorb shock.
There is no single foot that is perfect for every amputee. You and your doctor or prosthetist should choose a prosthetic foot based on your amputation level (how high up the leg your amputation is), age, weight, foot size, activity level, and job needs. Here are some facts to know:
Basic Prosthetic Feet
There are two types of basic prosthetic feet: SACH (Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel) and elastic keel.
The SACH is the simpler of the two. It is rigid and cannot bend. It has a rubber heel wedge that compresses under the user’s weight, allowing a little ankle movement early in the stance phase of walking (at the beginning of a step). It provides stability, but little lateral movement, in mid-stance (when walking). The SACH comes in several heel heights so it can be worn with different types of shoes.
Elastic keel feet are a little more flexible than SACH feet. They allow the front part of the foot to adjust to varied walking conditions but stay stiff and stable while standing or walking.
Both of these basic types of prosthetic feet:
Articulated Prosthetic Feet
There are two types of articulated feet: single-axis and multi-axis. Both allow motion in one or more planes, much like the movement of a human foot.
Multi-axis feet :
Translated from Prosthetic Feet
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Amputee Coalition, the Department of the Army, the Army Medical Department, or any other agency of the US Government.
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