The relevance of the prosthetic foot

The amputee has the ability or the potential to use the prosthesis for transfers or for the purpose of moving slowly on level floors. The amount of time and the distance the amputee can walk are seriously limited due to his or her condition.

Therapy goal: Restoring the ability to stand and to walk indoors to a limited degree

The amputee has the ability or the potential to walk slowly with the prosthesis and to negotiate low
environmental obstacles like curbs, single steps or uneven surfaces. The amount of time and the distance the amputee can walk are seriously limited due to his or her condition.

Therapy goal:
Restoring the ability to stand and walk both indoors and outdoors.

The amputee has the ability or the potential to walk with the prosthesis at a medium to high speed as well as at different speeds and simultaneously overcome most natural obstacles. He or she is also capable of walking outdoors and engaging in professional, therapeutic and other activities that do not subject the prosthesis to above-average mechanical strain. There may be an increased need for safety due to secondary circumstances (additional disability, special living conditions) combined with medium to high mobility demands. The amount of time and the distance the patient can walk are only mildly restricted compared to individuals without disabilities.

Therapy goal: Restoring the ability to stand and to walk indoors and outdoors with only mild restrictions

The amputee's ability or potential to walk with a prosthesis is similar to that of the unrestricted outdoor walker. The amount of time and walking distance are not limited. Moreover, due to the high functional demands, a high degree of shock, tension and distortion can occur.

Therapy goal: Restoring the ability to stand, walk and move about both indoors and outdoors without any limitations.

The prosthetic fitting is done at an O&P clinic or an orthopaedic workshop. You will receive competent and comprehensive care there. You can find Ottobock products at O&P clinics, health centres and specialist rehabilitation stores.

Together with you, your O&P Professional will choose the prosthetic foot that best fits your individual habits, preferences and needs – based on your amputation level, mobility grade, your lifestyle and further criteria. The better informed you are, the better you can tell your O&P professional what you really need and the more actively you can participate during your fitting process. But be sure that your technician will always choose what’s best for you.

Yes, you can test different foot prostheses. Many O&P clinics and orthopaedic workshops offer trial fittings for a specified period. Just talk to your O&P professional.

Reimbursement depends on your individual personal situation, country of residence and insurance company. The price of prosthetic feet generally rises with activity level because additional functionality translates to more expensive materials and designs. Insurance companies often will cover a more expensive prosthesis if it will enable you to increase your activity level, work a longer day or take fewer days off. Your O&P professional will support you during the reimbursement process.

Some prosthetic feet are waterproof. Others are not. Some are resistant to fresh, salt and chlorinated water, while others might only be resistant to fresh water. It depends on the prosthetic foot. If it is important for you to have a prosthetic foot that is waterproof, please talk to your O&P professional to find the best solution for you.

In general no. Our prosthetic feet are delivered with a footshell that is based on the shape of a natural foot so that it is possible to wear most common types of shoes. Many foot sizes come in both a slim and normal variant to match your natural foot as closely as possible. Some feet and footshells have a split between the big toe and second toe that makes it possible to wear sandals. The Meridium prosthetic foot even features automatic heel height adjustment.

Most of our prosthetic feet provide you with support for a wide range of everyday activities. Some are also perfectly suitable for occasional light sports activities such as badminton or playing frisbee. However, if you want to engage in regular and demanding physical activities or sports that involve running or jumping, an Ottobock sports foot might be more appropriate.

If you engage in sports regularly and would like to use your prosthetic foot to walk longer distances, run or sprint, we recommend the use of a prosthetic sports foot. The Runner or Sprinter running blades have proven to be effective for sprinting as a recreational or competitive activity. If you prefer more relaxed jogging, the Challenger would be a good choice.

With some prosthetic feet it is possible to walk around barefoot for short periods indoors. Your O&P professional will give you useful advice.

This depends on what kind of prosthetic foot you have. Our carbon and sports feet don’t need regular maintenance. Our Empower and Meridium mechatronic feet have to be serviced every two years. During this time, you will get a loaner foot.

Prosthetic feet are tested to two million gait cycles per ISO standards. Depending on your activity level and how much you use your prosthesis, we recommend replacing the prosthetic foot every 2-3 years.