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The Effects of a Prosthetic Foot

Disease, birth defects and traumatic accidents are all causes of amputation. Losing a vital part of your body, such as a foot, is a life-changing experience that can be difficult to cope with. Advances in medicine, however, have allowed people to continue their lives after an amputation with the help of a prosthesis. There are positive and negative effects to using a prosthetic limb, which patients also should discuss with their doctors.

  1. About Prosthetic Feet

    • A prosthetic foot is meant to simulate a real foot and provide the same functions. Prostheses generally are made of lightweight plastic material with carbon-fiber composites and aerospace alloys. Many models contain toe and heel springs that better simulate the movement of a real foot. Some prosthetic feet are built to store and return the energy produced in walking, enabling people to respond to the foot as they would a normal foot.

    Rehabilitation

    • When fitted with a prosthetic foot, all patients must undergo rehabilitation. Typically, patients must wait four to five weeks after their surgery to begin rehabilitation. Patients initially are fitted with a temporary prosthesis for the adjustment phase and later given the permanent foot. Patients typically receive their permanent prosthetic foot after three to six months of rehabilitation with the temporary foot.

    Physical Effects

    • The physical effects of a prosthetic foot should be minor if the foot is functioning properly. Patients should not feel pain associated with the device and are encouraged to see a doctor if they do experience discomfort. Some patients also experience redness on their skin where the prosthesis is attached. This is a normal reaction that should fade shortly after removing the device. If the redness remains for extended periods of time, the patient is encouraged to see a medical professional.

    Living with a Prosthesis

    • With the variety of prosthetic feet available today, many amputees continue to live normal lives. There are prostheses available for walking, swimming, golfing, dancing and skiing. Patients work with their doctors to select a device that best meets their needs and physical fitness level. Dynamic-response prosthetic feet, for example, allow patients to change their walking speed, have a more symmetric gait and walk for long distances. Multiaxis prosthetic feet give patients the freedom to move about on uneven surfaces and move from side to side, which is ideal for dancing and hiking.

    Ongoing Treatment

    • Patients are recommended to visit a medical professional at least twice a year for routine maintenance on a prosthetic foot. Doctors continue to monitor how the foot is fitting to the body to ensure that it functions in a safe and effective manner. Prostheses generally last from two to four years, depending on use. A prosthesis also may occasionally require the replacement of a socket or other component due to normal wear and tear.

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