Safe and Stable Platform: The foot interacts between the ground and the prosthetic leg and needs to be able to adapt to the surface, whether it is a regular, even surface inside a building, an inclined surface, or an irregular surface typically encountered outside buildings.

Natural Walking Action: The ultimate aim for any prosthetic leg is to enable the user to walk naturally and symmetrically like an able-bodied person so that no extra strain is placed on the remaining joints and muscles. The reason is simple – extra strain on other body parts may lead to injury, pain and issues such as osteoarthritis.

Effective, Predictable Energy Return: To compensate for the loss of muscle power around the foot and ankle structure. A foot that provides as much energy return as possible in an even, predictable way, will allow the person to walk further, have more confidence and be less fatigued.

Protecting from Shock and Rotational Forces: As the heel strikes the ground and the foot rolls over from heel to toe when moving, impact and rotational forces are generated that are absorbed by the foot and the knee. If these forces are not absorbed by the prosthetic foot, the impact will increase the load to other parts of the body such as the residual limb and joints, leading to pain, discomfort and potential long-term health complications.

Openly discuss your ambitions and lifestyle requirements with your prosthetist – while, as always, taking personal responsibility to be informed.