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If you’re looking for information specifically about swimming, read Can I Swim While Wearing My Prosthetic Leg?
A barrier that many amputees aren't sure if they can cross is getting in the water, and it’s a question that often comes up during the summertime. What if you’re out walking and get caught in the rain? Who doesn't enjoy being at the beach when the weather is nice, or out on the boat?
There's a common misconception that a prosthesis can't get wet, or that it can't be submerged in water—and from that misconception, many amputees believe that they can't do things like swim, walk through a puddle, or be out in the rain.
But does wearing a prosthesis today actually mean that you'll never be able to get in the water again? It turns out that most of today's prostheses are water resistant (with very few exceptions).
Because of new advances in technology, your prosthesis can get wet—whether you get caught in the rain, want to go swimming, or if you accidentally walk through a puddle.
It was the case in the past that a prosthesis could not get wet, but because of advancements in technology, most of today's prostheses are made from materials that are resistant to water exposure.
Prostheses have historically been made out of steel, and water is corrosive to steel. For these prostheses, any exposure to water would cause the steel to corrode.
Today, most of the parts in your prosthesis are resistant to splashing and rain, and you can even walk through a mud puddle without having any issues.
Today’s prostheses are made from stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, and all of these materials are resistant to corrosion by water.
The foot of your prosthesis can be exposed to water without causing mechanical problems. If your prosthetic foot is exposed to sand and you think sand or debris may have gotten in the foot, we recommend seeing your prosthetist for a quick cleaning and inspection.
Silicone liners and sleeves can get wet, and they can stay wet while you're still wearing them. However, the moisture can be uncomfortable.
For example, if you were to put on a pair of pants over the wet sleeve, and it was to get the pants wet, the moisture wouldn’t cause any long-term problems with the prosthesis itself, but it might feel uncomfortable to wear and cause skin breakdown.
If your liner gets wet from swimming, we recommend removing your wet liner and putting on a liner that’s dry. The most effective way to dry your liner is to allow it to air-dry overnight.
The same is true for your suspension sleeve: if it gets wet, allow it to air-dry overnight. In the morning, it will be dry, and you'll be able to put it on again.
The answer is yes—you can walk with your prosthesis in the ocean! But before you do, it's important to understand how to care for your prosthesis after it's been submerged in salt water.
Unlike fresh water, salt water can be corrosive to your prosthesis, especially if it isn't rinsed with fresh water after going swimming in the ocean.
Along with salt water, chlorine is also corrosive to your prosthesis.
If your prosthesis is exposed to salt water or chlorine from swimming in the ocean or in a pool, thoroughly wash your prosthesis with fresh water after swimming to preserve its longevity and prevent corrosion.
If you're unsure whether or not the electrical components in your prosthesis are waterproof or water-resistant, ask your prosthetist before exposing it to water.
Today, it's common for people to have electronic components that are a part of their prosthesis.
Many of the electronic components in prostheses are water resistant, although not all of them are. They can be exposed to mud puddles and rain, and they can withstand getting wet from having a drink spilled on them, for instance.
Prostheses with water-resistant electrical components can usually be fully submerged in water for short amounts of time without causing issues, and some electronic prostheses are waterproof and can be fully submerged for long durations of time.
The electronic prostheses that are fully waterproof can be used for swimming and wading out into the water at the beach.
Many patients are curious about scenarios where they might not necessarily want to get in the water, but are around the water where there’s a possibility of accidentally getting wet. For example, if they are on a boat and accidentally fall in.
Nate and Scott are often approached by their patients who want advice about whether or not they should participate in water activities, like boating, during the summer.
Scott remembers one time, during the first week of June, one of his patients called him on a Sunday to tell him that “he had the opportunity to go kayaking this weekend.” The patient wanted to know what he should do. Scott responded by saying, “have fun.”
Scott knew that this patient would be kayaking in fresh water, and that in one week, Scott would see him at an appointment where he’d be able to look at his leg to make sure everything was good to go.
In a different instance, Nate recently worked with someone who is a newer amputee, and just before her prosthesis was finished, she told Nate, “I know I can’t get in the water now. Going to water parks was the thing that I loved doing.”
Because she said something before her prosthesis was finished, Nate was able to change the design of the prosthesis so that it could be easily used in the water. Now, this patient is going to water parks and places like Myrtle Beach, doing what she’s always loved to do.
The biggest takeaways from all of this: If you know that you want to be in the water this summer, make sure that you tell your prosthetist about how important it is to your life that you are able to be active in the water.
The primary job of your prosthetist is to make sure that you have all of the tools that you need to live your life without limitations. One of the most important tools that your prosthetist should give you is knowledge about what you can and cannot do with your prosthesis.
That includes whether or not you're able to get your prosthesis wet, as well as what kind of aquatic prostheses are available for your summertime needs.
Although your insurance company will determine what kind of prosthesis you can get, it's important to be aware that a prosthetist can design a specialized aquatic prosthesis so that you can swim and enjoy water sports freely.
As long as you communicate with your prosthetist, there are few to no barriers in the way of getting in the water while wearing your prosthesis.
If you have any questions about what you read in this article, you can call us at (855) 977-.
Choosing the best prosthetic foot is a personal journey. A prosthetic foot replaces a missing foot, helping you walk and move.
The ideal choice depends on your daily activities, mobility, and personal goals. This guide will help you understand what to consider, the types available, and how to make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Prosthetic feet are more than just a functional replacement for a lost human foot. They are a key to unlocking new potentials, reaching new heights, and conquering new challenges.
Choosing a prosthetic foot isn’t just about walking again. It’s about living the way you want to. That choice depends on your body, your routine, and what feels right for you.
The level of amputation is a significant factor that directly influences the type of prosthetic foot that would best serve your needs.
If you’ve had a partial foot amputation like losing your toes or the front of your foot, you’ll need support that matches your remaining structure.
If you’ve had a below-knee amputation, your natural knee joint is intact. In this case, your prosthetist will look at factors like the length of your residual limb, its strength and range of motion to recommend a suitable foot.
For above-knee amputations, a prosthetic knee joint is necessary and its type will help you choose the suitable prosthetic foot.
Your prosthetist will assess how the knee joint functions and then suggest a foot that complements it.
How active are you? Do you enjoy a morning jog or prefer a leisurely stroll in the park? Your response to these questions influences the decision-making process for the right prosthetic foot.
Prosthetic feet are built to match how much you move. For lower activity levels like walking indoors or on flat ground, the goal is to keep you stable and balanced. So simpler feet like a single-axis model may be enough.
If you’re more active, your foot should absorb shock at heel strike, adapt to uneven ground, roll smoothly from heel to toe, and help push you forward as you step. A multiaxial or energy-storing foot could give you the flexibility and bounce you need.
Materials also change depending on how active you are. Prosthetic feet made with wood, foam, or plastic usually offer more stability like an anatomical foot and work well for lower activity levels.
If you’re more active, carbon fiber prosthetics is common and ideal. It’s lighter and built to absorb shock and return energy with each step.
Some prosthetic feet have a spring in the heel and forefoot, making them ideal for walking at different speeds, running, or climbing stairs with confidence.
The longer the carbon fiber spring, the more energy it stores, making the foot even more responsive.
Selection of a prosthetic foot is more than just a medical decision – it’s a lifestyle choice. Age, weight, foot size, and lifestyle—all of this matters.
These factors help determine the level of durability and functionality required for your daily activities and overall quality of life.
A teenager and a retiree will have different needs, even with the same amputation level. So it helps to look at your habits and goals before choosing.
Ask yourself:
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These questions might help you select the prosthetic foot that will complement and function well in your unique circumstances.
When selecting a prosthetic foot, consider these factors:
You don’t have to figure it out alone. A prosthetist can help you test different options and explain how they work. Just remember, your foot, your life. Make sure it fits both.
Understanding the different types of prosthetic feet can help you choose the right one for your needs.
The SACH foot is a basic and non-moving prosthetic foot with a cushioned heel that helps absorb shock during walking.
It provides single-axis motion that mimics the natural movement of your foot, making it ideal if you have lower activity levels who prioritize stability and support.
One standout option is the Ottobock SACH+ Foot, designed especially for seniors or those with low mobility.
Instead of the traditional wooden core, the SACH+ Foot uses a fiberglass-reinforced plastic core combined with durable functional foam.
This makes it stronger, more water-resistant, and better for everyday use. It also gives you a stable and safe step when your heel touches the ground.
It comes in both standard and narrow foot shapes, with natural-looking toes and a smooth surface that blends in during daily activities.
Your prosthetist can help match the right model to your foot size and body weight, ensuring comfort and confidence with every step.
A Single-Axis foot moves up and down to improve stability, especially on slopes or uneven ground. It helps enhance knee stability, making it a good option if you have knee or hip challenges.
Though it may need more maintenance due to moving parts, the added control can be worth it.
WillowWood offers one of the most advanced designs in this category. Their Single Axis Foot is made from strong and lightweight composites, making it up to 20% lighter than traditional versions.
It includes a molded-in titanium pyramid, a water-resistant unisex foot shell, and interchangeable bumpers with different resistance levels.
You can get it as a standalone foot or as part of a full assembly with the ankle and bumpers included.
A multi-axial foot moves in different directions, making it easier to walk on uneven ground. It helps absorb impact and reduces stress on your residual limb, which is great if you’re active and need more balance and comfort.
The Triton Side Flex by Ottobock is a strong example of this design. It’s made for highly active users who move between different indoor and outdoor surfaces and want reliable response and control, even during high-impact movements.
This foot offers side-to-side flexibility and solid ground contact, helping you stay steady on slopes or rough terrain.
By reducing the strain on your knee and socket, it lets you move more naturally and focus on your day—not your steps.
It gives you smooth rollover, high energy return, and the support to stay agile in motion.
For many, it's more than a foot—it's the base that brings freedom back.
This type of foot stores and releases energy as you walk, helping you move with a more natural and efficient stride.
They’re often made with lightweight, durable carbon fiber that absorbs energy when your foot presses down and releases it during push-off.
Great for those with moderate to high activity levels as it offers more flexibility and support for different walking speeds and terrains.
The Fillauer Ibex XD is a great example. It uses micro-slice technology in the pylon and a split heel plate to control side-to-side motion on uneven ground.
Its long carbon pylon and full-length heel plate help it reach foot-flat faster, storing more energy without sacrificing stability.
From heel strike to toe-off, every part of the foot works together to give you both balance and power. An adjustable heel wedge also lets you fine-tune the stiffness to match your comfort and activity needs.
It’s a tough and high-performing option for heavier users who need solid energy return and the confidence to keep moving..
Microprocessor feet use built-in sensors to adjust the ankle’s position in real time, based on how fast you're walking and the surface you're on.
They help you move more smoothly across ramps, stairs, and uneven ground by offering a personalized walking experience.
While they need charging and tend to be more expensive, the stability and comfort they offer make a big difference—especially for active users.
The Össur Proprio Foot is a great example of this technology. It’s built for low to moderately active users and focuses on safety by raising the toe during swing phase, reducing the chance of tripping.
It automatically adapts to changes in terrain like slopes and stairs, making each step more stable.
The dynamic carbon foot blade gives it a smooth roll-over, while special modes make sitting and standing more comfortable.
It’s waterproof in both salt and fresh water and comes with an app that helps with setup, tracking steps, adjusting ankle position, and checking the battery.
Proprio Foot gives you the freedom to move more naturally, with more confidence in every step.
Battery-powered prosthetic feet help mimic the movement of your natural foot and ankle. They provide extra push at toe-off, reduce joint strain, and make walking more comfortable and stable.
While they offer great benefits like improved walking, they do come with some challenges, such as added weight, maintenance, and the need for regular charging.
The Ottobock Empower prosthetic foot is made for active users who move between indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s perfect if you walk longer distances and at higher speeds.
It helps mimic muscle function by providing powered push-off and extra comfort during rollover, especially on slopes.
The battery lasts up to eight hours, depending on how much you use it, and can be charged in under 90 minutes with a dual charger. The battery level is easy to monitor, so you’re always in control.
If you want both mobility and durability, the Empower foot is more than just a prosthetic—it's a foundation for an active lifestyle.
Hydraulic prosthetic feet adjust resistance based on your movements, offering better stability and comfort on surfaces like ramps and stairs. They’re ideal if you have higher mobility needs, especially if you're active.
The Blatchford Echelon is a great example. It has a waterproof hydraulic ankle that absorbs impact, adjusts to rough surfaces, and stays flexed at toe-off.
This design reduces pressure on the prosthetic socket and joints, improving comfort, posture, and lowering the risk of falls.
Tailored for specific activities like running, swimming, or hiking, these feet enhance performance for particular sports or hobbies, offering specialized support for various motions and environments.
The Össur Flex-Foot Cheetah is a high-performance carbon fiber foot designed for sprinting, trusted by athletes since .
It delivers excellent energy return with performance adjusted to your weight and impact, ideal for long distance runners. It is also waterproof, offering protection in fresh, salt, and chlorinated water.
Your activity level plays a major role in choosing the right prosthetic foot.
To guide this process, mobility levels are classified by K Levels:
K-Levels are used to indicate rehabilitation potential and assess how effectively you can use a prosthetic device.
Understanding your K-Level helps determine which prosthetic foot fits your lifestyle and needs.
When selecting a prosthetic foot, consider discussing:
When selecting a prosthetic foot, it’s important to discuss these things to ensure you get the best fit and comfort for your lifestyle.
Your prosthetist can guide you through the process, helping you choose the right foot, make necessary adjustments, and test different options during trial periods.
Additionally, understanding your insurance coverage and any costs will help you make informed decisions about your prosthetic care.
A prosthesis can cost anywhere between $3,000 and more than $100,000, depending on the extent of the prosthetic. Be sure to check with your insurance company before making any decisions.
The most common prosthetic foot is the SACH foot, which is basic, low-cost, and includes a solid ankle and rigid keel. Consider this option for a simple and affordable prosthetic foot.
Typically, prosthetic foot lasts 3-5 years, but this varies based on usage and care.
It's generally not recommended to use one prosthetic foot for all activities, as activities require different levels of support. Your prosthetist will help you select the best foot based on your needs and activity level.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of single axis knee joint. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.