Foot prostheses and toe prostheses

In Belgium, reimbursement of special orthotics, orthopaedic shoes and prostheses, such as silicone finger and toe prostheses and foot prostheses, depends on several factors. Belgian health insurance (NIHDI nomenclature) provides reimbursement or intervention for orthopaedic aids, such as orthotics, orthopaedic shoes and foot prostheses, which are essential for the patient's functionality and mobility. Cosmetic prostheses, such as silicone finger and toe prostheses that are intended for appearance and serve an aesthetic purpose only, are generally not eligible for reimbursement or intervention by the mutual health insurance fund.

However, in specific cases, such as when your cosmetic or silicone prosthesis also serves a functional purpose or in certain medical indications, partial or full reimbursement may be possible. Please contact the Amputee Care Center (ACC). We will gladly inform you about the possibilities, the costs and help you apply for reimbursement or intervention at your health insurance or mutual insurance fund.   

In the Netherlands, orthotics, orthopaedic shoes and prostheses for the foot and toe are reimbursed from the basic health insurance under certain conditions. 

Orthopaedic shoes, special orthotics and adaptations are reimbursed from the basic health insurance package under certain conditions. There are various shoe facilities and prostheses that may be eligible for reimbursement, depending on your symptoms and the duration of use.

It is important to contact your health insurer in advance to determine whether you are eligible for reimbursement and to inquire about any conditions or required documentation. This way, you avoid unexpected costs and know exactly where you stand. Contact the Amputee Care Center: we will be happy to help you apply for reimbursement and authorisation. 

Contact an orthopaedic instrument maker, orthopaedic technologist or prosthesis specialist. It's best to do this even before amputation surgery! At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), we offer total care, discuss all options and guide you throughout the process. Our cooperation starts even before your amputation surgery! Contact us with no obligation. You can also come to us for a second opinion.

A silicone foot prosthesis is custom-made for you in case of a total or partial amputation of your foot, where some toes, part of the forefoot or your entire foot is missing.

A foot prosthesis can be made of silicone and designed to look as natural as possible both functionally and cosmetically. A silicone foot prosthesis or silicone toe prosthesis can also help improve your walking pattern, distribute pressure and protect sensitive skin.

A prosthetic foot is a functional part of a leg prosthesis that provides movement and stability, often made of carbon fibre or metal. A silicone artificial foot is a cosmetic prosthesis that mimics the natural foot, without biomechanical support. Sometimes a silicone artificial foot is placed over a prosthetic foot for a more realistic appearance.

An ankle ex-articulation amputation (also called a Syme amputation) is an amputation through the ankle joint, where the foot is removed but the heel bone structure and soft tissues of the heel are preserved. This ensures that the you are left with a strong stump (end of your lower leg).  

A Syme amputation is often performed for severe foot injuries, infections, circulatory problems (such as diabetes) or after an accident or other trauma. The Syme amputation allows you to use a sturdy and relatively short prosthesis, allowing you, as an amputee, to get back on your feet quickly.  

Before ordering a blade prosthesis or other sports foot, it is important to determine your activity level, needs and goals. You also need to consider fit, compatibility with your prosthetic socket and knee type. Resilience or shock absorption is important. You also want to know all about cost. Your prosthetist at Amputee Care Center will help you make the best choice based on your needs and lifestyle. We will help you test the blade, sports foot or prosthetic foot first (for free) before you make your final decision.

Yes you can! At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), it is possible to test parts of your new leg prosthesis before making a final choice. During the fitting phase, you will be fitted with a test socket or evaluation prosthesis, which you can try out in your own environment to assess whether the fit and functionality meet your expectations. This trial period usually lasts three months so that any adjustments can be made before we make the final prosthesis for you. 

You can also test a prosthetic foot or electronic knee prosthesis. During the trial period, you get the chance to try out different brands and models and discover which one best suits your lifestyle and needs. For example, you can test an Ottobock Trias or the Lunaris from Axiles Bionics prosthetic foot or try a microprocessor-controlled MCK -MPK knee. This will help you make the right choice with confidence, so that your prosthesis perfectly suits your daily activities. We will help you apply for approval and paperwork!

Sports prostheses and artificial feet are made of innovative lightweight materials. These provide high resilience, energy storage and return, and natural settlement when running or jumping. Many prosthetic feet, such as the blade foot, are specifically designed for different sports (running, jumping) and offer stability, shock absorption and customisable settings for optimal performance. Long-distance runners require a different prosthetic foot than someone who focuses on explosive power, such as in basketball or football. There are also special feet for sports such as surfing, swimming, skiing and climbing. Besides being comfortable and functional, these should also be made of corrosion-resistant materials and be easy to dry and clean.

Yes. Sports prostheses are always fully custom-made at Amputee Care Center with prosthetic components of your choice. At Amputee Care Center, we will help you create the perfect sports prosthesis to match your sporting ambitions and personal goals. With a sports prosthesis with blade or other type of artificial foot, you will play sports actively and confidently!

A modular prosthesis is a prosthesis consisting of several interchangeable and customisable parts. It can be easily modified or replaced to better meet the user's activity needs. Modular prostheses are made up of an artificial foot with ankle function, a prosthetic knee, possibly a hip joint and a socket. The prosthetic socket and the artificial joints are connected by joints (tubes or rods) made of lightweight materials such as titanium or aluminium. The build-up system makes it easier to calibrate and fine-tune the prosthesis. Modular components also allow adjustments to be made as a child grows or acquires different functional requirements. The modular construction system is also ideal for adults because of its flexibility, personalisation and easy swapping of parts, such as the knee, foot or socket, for example.

After a toe or foot amputation, it is important to seek prosthetic advice to restore mobility and balance, to prevent complications such as pressure spots or simply to look nicer. The Amputee Care Center in Genk, Belgium, specialises in custom-made prostheses and orthopaedic and podiatric devices, including advanced techniques such as 3D printed solutions. With expertise in custom-made orthotics, orthopaedic shoes and innovative prosthetic technologies, we offer high-quality care for people with different amputation levels. You can come to us for advice and a (free) second opinion consultation.

For custom-made silicone finger or toe prostheses, you can visit specialised orthopaedic companies in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Amputee Care Center (ACC) team works with professionals (anaplastologists) who can recreate lifelike fingers, toes and feet. Anaplasty is a specialism that focuses on restoring or reconstructing body parts that have been lost or deformed due to disease, trauma or congenital defects. This includes designing and making toe prostheses and finger prostheses, among others.

At Amputee Care Center, we first take an accurate impression of the amputated body part, the stump. Then the prosthetist makes a mould into which medical silicone is poured. With (anaplastic) craftsmanship, we make a custom-made prosthesis that has the right skin colour and shape. At Amputee Care Center, we use high-quality silicones that are skin-friendly and hygienic. We design silicone toes or prosthetic feet that are durable, with a skin-like look. We work with the best professionals to accurately replicate the colour, texture and shape of the missing or deformed body part, resulting in a lifelike appearance. Want to know more? Ask us for advice during a no-obligation consultation.  

Yes, we design toe prostheses to fit comfortably in normal or custom-made (fashionable) shoes.

Yes, but we recommend a special prosthetic foot for certain sports, for extra support and flexibility. A good sports prosthesis is always custom-made and geared towards your specific sport. This makes sports more enjoyable and safer.

The cost of a foot prosthesis and toe prosthesis depends on the type of prosthesis and the technology used. A basic prosthesis is reimbursed by Belgian mutual insurance companies and Dutch health insurers. However, a high-tech prosthesis or sports prosthesis may be subject to a co-payment. We will gladly tell you more about this in our article: what does a prosthesis cost? 

For the life span and functionality of your prosthesis, it is important to clean it regularly. We also advise you to have your prosthesis checked and maintained annually at our prosthetics centre. This way, we can identify problems early and this also safeguards your warranty. Annual denture maintenance is usually free of charge at Amputee Care Center.

If your stump changes in size due to thickening or thinning, additional muscle growth or muscular dystrophy due to ageing, the fit of your prosthesis may become less comfortable or less stable. This can lead to pressure points, pain or reduced control of the prosthesis. In this case, it is important to consult your prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center for adjustments to the socket, a new liner, a new socket or a prosthesis renewal. Are you experiencing pain or discomfort with your prosthesis? If so, please contact us.

The average lifespan of a prosthesis is three to five years before it becomes necessary to replace it. To make the lifespan as long as possible, annual maintenance at Amputee Care Center is crucial.

For people who have undergone toe or forefoot amputation, toe prostheses and forefoot prostheses offer significant benefits. Custom-made solutions not only restore the aesthetic appearance of the foot, but also improve functionality, balance and mobility. By optimising pressure distribution and supporting the foot's natural gait, these prostheses help reduce pain and increase quality of life.

‘Bionic’ refers to technologies that mimic or integrate biological functions with the human body. In the case of bionic leg prostheses, this means that the prosthesis is equipped with advanced sensors and actuators that replicate natural movements and functionalities of the leg. Bionic prosthetic components, such as the foot or knee, can interpret signals from the nervous system, allowing you to experience more control and a more natural walking pattern.

Yes! Your GP or primary care provider plays an important role in the follow-up of your prosthesis. This is also the case after an amputation by monitoring wound healing and treating complications such as infections or phantom pain. In addition, the GP or home nurse coordinates care with your surgeon, your rehabilitation doctor and your prosthetist to support optimal recovery. Together with your GP, nurse and the staff of our multidisciplinary team, we provide psychological support and advise you on prevention and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent further problems and improve your quality of life. The patient coordinator of the Amputee Care Center will be happy to contact your GP or primary care provider at your request.