8
7 Fitting Advice
The correct alignment (A–P position), range of motion (distribution of plantar to dorsiexion) and
adjustment of the hydraulic settings are critical in achieving a smooth roll over and correct slope
adaptation (see 6.3).
The springs for the Echelon foot will be supplied assembled with heel and toe springs of the
same category. If after following the instructions below you still have problems with the function
please contact the sales team in your area for advice.
Any of the following:
• Incorrect spring selection
• Incorrect A–P shift alignment
• Incorrect distribution of plantar and dorsiexion range will have a negative eect on
function and stability
Symptoms Remedy
1.
Sinking at heel strike
Diculty in achieving a smooth
progression to mid stance
User feels they are walking up hill
or forefoot feels excessively long
1. Increase plantar exion resistance
2. Check A–P shift alignment; ensure foot is not too
anteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar and dorsiexion
movement; ensure that the plantar exion range
is not excessive
4. Check spring category is not too soft,
if so t a higher rate spring
2.
Progression from heel strike to mid
stance is too rapid
Diculty in controlling the energy
return from the foot at the heel
strike (reduced knee stability)
User feels heel is too hard, fore foot
is too short
1. Reduce plantar exion resistance
2. Check A–P shift alignment; ensure foot is not too
posteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar and dorsiexion
movement; ensure that there is adequate
plantar exion range
4. Check the spring category is not too high for the
weight and activity of the user, if so t lower rate
spring
3.
Heel contact and progression feel
OK but:
Forefoot feels too soft
Forefoot feels too short
User feels they are walking down
hill, possibly with reduced knee
stability
Lack of energy return
1. Increase dorsiexion resistance
2. Check A–P shift alignment;
ensure foot is not too posteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar and dorsiexion
movement; ensure that there is not excessive
dorsiexion range
4. Check the spring category is not too soft for the
weight and activity of the user, if so t higher
rate spring