|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| For Immediate Release |
|
|
| |
|
| Freedom Innovations Debuts RUNWAYT at AOPA, Oct. 23 |
| |
CORONA, Calif. (October 22, 2003) - NEW ADJUSTABLE HEEL HEIGHT, LIGHTWEIGHT PROSTHETIC FOOT ALLOWS AMPUTEES TO WEAR VARIETY OF SHOES
Freedom Innovations, a manufacturer of advanced-technology, lower-limb prosthetics, introduces the new Runway. This unique prosthesis is a high-performance foot that features an adjustable heel height allowing below-the-knee amputees to wear a variety of shoes including sandals, high heels, cowboy boots or even walking bare feet. The Runway foot will be previewed at the National Assembly for the American Orthotics & Prosthetics Association (AOPA), which opens today in Reno, Nevada. The Runway foot will be available for beta trial evaluation in December.
According to Richard N. Myers, President and Chief Operating Officer at Freedom Innovations, the Runway foot achieves the ideal combination of a lightweight foot strong enough to wear every day for various activity levels, as well as providing an adjustable heel to adjust for different shoes.
"Advanced technology prosthetics, like those from Freedom, are making great strides in performance-oriented devices, but the challenge has always been to have high-performance feet that really looks great," Myers said. "Our newest revolution combines high performance feet with heel height adjustability and excellent aesthetics."
Using Freedom's patent-pending technology, Runway's simple, push-button adjustment elevates the heel so the amputee can wear shoes with high heels. The Runway features a unique cosmesis that includes a sandal toe, and ankle that offers six levels of stiffness and adjustments for weights up to 255 pounds.
"This foot shows we listen closely to prosthetists and patients," said Myers. "We heard the need for a high-quality foot for active amputees who don't want to be restricted in their shoe selection."
"Shopping for shoes has always been frustrating," lamented Sabrina Coleman, 23, of La Habra, Calif., one of the first to wear a Runway foot.
"I love to go to the mall and shop, but buying shoes was depressing. I would see all kinds of shoes to match my outfits but all I could buy were flat heels," she said. Now wearing the Runway foot, she says, "I can wear virtually any shoe style with heels up to two inches and not worry about losing my balance or my agility."
Coleman added that buying two separate feet -- one for flats and another for high heels --isn't a viable option since most insurance companies will not pay for feet used for cosmetic reasons. Also, switching between two prostheses was inconvenient and cumbersome.
According to Myers, the Runway includes a special ankle device that keeps the toe and heel of the foot balanced as the heel height is adjusted just like a natural ankle, which is a sliding joint and cannot be replaced by a simple hinge. "By using an arched slide carefully designed to maximize foot performance regardless of ankle position, we can achieve balance and comfort," he said.
"When it comes to prostheses, women have been left out until now," said David Littig, a Ventura-Calif.-based prosthetist. "What women want is a foot that addresses their cosmetic and fashion needs, while providing maximum comfort and mobility."
About Freedom Innovations
Freedom Innovations, an advanced prosthetics manufacturer, supplies prosthetists with products that create revolutions in motion and freedom of activity. Based in Corona, California, the Freedom and Revolution Series of prosthetic devices are available to purchase factory-direct and through distributors. Freedom Innovations' main telephone number is (909) 817-0984 and toll-free number is (888) 818-6777. Visit online at www.freedom-innovations.com. |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
