Hands-free crutches for lower-leg amputees
The iWALK 3.0 works well as a temporary prosthetic for lower leg amputees.
Many below-the-knee amputees use one in situations when they don’t want to don their prosthetic leg, for example showering, taking short trips, at the gym, beach etc. The mounts for the calf strap are free to slide forward and back on the “rails” which are integral to the side of the knee platform. You can position the strap in different locations to accommodate residual limbs as short as four inches.
In the USA the iWALK is commonly used as a prosthetic training device for new amputees who are learning to walk on a prosthetic or for those who cannot yet tolerate a prosthetic limb. Also, if your prosthetic limb isn’t available, for example, if it’s getting repaired, the iWALK 3.0 is your best substitute.
Video review
Walking with a below the knee amputation – Christina uses the iWALK 2.0 for the first time.
Review from PeglegUK customer Michael Smith
My name is Michael Smith of Guisborough, North Yorkshire, and I am 56 years old. Following an accident in 1999 which involved myself falling 6 feet from a stable roof, and having various surgery to save my right lower leg, it was amputated in 2004.
I thought I would just get a normal prosthetic and get on with my life. Unfortunately for me I developed a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and also a Neuroma, which meant I was unable to tolerate a prosthetic leg, so my life was a wheelchair and crutches.
After a couple of years on crutches they were affecting my shoulders so I stopped using them.
I got around walking on my knees at home and wheelchair outside, and this continued until about 2 years ago. I had been looking for something to help me, when by luck I noticed on Facebook Peglegs UK’s page, which steered me to the iWALK device. I was amazed to see this after quite a few years, I felt it was me way to walk again. Within 15 minutes of it arriving I was walking around my house.
I had to exercise quite a bit to rebuild muscle in my legs that had wasted with so many years of doing nothing with them. So 2 years later I can now walk to my car and in and out of my house WITHOUT pain at all, because the device means my weight is carried through my knee, and not the remaining stump which is the case with a proper Prosthetic.
“I can’t tell you how happy I was after all the years not been able to walk at all to receiving the iWALK and becoming upright once more.”
I can walk without pain. I still use a walking stick when I walk which is not a problem as my hands and arms are free.
I can put it on with the three straps in seconds, it will adjust in all ways to suit the person using it.
From an amputee point of view, its even ideal for occasions when someone’s stump has become sore or has developed blisters, which does happen to all amputees who wear a prosthetic leg. When left unable to use their prosthetic, the iWALK device would mean they can continue walking while their sores or blisters heal. Especially at the very reasonable cost of the iWALK.
I personally have not yet come across anything negative about the device at all, apart from I am unable to walk a long way, its ideal for short distances though. Even spare parts are available from Jerry such as the rubber feet, which in time wear out, or maybe new straps etc.
When you consider a Prosthetic leg bought privately are about £10,000 each and the iWALK is less than £200, it’s a steal.
You are a good candidate for the iWALK 3.0 if:
- You are in generally good health.
- Your amputation is of one leg (or foot or ankle) only.
- You are between 5’0” (152CM) and 6’6” (198cm). The iWALK 3.0 is fully adjustable for a wide range of heights and leg sizes. If you fall outside of this range, iWALK2.0 might still work for you, but contact us for an individual assessment first.
- You weigh 275 pounds (125 kg) or less and your maximum leg circumference is 27 inches (69 cm) or less (measurement taken as high as possible on the thigh).
- Are willing to spend one to three days to become completely proficient in using the iWALK 3.0 (we’ve seen cases where users get used to iWALKing in 10 minutes, but everyone is different).
There are exceptions to the guidelines provided above, so if you fall outside of those listed here, don’t be discouraged – just give us a call so we can discuss your specific circumstances.
The iWALK 3.0 is available in the UK from Peglegs UK for £174.95 including free delivery.
Not sure if iWALK is for you?
We’re here to help. Let us know the specifics of your particular case by contacting us.
To get in touch by phone, please call us on 03300 240966.
Email us at sales@bearproducts.co.uk
