iWALK3.0 – The Original Hands Free Knee Crutch - Alternative to Crutches and Knee Scooters - iWALK Replaces Crutches for Adults - Peg Leg Crutch For Lower Leg Injuries Only

I’ve been using tthis for almost a month after fracturing a bone in my foot— a no weight bearing injury. Using crutches for a couple of days was physically exhausting and mentally depressing because I did not have the mobility or independence to easily carry out many daily activities. My sister recommended this product and most of the reviews were glowing. Without rereading them all, I’m going to reiterate the sentiment— the iWalk is fantastic and I highly recommend it.For context, I’m close to the maximum height and weight limits of the device and its held up just fine. I was using the device to get around the house within an hour of setting it up, and became comfortable using it regularly within a day or two. Let me try to capture a few quirks and features and for me as well as my use and limitations.quirks and features:- Adding additional padding for significantly improved comfort for my knee. I tried memory foam that others suggested, but ended up with purple brand pillow insert. Its basically 3/4 of inch thick soft padding that is about the size of a pillow. I have it folded over two times to fit the device. I say this not to recommend that you purchase the same pillow insert, but I had it sitting around already and for me it worked better than the memory foam that I tried. (iWalk: if you read these reviews, consider making and selling some pad accessories)- Getting the straps on tight is essential for best function. When the straps are snug, this feels like a solid extension of your leg and improvese balance and confidence when using. Its something that needs to be checked and corrected every time I put the iWalk on. If one or more straps are even a little bit loose, then it allows for some play relative to the leg/knee, which makes it easier to have a mis-step or trouble maintaining balance.- I’m able to get around almost everywhere I want with the iWalk and since it’s hand free, this gives me most function. I’m able to do things around the house (cooking, cleaning, yard work), shopping, attend my son’s sports games, go out to restaurants. I’m able to get up and down stairs, though doing so requires extra concentration and I follow the iWalk recommendation of going backwards downs stairs unless its a single step.- It took me about an hour to setup the iWalk. It has to be assembled, but their video instructions made doing this easy. Fine tuning the adjustment, especially with the straps took another day or two, but once then it becomes easy to identify and correct issues. For example, I went from a walking boot (before surgery) to a splint (following surgey) to a hard cast. Each of those changed the way that the straps fit, and required adjustment. Its not hard to do, and important to do it to ensure a good fit.- Some (most or all) boots come with an air bladder and push pump integrated on the boot. Mine has the pump on the front, which isn’t ideal. In my case walking around with the iWalk in the boot would gradually inflate the bladder, so I would periodically need to release the pressue. This was a minor annoyance. If you have a choice, I recommend getting a boot with the pump off to the side.- This works best on flat solid surfaces. When the ground is uneven, i.e. grass sports fields or not solid, i.e. thick carpet or sand, the device is harder to use and its essential to have the iWalk on with a great fit (tight straps).- I also have a knee scooter and aluminum crutches. I use the iWalk most of the time and especially around the house. The crutches are mostly used for showering. I’ve used the knee scooter mostly for sports tournaments because it is easier for traversing longer distances and can be used as seat*.-Over the course of the month I’ve been using it, there have been days that I’ve worn the iWalk for many hours. While the device itself remains comfortable (with my added pad), there is fatigue and sometime pain in the knee, which is similar to a bursitis. This pain goes away and seems to reset by resting my knee, but now I try to limit how long I’ll be wearing it for an individual use and total throughout the day to avoid this becoming a bigger issue.- Its possible to use this without the straps where you hold the grab handle. It works, but I only do this when going short distances in the house, like going to the bathroom or doing something else where I’ll be back sitting quickly. Using the iWalk this way is a totally different experience and always demands concentration and care to avoid falling.- I showed this to my orthopaedic surgeon and said that they don’t typically recommend because it may not work well for older individuals who have arthritis in their knees or balance issues, but were fine with younger people using it.Overall: I use this every day and having my hands free enables me to get around almost anywhere I need to go and do many of the day-to-day tasks that just can’t be done easily or at all with crutches. Everywhere I go, I get comments from people asking me about this. Its really an innovative device and I’m very happy that I purchased it. If you have doubts, ask your physician about it first.

I'm giving the iwalk a 5 star review because it does exactly what it is advertised to do! But I'm also going to give you all of the positive and negatives things I've found about using this device.First about me: I'm a 51 year old who just had planned reconstructive foot surgery. I'm not in great shape. When I read all of the requirements for use, I'm boarderline eligible - but I decided to give it a go. I waited about a week after my surgery to try to use the iwalk. I watched all the videos - putting it together, adjusting, learning how to walk - and followed all the instructions.Assembly - very straight forward. The only hiccup i had was identifying the strap with the large cushion goes in the crook of your knee. I missed that in the video...Learning curve - I was able to walk without holding onto anything within ten minutes.Reality of using this device: 1. Once all adjusted, putting it on takes me about a minute. That doesn't sound long... but if you need to get somewhere quickly (i.e. bathroom - and more on that later)... it can be long. Also, I never put it on without something to lean on. 2. Walking - on hard smooth surfaces is the easiest. Carpet - the foot does drag - and I have lots of plush/shag type carpet. I need to keep my hand on the top of the device to make sure it lifts enough. 3. Comfort level - once on, it is comfortable. You will need to re-tighten occasionally. The blue straps (those that you tighten each time you put it on) I give an extra tug to the top one around my thigh fairly often. The black straps (which should be "permanently" set) do need the occasional adjustment and I've accidentally loosened when taking the iwalk off instead of the blue straps (cue cussing). I wear shorts and the platform that you put your lower leg on does leave some indentations - but no discomfort. 4. Safety - For the most part I feel safe using the iwalk. As I said, I'm not in the best shape, and my balance and leg strength in my good leg are not the best. I have not had any trips or falls using it. However, I prefer to be close to something I can put my hand on in a pinch (wall, counter, bannister...). Walking across an open parking lot is my least favorite thing to do with it on. For me, I would never use it for walking the dog! 5. Stairs - I have a split level house - so my biggest need was to be able to get up and down stairs and that's the most use I get out of it. I do hold on to the banister TIGHTLY as I go down (backwards) - I'm less worried going up. After 2+ weeks, I'm able to hold something in my off hand while on the steps. But I was holding both banisters or the wall going down at first. 6. Sitting - I do NOT sit with the iwalk on. It causes me to put pressure on the injured foot which is not what my surgeon wants. Ladies - you HAVE to take it off to go to the bathroom! Straps make it impossible to pull your pants down.All this being said - I'm VERY happy with my purchase. The iwalk works well - gives me much more freedom than hopping with a walker (with a ton less energy needed). It allows me to get around my house. While I'm not up to sweeping the floors (shown in one video), I do cook, do dishes and I was cooking on the bar-b-que last weekend.