iWALK3.0 works for these common lower leg injuries
Foot fracture, sprained ankle, broken ankle, Achilles tendon rupture, Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, tiba fracture, fibula fracture, Jones fracture, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures (lower leg), below knee amputation, foot and ankle dislocations, foot ulcers, calf muscle tear, calf muscle strain, gastrocnemius tear, almost any lower leg injury is indicated for use with iWALK3.0.
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iWALK3.0 does NOT work for these leg injuries
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Any injury to the knee or above. So common conditions like ACL tears, MCL tears, patella conditions, other knee injuries, hamstring tears and strains, groin injuries, piriformis injuries, IT band issues, illiopsoas (hip flexor) conditions, diabetic ulcers where proprioception issues adversely affect balance or any other knee or above upper leg injury.
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How can I determine if I'm a good candidate for using the iWALK crutch?
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While the iWalk hands free crutch works for most people, it isn't for everyone. Before you decide to use the iWalk crutch, watch the video below.
Age Limits
We’ve learned that as we age mobility capabilities vary greatly from individual to individual, so assigning age limits is too arbitrary. So instead of AGE LIMITS, we’ve found that ABILITY LIMITS work much better. So as long as you keep your expectations reasonable and follow our ability guidelines, then age isn’t a governing factor in whether you can use the iWALK3.0.
ABILITY GUIDELINES- if you could walk with normal gait, unassisted prior to your injury then you’re a good candidate for the iWALK2.0. Further, if you could go up or down stairs without requiring a handrail for balance or support, then you certainly have the physical ability to succeed on the iWALK3.0.
Diabetics
Diabetic foot ulcers are often accompanied by Neuropathy, or damage to the peripheral nerves of the foot or feet. This can cause numbness and reduced proprioception, making basic balance difficult. If you have difficulty balancing on your non-affected limb, then you probably will not have success with the iWALk3.0. To find out, try this – If, in addition to the qualifications listed above, you can stand unassisted on only your unaffected foot for 30 seconds, without assistance, then you’re likely capable of using the iWALK3.0. But because of the special circumstances surrounding diabetic induced Neuropathy, we recommend that you check with your physician or therapist prior to using the iWALK3.0. If your diabetic condition resulted in lower leg amputation, see the additional guidelines below.
Amputees
iWALK3.0 is becoming increasingly popular as a daily living aid and a transitory / training device for new below knee amputees. The only special requirements for below knee amputees are that you have a minimum of 4” (10cm) of residual limb and you can tolerate weight on your existing shin. Above knee amputees cannot use the iWALK3.0 without a prosthetic assistive device.
New amputees – iWALK3.0 is used after amputation instead of crutches or a wheelchair. It allows you to maintain muscle strength and train in the use of a prosthetic leg prior to your permanent prosthetic. It also allows you to maintain your lifestyle when you cannot tolerate your prosthetic or it’s being repaired or resized.
Existing amputees – iWALK3.0 excels at providing hands free mobility for those times you don’t want to use your prosthetic leg. You can walk in comfort and stability. You can do many things where you don’t want to expose your expensive permanent prosthetic to water or contaminants. Donning and doffing is faster than for non-amputees because you don’t need to unbuckle the lower straps as your foot will not interfere with slipping directly into the crutch.
Leg Length Capacities
Minimum / Maximum
Summary
iWALK3.0 can give you back the mobility you lost due to your injury. What it can’t do is give you something that you didn’t already have, so if you couldn’t walk normally pre-injury, then iWALK3.0 probably isn’t going to work for you.
So if you’ve read all of the qualifications and you’ve determined you’re a good candidate, the next crucial step is to follow our instructions for Fitting and First Use. Do this, and you’ll be iWALKing with safety and comfort in no time.
