The iWALK 2.0 hands-free Crutch is available and in-stock at Miller Prosthetics & Orthotics
The iWALK is the ideal solution for below knee injuries. The iWALK is a temporary lower leg that gives you back the use of your hands. It is a great alternative to arm crutches or knee scooters. If your knee can bend at a 90 degree angle you may be a good candidate for the iWALK. Your leg is secured in the iWALK crutch with adjustable straps, and your freedom is returned. The design also requires the use of your quadriceps mucsles, and prevents atrophy while using, compared to regular arm crutches.
The iWALK is also waterproof, and can be used in the shower. Lower limb amputees are thrilled with the device for use when not wearing their artificial limb.
Price: $149.00
“Without the iWALK, I couldn’t do anything!”
Steve After Race on iWALK
Before Steve was in his accident he was a very active person. He and his wife would run 5ks and in August of 2014 Steve ran his first half marathon. Steve was in training to complete his second half marathon when he was hit broadside on his motorcycle in April. When Steve learned that he had to have his leg amputated he still vowed to his friends and family that he would walk in the Parkersburg Homecoming 2 mile race on his prosthetic. “Steve’s niece Christina and close friend Brad are willing to push his wheelchair if that is necessary so that he can participate,” Martha, Steve’s wife says, “but, a more realistic goal for him is to walk in the two-mile race under his own steam on a new prosthetic leg.” Unfortunately, Steve’s wound would not heal.
Two months after his amputation he was still using crutches and a wheelchair. Being confined to his porch and dependent on those around him. That’s when his wife came across the iWALK2.0 while shopping online. “We found a solution for the day to day mobility while we wait for the pressure wound to heal,” says Martha, “very happy man!” 30 minutes after he had received the iWALK2.0 Steve was walking again! After that, the couple never looked back. “Every other night my wife and I would go to the same park and walk using the iWALK,” Steve said, “she would push the wheelchair and I would walk and then when I got tired I would sit in the wheelchair.” Since he had not been using his left leg at all for two months there was some atrophy and he would tire quickly. For the next two months they would go to that park and walk as far as they could. By the end Steve was able to walk 2 miles on his iWALK.
By August, Steve’s wound had healed and he was able to be fit for his prosthesis. The race was just two days away. “In my 27 years’ experience I have never seen a transtibial amputee do so well so quickly with their first prosthesis,” Mark Miller, CPO, Steve’s prosthetist, said. Steve was not only able to participate in the race but “he walked continuously at a normal pace with only one stop to add an additional 1-ply sock, which he did on his own,” said Mark. “The following week, he walked in a 5K. On the third week, he rode his bike 3 miles,” Mark continued. Everybody was amazed! Not only at Steve’s determination, but also at what he accomplished despite all the barriers he faced.
Because of the iWALK2.0, Steve was able to achieve the incredible! “The ONLY reason he had the stamina and muscle strength to walk like he did was because of the mobility he had using the iWALK2.0,” said Martha. “It really helped me out a bunch,” said Steve, “I believe that is why I am able to do what I am now with my prosthesis as early as I am because my thigh wasn’t lying dormant for months with the iWALK.”
Steve and His New Ride is the perfect example of how the iWALK2.0 can positively transform a patient’s recovery. Steve did not need to do any rehab to learn to use his new prosthesis and with the iWALK2.0 more people can have this same experience. He not only kept the strength in the rest of the leg he also learned how to walk on a prosthesis with the iWALK; much like training wheels on a bike. Still, there are further benefits that the iWALK2.0 provides to BK amputees that we have learned and continue to learn over time. It can help curb the effects of depression during the recovery period, it can be used if the patient’s prosthesis needs to be resized or serviced for any reason, it can work in the shower and in the home for when they are unable or unwilling to don their prosthetic, and it can help as a general tool that can be used in addition to their prosthesis so they can always be hands free, mobile, and independent.
“I hope Steve’s story can change the fact that our medical professionals were not aware of the iWALK2.0 so that other amputees can benefit from this amazing device!” –Martha Lamp
Check out more of his story from Miller Prosthetics on the Inspiring Stories Page and watch the video below.