“My sister bought me the I-Walker 3.0 which has given me a taste of freedom and independence that I was craving after breaking my ankle.
The I-Walker was easy to assemble, and to put on. After no time at all I was able to get from A to B, have my hands free, move about upright and even carry items.”
“I am a Physiotherapist with international working experience in the US and the UK. I have trialled this product in both countries and most recently in Scotland. Excellent customer service.”
“How lucky was I! OK, not entirely lucky: I needed complex foot surgery, to be followed by at least 8 weeks of non-weight bearing. I was genuinely worried on 2 counts:
1. The pain after the op (never happened!) and
2. spending all those weeks hobbling with a Zimmer Frame and getting up and down the stairs on my backside.
Well, that didn't happen, either.
My "lucky break" was my surgeon recommending that I get the "iWalk Free 3.0" and that I get it before the op so I could practice.
And what a game changer that was! (I originally wrote a review here just after receiving my iWalk, but now I have used my iWalk for quite some time)
Firstly, ordering it off Steve (UK Knee Crutches) was fantastically straightforward and delivery was extremely rapid. I had slight concerns because of a previous knee replacement (on the same side) but after a telephone chat with Steve, I was greatly reassured.
Assembly and adjustment to my own needs was really easy (thanks to videos) and I had a few good practice sessions before my op (again, instruction videos helped greatly!). Seemed doable...
I started using my iWalk "in earnest" from the 2nd postoperative day while still in hospital. Nobody there (including physios and occupational therapists) had seen one in "real life" before, but were very impressed and felt I needed very little input in terms of mobilisation (including stairs).
I ended up using my iWalk for longer than the projected 8 weeks due to a wound infection on my foot that delayed the weight bearing stage of my recovery.
So, what's my verdict?
It's a genius invention which is (almost) perfectly executed. For me (and I'd say for most people after lower limb trauma or surgery) it has been the difference between weeks of misery and limitations and more or less "just getting on with life".
I enjoy cooking and baking and the iWalk enabled me to do just that on a daily basis. Carrying stuff across the room? No problem. Getting up and down the stairs? No problem. Weekends away in our motorhome? No problem (see pic).
Of course, most things happen a bit more slowly than with two healthy legs/feet, but compared to what postop life would have been like without my iWalk, it doesn't bear thinking about.
The iWalk actually helps improve balance and core muscle strength and also sharpens your reactions, because you have to be a little bit more aware how you move and turn.
I said it's "almost perfectly executed"...
I am trending towards the upper rather than the lower end of the recommended weight range for the iWalk. That means that I did, over the course of a few weeks, "squash" the pad on which knee and shin rest. At first, I added some foam under the pad and then I ordered a replacement pad (for which, again, I needed extra foam underneath after a few weeks). Also, due to shearing forces when putting weight through my knee, I ended up with a degree of skin irritation. I simply stuck some padded dressings on my knee and nothing "nasty" came off these irritations.
So:
The iWalk Free 3.0 is worth every penny because it can really transform a period of non-weight bearing into something very bearable. Therefore, it really has the potential to transform lower limb postop and trauma care. The service I got from Steve at UK Knee Crutches was exemplary. Thank you very much!”
“Speedy delivery, neatly packaged, easy to assemble (thanks to the excellent videos). Took my first teetering steps within half hour of delivery. Within a short while I could manage from one end of the house to the other. Following day I tried the stairs (my stairs are peculiar, straight on or branch to the right with a diagonal step). Managed to get up and down safely but will need a bit more practice before going upstairs to sleep.
Yesterday went out to the car and practiced getting in and out (automatic car so only need the right leg - in my case it is the good one).
This morning I went for a supermarket shop, unassisted, without issue.
It has certainly transformed how I see my six weeks in plaster.
Highly recommended.”
“This crutch is amazing. I cannot praise it more. I was in a similar situation in 2018 and had normal crutches. It was exhausting. This time, I’m able to get out and about and stay mobile. It’s fantastic. It doesn’t take long to assemble and adjust and it’s easy to fit.
It took a day or two to get used to it but now, it’s easy! I’m glad I found it.”
“Delivery was really quick which was great as I was desperate to get out and about more. Set up took 20 minutes and 10 minutes later I was able to walk to the kitchen and make a cuppa with two free hands! Being non-weight-bearing, the iWalk was a Godsend.”
“Great service, speedy delivery, lots of useful communication including videos on how to assemble (very easy), how to fit it (excellent advice about the straps that you would not get if bought elsewhere) and how to use it safely.”
“From top class customer service from Steve, to the crutch, what can I say, other than “it’s a game changer” Living on my own meant after ankle surgery and been told no weight bearing for 6 weeks wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought, until I found the iwalk3, I was black and blue with bruises from my crutches, all I wanted was a cuppa sat on the couch, this wasn’t going to happen, didn’t take long to get to grips with the crutch, I think it still needs some adjustment the better I’ve got walking with it. I can look after my 3 dogs (but not the horse just yet) and make myself a meal, vacuum, laundry etc etc. In a nutshell don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Steve”
“Only just tried it out as I had to wait a while. Videos are excellent and assembly good but some parts a bit stiff. Straps rather fiddly but managed in the end. Very comfortable to use and although only just started I have been up and down stairs without a problem. Just need to get in plenty of practice with it.”
