iWALK FAQs

Will the iWALK 3.0 work for me, what are the physical limitations?

Used correctly, the iWALK 3.0 is an intuitive and easy to use device that most people with average strength and balance can use, but not everyone. Please read our sizing page thoroughly before purchasing.

Is there an age limit for using the iWALK 3.0 Crutch?

Physical ability varies from person to person, especially as we age, so setting age limits for using the iWALK crutch isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, we use ABILITY LIMITS, which are relevant no matter what your age is.
A good question to start with is:
Before your injury, could you go up and down a flight of stairs at normal walking speed, without using the hand rail? If yes, you likely have the physical capabilities to use the iWALK 3.0.

I’m wearing a cast/boot. Can i still use the iWALK 3.0 crutch?

The likely answer is yes. It is very common for people to wear a cast or boot when using the iWALK 3.0, however, there are some scenarios where there can be complications. We’ve created a page dedicated to this topic, so please have a read of our boots and casts page.

Will I hurt my knee if i use the iWALK 3.0 Crutch?

No. There is a common misconception that you are kneeling on your knee when using iWALK 3.0, but this isn’t correct. Only your shin comes in contact with the knee platform (perhaps we should have called it the shin platform?). When the knee is bent 90 degrees, the patellar region is not in contact with the platform and thus does not bear any direct weight when using the iWALK 3.0.

In some instances the iWALK 3.0 can cause localised soreness in the tibial tuberocity, which is the area of the shin directly below the knee.

For most people, the transition from the knee to the shin (tibia) is fairly straight, but some people have a pronounced bump. In extreme cases, the size of this protrusion is more than the standard foam padding on the iWALK 3.0 can support, which can result in a localised and painful ‘hot spot’.

This can also occur when using a boot or cast, as in some cases the top edge can be uncomfortably pushed into the shin.

For this reason we include a free foam pad with every order which can be cut to size and used to alleviate these issues.

Can I go up and down stairs with the iWALK 3.0 crutch?

Absolutely. Attempting to navigate stairs on conventional crutches is strenuous and downright dangerous, and with a knee scooter it’s practically impossible. But it’s something you can do easily with your iWALK 3.0.

NAVIGATING STAIRS ON THE iWALK 3.0

Always use the handrail when using your iWALK 3.0 crutch on stairs. If two handrails are available, use both.

Going up – Always go one step at a time. Lead with your good foot, then bring your crutch foot up to the same step as your good leg, so that you’re now standing on that step with both legs. Proceed to the next step, leading with your good leg again, followed by your iWALK leg. Repeat the process.

Going down – Most people prefer to go down stairs backwards (facing up). It sounds scary, but it’s actually quite easy. Always go one step at a time. Holding the hand rail(s), lead with your crutch foot, then follow with your good foot, placing it on the step beside your crutch foot. Repeat the process.

How long will my iWALK 3.0 Crutch last?

The iWALK 3.0 crutch is extremely durable, and overqualified to meet the time required to heal from most lower limb injuries (3-10 weeks). For long-term users, such as below knee amputees, those with CRPS, or other long term or permanent non-weight bearing injuries, be aware that the iWALK 3.0 will eventually wear out with continuous use. Much like an athletic shoe, longevity depends on the amount and conditions of use.

That said, we have a range of spare parts available, please contact us at admin@kneecrutches.co.uk with your requirements.

Instructions for removal and installation can be found here.

Can I wear different shoes with my iWALK 3.0 Crutch?

Yes! But if the height difference is more than 1/2 inch, you’ll probably want to adjust the height of the lower crutch. Luckily we’ve thought of this, so it’s quick and easy to make height adjustments.

Can I sit down wearing the iWALK 3.0 Crutch?

Yes, but you’ll need ample space in front of your chair for the beam below your knee to extend outward. If this is an issue, we’ve designed iWALK 3.0 to be really quick and easy to put on and take off.

I have a broken bone in my lower leg. Can i use an iWALK 3.0 Crutch?

Most often the answer is yes, however, in some instances you cannot. The location and the severity of the fracture plays an important part in determining if the iWALK crutch is right for you. If in doubt, check with your physician.

Can i get replacement parts for my iwalk crutch?

Yes. We have a range of spare parts available, please contact us at admin@kneecrutches.co.uk with your requirements.

Instructions for removal and installation can be found here.

I am a below knee (bk) amputee. Can i use the iWALK 3.0?

Absolutely, the iWALK is an everyday item for many below-knee amputees who use it in common situations when they can’t, or don’t want to, wear their prosthetic leg. For example, resting the limb because of pain, abrasion or sores might be necessary. Other examples are showering, short trips to the shops, going to the gym, etc.

The iWALK 3.0 is also commonly used as a training device for new amputees who are learning to walk on a prosthetic, or for those who cannot yet tolerate a prosthetic limb. And if your prosthetic isn’t available – for example, if it’s getting repaired – the iWALK 3.0 is your best substitute.

An important feature of the iWALK 3.0 is that the mounts for the calf strap slide forward and back on the knee platform. For amputees, this feature is key, as it allows forward placement of the strap to accommodate residual limbs as short as four inches.

For more information about BKA use of iWALK crutches, see our BKA page and read some BKA testimonials.

Can I use iWALK 3.0 on wet surfaces?

The tread used on the iWALK is produced for us by Vibram. For those not familiar, Vibram is one of the leading shoe and boot outsole manufacturers in the world. Their experience in rubber compounding and manufacture is first class. iWALK teamed up with Vibram to create a tread that provides excellent dry and wet traction combined with durability. It provides traction on par with the best athletic shoes.

That said, any hard, wet surface can be slippery, and while the traction of the Vibram is impressive, under the right circumstances anything can slip. So always use caution and common sense when navigating slippery surfaces.

Can I wear shorts and use the iWALK 3.0?

Yes. The special padding used on your iWALK 3.0 is hypoallergenic as well as FDA and CE approved to come in contact with your skin. In some instances, people with sensitive skin may experience minor chafe from the strap that goes behind the knee. In these cases you can augment the padding using a simple home fix such as wrapping a hand towel around the strap or you can forego shorts for something long and breathable.

My upper thigh is larger than 27″ maximum. Can I still use the iWALK 3.0?

27″ at the very top of your thigh is the largest that we would recommend for a couple reasons. First, and most important, going beyond the 27″ maximum can make it more difficult to tighten the straps as much as is necessary for proper function. Second, the quick release buckles on the straps might not function optimally because you may not be able to loosen the straps enough to allow easy engagement and disengagement. We have seen people use the iWALK 3.0 with up to a 29″ thigh, but you need to be aware and accepting of the possible functional compromises.

I’m 6’2 well within the height range of 4’10 to 6’6, but the iWALK 3.0 is too short for me. Why?

We’ve used industry standard studies to determine the sizing range for the iWALK 3.0 crutch. That said, humans come in all sizes and shapes, so there will always be rare instances where the iWALK won’t fit people even though they fall inside our size range.

Leg length is what matters for sizing the iWALK. But nobody knows their leg lengths, so we use overall height as a starting point. The industry studies we use cover 95% of the human population, so what that means is that at the far extents of our size range (4’10” and 6’6”), there’s a 95% chance the iWALK will fit. As you move further from the minimum / maximum range, the greater the chance that the iWALK will fit. In fact, we know that the iWALK will fit people that are shorter or taller than our minimum/maximum requirements.

We provide a leg length chart that details the requirements for both upper and lower leg length, which you can find here. This is the only way to be 100% certain that the iWALK2.0 will fit.

Why does using the crutch fatigue or hurt my good leg or hip?

For most people, pain or fatigue in the unaffected leg is due to two possible issues:

Incorrect adjustment. Proper fit is everything. The crutch needs to become an extension of your leg, which means height (both above the knee platform and below it), vertical alignment and proper strap tension (tight) need to be correct. We show you how to achieve this in our instruction video, shown here.
Another common issue is not fully committing your weight to the crutch. This typically happens during learning, and goes away when you gain proficiency. In normal human gait, 40% of the time you are putting all your weight on only one foot. This happens when you ‘toe-off’ with your back foot and bring it back to the front. At this point, you have all your weight committed to the other foot. When using the crutch, it’s normal for beginners to not commit all their weight, and they rush to get the good foot back on the ground. This over-recruits the good leg, which can result in unnatural gait adaptations, which, in turn, recruits muscles that are normally dormant or lightly utilised during normal gait. This can cause fatigue or pain.

The iWALK 3.0 works best if you treat it like it’s a normal leg. The less you try to adapt, the better it works. You need to trust it. With time and increased proficiency, your gait will become more normal, and the fatigue and/or pain will diminish.

Why does using the crutch fatigue or hurt my good leg or hip?

For most people, pain or fatigue in the unaffected leg is due to two possible issues:

Incorrect adjustment. Proper fit is everything. The crutch needs to become an extension of your leg, which means height (both above the knee platform and below it), vertical alignment and proper strap tension (tight) need to be correct. We show you how to achieve this in our instruction video, shown here.
Another common issue is not fully committing your weight to the crutch. This typically happens during learning, and goes away when you gain proficiency. In normal human gait, 40% of the time you are putting all your weight on only one foot. This happens when you ‘toe-off’ with your back foot and bring it back to the front. At this point, you have all your weight committed to the other foot. When using the crutch, it’s normal for beginners to not commit all their weight, and they rush to get the good foot back on the ground. This over-recruits the good leg, which can result in unnatural gait adaptations, which, in turn, recruits muscles that are normally dormant or lightly utilised during normal gait. This can cause fatigue or pain.

I have diabetic foot ulcers. Can I use iWALK 3.0?

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 iWALK 3.0. To find out, try this – if, in addition to the standard qualifications listed on the product page, you can stand unassisted on only your unaffected foot for 30 seconds, without assistance, then you’re likely capable of using the iWALK 3.0. But because of the special circumstances surrounding diabetic induced neuropathy, we recommend that you check with your physician or therapist prior to using the iWALK 3.0. If your diabetic condition resulted in lower leg amputation, you’ll find some more information about suitability here.

What is ‘new – open box’ at checkout?

A ‘new – open box’ is a hands free crutch in as-new condition. iWALK Crutches come with a seal sticker so we won’t sell any with the seal broken at full price. How they come to be open can vary, some labels just come unstuck but most will be returns. For us to be able to offer our 15 day return policy for home evaluation, we need to be able to re-sell the unit in the event it is returned. All our returns are quality checked, all parts included are new and covered by the same warranty. There may be minor signs of the device being assembled, but certainly no signs of wear.

What is 'open box - B grade' at checkout?

Occasionally, some of our returned iWALK units don’t meet the criteria for regular open box re-selling. They haven’t been ‘used’ as such, but perhaps were evaluated on an uncarpeted floor and may have marks on the foot as a result. Other minor marks may be present which do not affect the use of the crutch, but you wouldn’t expect to see them on a new product, hence B grade. As ever, we check all the parts and the crutch is subject to the same warranty.