Showing posts with label crutches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crutches. Show all posts

10/22/2011

iWALKFREE Rehab Rehabilitation Knee Walker Crutch Aid Review

iWALKFREE Rehab Rehabilitation Knee Walker Crutch Aid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I did not buy this from Amazon but feel compelled to contribute a positive review since so little is known about this terrific product.

My Injury & Search for Maximum Mobility:
I ruptured my Achilles tendon on June 7, 2010.My right foot will be NWB (non-weight bearing) for 3 months.After being on conventional crutches for one week and discovering how limited they were (e.g. heating up a coffee in the microwave and taking it to the kitchen table becomes an exercise in strategic planning), I found the "Freedom Leg" on-line (I'll let you google for that), but from what I read, most of the Internet "buzz" painted a promising picture but very few positive testimonials from actual users (not counting their youtube video).I suspect the product is just too new.One of their on-line retailers stopped carrying it due to numerous returns and one spontaneous failure (yikes!).There are several interesting alternatives such as leg/knee scooters, the onecrutch, and fore-arm crutches, but in my job, I drive and/or fly to meet customers.I carry a laptop, luggage, stay in hotels etc.A wheel chair or powered scooter were not practical unless I remodeled my home.

About the iWALKFree:
Then my wife found the iwalkfree.Necessity is the mother of invention, and the inventor created this in 97 after a bad fall.Since then, it has been certified by the FDA and Canadian medical authorities as an approved medical device.It has been blogged about at places like [...] among others and all signs pointed to a viable alternative.After a minor fall going down stairs on the crutches, I ordered the iwalkfree and received it Jun 24.The manufacturer recommends using a cane until you gain your balance and I concur...but after "testing" it for a few hours for stability, I "strapped it on" and went to dinner the same day.I did not feel very stable but thought "This is your best chance for mobility for the next 3 months...get used to it!".I am happy to report I DID get used to it and highly recommend it.

Things to Consider:
1. Fit - Make sure you get it sized correctly; the aluminum strut needs to be cut to match your leg's inseam.If not, it could poke into your abdomen when taking large strides.Not the end of the world, you will need a saw to cut away any excess.I read on productwiki a reviewer who believed it was not designed well for males since the top strap rides high into your crotch.I've had no issues at all.

2. IMHO, this is for people who:

a) WANT to be mobile - if you're already a couch potato...stop reading and grab another mouthful of nachos.
b) Fairly active and have good trainable balance - I'm no ballerina or superstar athlete.I can ride a bike, ski blues and occasional blacks and do a 10K in about an hour, I have decent adaptable balance.You will place additional load on your "good leg" especially going up and down steep terrain, e.g. hiking up a moderately inclined mountain trail that was supposed to take 15 minutes walking took me about 20 - 25 minutes on the iWalk.I don't believe reviewers who've said you need to be "very athletic".

3. Not great for constantly getting up and down (i.e. in a chair) - With repeated practice I can take it on/off in 15 to 30 seconds WITHOUT any help.I think this is a decent trade off against the overall mobility it provides.

4. People will stare at you - If this makes you too uncomfortable or self-conscious...don't bother.By my 3rd day with it, I went to Costco by myself for about 3 hours...I purposely avoided parking in a wheel chair spot.I had at least 5 people approach me to ask about it and enough staring/gawking to make me think I was a real hottie.

5. Pressure/Rubbing on your injured leg - Some have complained that the position it puts your leg in can cause shin or (in my case heel pain).Look carefully at the position it puts the injured leg in, it is almost horizontal on the "knee shelf".Consider your cast/brace/CAM walker/boot and whether or not you think this will be a problem.The position is most like having the injured leg on a chair (likely what you presently do in the bathroom or kitchen right?).Depending how active you want to be, you may experience a bit of leg bounce on the injured leg.For me, the weight of my CAM walker/boot occasionally causes heel pain in this position e.g. when I tried playing badminton or basketball so I took numerous breaks.

6. Padding on the knee shelf adequate?I weigh about 140 lbs. and other than putting a cotton pad on the knee shelf for breath-ability (I sweat a lot and it is summer), I find the padding just fine.I am a tad concerned that the foam may compress (i.e. pack out) beyond usefulness at the end of my 3 month NWB period...in the worst case, it looks easily replaceable and is clearly as a result to the constant use it gets.

I would give it 5 stars if it had options for a suspension/shock absorber (like on a bike) and an add-on to attach to a bike pedal so it could serve double duty as an iBIKEFree :).Conversely, I can see that its genius is in its simplicity.I am a fan of this device and highly recommend it to everyone I talk to.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iWALKFREE Rehab Rehabilitation Knee Walker Crutch Aid

Product Description:
iWALKFREE Rehab Rehabilitation Knee Walker Crutch Aid BRAND NEW TO MARKET! GET YOURS NOW!!! DON' WAIT!!! Part Number: CDL82000 BRAND NEW, IN STOCK, READY TO BE SHIPPED TO YOU!! About iWALKFree The first of its kind in the world, iWALKFree is a revolutionary hands-free crutch designed to meet the mobility needs of people with non-weight bearing lower leg injuries. iWALKFree is a potent alternative to traditional crutches, allowing its users: ? self-sufficiency through the full use of their arms and hands ? the opportunity to take an active part in their lives and their rehabilitation The device supports the knee and upper leg using a universal, ambidextrous fastening system that allows for almost any adjustment for user height and leg size. The medical benefits to users include: ? improved mobility ? improved motor function ? improved personal esteem through management of daily affairs Product Design To assemble and fit iWALKFree: trim the beam to equal the inseam measurement 1. with the user seated with leg bent at a 90-degree angle, measure the distance from the back of knee to the ground of the unaffected limb. This determines the height for the top of the tray 2. to attach the tray, unlock the front cam clip; disengage locking pin; slide tray onto the beam; lock pins; lock cam clip at the front of the tray 3. to attach the straps*, unlock cam clip of lower strap; slide onto beam just above knee; lock cam clip; repeat with upper strap; slide onto beam just below groin; lock cam clip 4. install beam cap *all straps can be flipped for right or left-handed use To Check for Proper Fit: When walking with iWALKFree, you should be able to swing your leg freely front to back without catching it on the ground. If you can't move it freely, then iWALKFree is too long, and needs to be readjusted

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10/04/2011

^Forearm Crutches - Adult, 5'0"-6'2" Min.Order is 1 PR ( 2 Each / Pair; ) Review

^Forearm Crutches - Adult, 5'0'-6'2' Min.Order is 1 PR
Average Reviews:

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I purchased these forearm crutches because they were the best price on the internet at that time, and I know because I checked! The seller was accurate with the description and the time of delivery. Now on to my actual use of these crutches. I sought this particular style out for a charcot neuropathic joint in my left foot. I had broken my left ankle over five years ago, and I suffered terribly with underarm crutches. I did a considerable amount of online research to determine which would be the best/most logical crutches to get around with facing a potential several month non-weight bearing injury. I found that we in the U.S. are one of the few western nations that continue to use underarm crutches, and along with various personal testimonies, I made my decision. So here I am in week three of using forearm crutches. I'm a 40 year-old, six-foot 200 pound man in average shape; I work as an elementary school special ed teacher, I'm taking courses in college, and the first 21/2 weeks of getting around using these crutches felt like I really wasn't gonna make it! My upper chest muscles have been taxed beyond belief, my arms have been exhausted, and I broke a sweat walking 20 steps! However, I've just reached a plateau of sorts! I can finally get around with a reasonable amount of strength, with short breaks. I'm on them for another 3 weeks after a Dr's appointment last week, so that's 6 weeks total, and I know that this will get progressively easier. Watch your palms and the angle of your wrists, I almost bought gel bike gloves, but I just sucked it up. If you're lighter or in better shape than me, you'll have a better run than I started off with. Forearm crutches offered me more mobility/manuverability than the underarm type did, and the forearm holder offers more freedom to me while keeping the crutches from falling. My under arms don't hurt either! WARNING: WATER IS THE ENEMY OF CRUTCHES!!! I've transitioned from wet concrete outside to smooth floors inside and nearly busted my dome a couple of times! Lastly, after 3 weeks, these crutches squeak and make more noise than when I first got them; I would imagine that I would need to either replace them or do an upgrade in quality after a few months. For the price though and for what they are, you can't beat them. Though appearance may sway you from getting these/this type of crutches, please consider them if you're in need. GOD BLESS YOU :-)!

Click Here to see more reviews about: ^Forearm Crutches - Adult, 5'0-6'2 Min.Order is 1 PR ( 2 Each / Pair; )

Product Description:
USER HEIGHT: 5'0" - 6'2" WEIGHT LIMIT: 250 lbs. TIP TO HANDLE: 28" - 37 HANDLE TO CUFF: 9.5 - 12.5 CUFF OPENING: 2.5" CUFF DIAMETER: 3.55" TUBING: Aluminum 7/8" ADJUSTS: 1" interval CUFF Steal with vinyl coating TIPS 3" Rubber COLOR Light gray

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4/06/2011

Drive Medical 790 Steerable Knee Walker Review

Drive Medical 790 Steerable Knee Walker
Average Reviews:

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The drive steerable knee walker is a complete lifesaver. I had foot surgery and ordered one to avoid having to live on crutches for weeks on end. It would have been nice had it come with a few instructions but I eventually did figure it out. The steering and brakes make it so versatile. The fact that you can thumb lock the breaks and use the device in place and then release it to move is just plain awesome. I'm 5'1 and a little on the short side for the lowest setting but really have nothing but great things to say about it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has suffered a foot injury or who is going to have surgery.

One note, make sure to have your own set of allen wrenches on hand, you will need them. The walker comes with one but it is only for locking down the steering column, it doesn't fit anything else. I used my own set to loosen up the back brakes as they were too tight, after that it worked great.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Drive Medical 790 Steerable Knee Walker

Product Description:
The drie medical steerable knee walker allows you to get around without crutchs for indiiduals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputation and ulsers of the foot. it can be steered for increase mobility. knee pad can be adjusted toolfree from 18.8" to 21.8". ez handle height adjustment is also toolfree. deluxe dual lever brakes ensure safety. the leg pads have channels which proide added stability and comfort. 8' casters are idea for indoor/outdoor use. sturdy dual frame adds stability and allows the 300lb capacity. lifetime warranty on brake cable. limited lifetime warranty.

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3/01/2011

Medline Aluminum Forearm Crutches Review

Medline Aluminum Forearm Crutches
Average Reviews:

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I've tried several alternatives following a recent leg injury. A cane is too unstable to support much weight and full crutches are simply too cumbersome. These forearm crutches are the perfect solution. Indeed, a single one, used much like a cane, provides all the support I need. It provides more balance and stability than a cane, yet takes enough weight off my leg to eliminate pain while walking.

These crutches are well built. The frames are thick and highly polished. In fact, they truly look and feel far more like stainless steel than aluminum. On each crutch, the length from floor to hand grip is fully adjustable using a series of holes with spring loaded locking pins. The length above the grip to the forearm brace/cuff is adjustable in the same manner. Rotating locking nuts above and below the adjustable sections eliminate any noise during use, and provides an even more solid feel overall. There is no play in the hand grip, the forearm brace/cuff is well padded, and the rubber foot offers reliable traction.

I would prefer more padding on the handgrip, perhaps a softer rubber instead of hard vinyl. The handgrips are not really uncomfortable. Instead, it would be more accurate to say the handgrips are not as comfortable as they could be. However, there is little doubt these vinyl grips will last much longer than soft rubber ones.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medline Aluminum Forearm Crutches

Product Description:
Recommended for long-term disability, these crutches are built rough for long-lasting performance yet boast features that provide welcome benefits for you as a consumer.

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2/09/2011

Southwest Technologies Elasto-Gel Crutch-Mate I - "Standard" Underarm Gel Crutch Pad - Waterproof Cover - One Pair Review

Southwest Technologies Elasto-Gel Crutch-Mate I - 'Standard' Underarm Gel Crutch Pad - Waterproof Cover - One Pair
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm in my 5th week of walking with the Crutch Mate Underarm Gel Pads and I have one more week to go. I must say they have been a life saver for me. The support and comfort has been awesome and I don't think I would have made it this far without them.

Thanks,

Click Here to see more reviews about: Southwest Technologies Elasto-Gel Crutch-Mate I - Standard Underarm Gel Crutch Pad - Waterproof Cover - One Pair

Product Description:
Crutch-Mate Underarm crutch pads set a new standard in crutch comfort. These under arm pads are made from Elasto-Gel, a unique patented glycerine gel. Elasto-gel assures that the arm pads and hand grips (sold separately) retain their shape and effectiveness. Crutch-Mate pads and grips(sold separately) will help prevent friction, reduce the chance of skin breakdown and provide long lasting comfort. Crutch-Mate under arm pads are designed to fit axiliary(under arm) style crutches and will not fit or work with forearm crutches. Not returnable once used.

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2/05/2011

Universal Knee Walker Review

Universal Knee Walker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Knee Walker is a life-saver!!!This is so much safer than crutches!!!I had surgery on my foot on 12/29/09 and will need to use it for 3 months and I can't imagine not having it!!!I fell 3 times with crutches which I used until this arrived.For $165.00 this is the best one out there, the other ones are so much more expensive and I don't think unless you are really frail that using one that turns is that big of a deal.My Orthopaedic doctor was so impressed that he ordered several to have at his practice for people.I can't say enough good things about this product!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Universal Knee Walker

Product Description:
Universal Knee Walker by DriveA Unique Alternative to CrutchesIdeal for individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputation and ulcers of the foot.Deluxe lever brake ensures safety.Tool free height adjustment.Tool free change from left leg to right leg use.8" casters are ideal for indoor/outdoor use.300 lb. Weight Capacity.Limited Lifetime Warranty.Handle height 41"(highest) - 33"(lowest)Width 14.5" - Depth 29"Pad height 22"(highest) - 18"(lowest)Pad width 7.5" - depth 14.5"Weight 16 lbs.

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