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.
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iWALKFREE Rehab Rehabilitation Knee Walker Crutch AidProduct 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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