Crutches, i-Walk, Knee Scooter Review - Battle of the Mobility Aids
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- After rupturing my achilles tendon, I've had a chance to use a number of mobility aids to get me through the important non-weight bearing stage of recovery (feel free to check out my playlist to see how the Achilles recovery is going via the non-surgical route).
In this video, I'll be comparing underarm (shoulder) crutches, elbow (forearm) crutches, the i-Walk 2.0 and knee scooter. I'll be running through the advantages and disadvantages of each and price.
The following are the shops I used to buy my products in Australia:
i-walk 2.0 - www.iwalkfree.com.au
Crutchez cushion covers - www.bustedbling.com.au
Knee scooter - www.catch.com.au - Sport
![Crutches vs. Iwalk 3.0 vs Knee Scooter vs Rollator Walker [Reviews]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fJWHFNhvUVw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Crutches vs. Iwalk 3.0 vs Knee Scooter vs Rollator Walker [Reviews]](/img/tr.png)
The iWalk is the best thing ever.... I was up and down stairs, tidy the house, get a glass of water, took train journeys (got funny looks), walked all day on it, even kicked a ball around with my little lad (kick ball with the crutch foot only NOT the good foot) ... It took me under 20 secs to get it on and less to take it off.... The iWalk gave me back the independence.
I work in a hospital and am using a scooter during my ankle surgery recovery phase. It has been a LIFESAVER.
You’re so lucky! My hospital won’t allow me to work NWB so I can’t work until I’m able to walk on my own. 😔
I’ve got all three. I use the knee scooter for shopping, the iwalk for around the house when I’m cooking or doing dishes or cleaning, and the crutches for short trips to the bathroom when I’m not carrying anything. I probably use the iwalk the most, but I bought an extra pad for my bony knees that makes a world of difference. Cost: knee scooter was free on fb marketplace, crutches were covered by insurance, and the iwalk I got used again on fb marketplace for $80 (extra pad $12, so $92 total). I figured my injury has me NWB for 12 weeks so it’s worth it to have options for different things. Great video!
First I want to say how much I appreciate you took the time to document your weekly progress. Your videos are so helpful! I wanted to comment on the iWalk for others who may be considering purchasing one. I bought mine from Amazon in Canada for about $200 total In December 2022. I love it! I think they have improved the way the straps work since your version. They are very easy to cinch tight, or release when you want to remove. I think yours may have been uncomfortable as your straps were not tight enough and you had some movement. There is no way I could remove mine, as you did, until I release the tension first. I find they are much easier to use when cinched tightly, in fact I prefer it for going up-and-down the stairs. The only detriment is I am always using it, instead of crutches, so need to get more crutch time for weight bearing exercises.
I used an iWalk for months and it was by far the best! you listed as a disadvantage that you have to lift it to walk - that's cause you didn't have it adjusted at the right height - when you get it adjusted right it's super natural and no excess lifting otherwise. You also listed stairs - you've got to be kidding me that crutches are easier on stairs! and going outside it's super easy - taken it up trails! I don't think you gave a fair shake to the iWalk - free your arms folks and discover freedom!
I agree that the iWalk is a breeze to use. Way much better than crutches. What I love is that ur still using ur muscles....not below the knee but other than that, ur mobility is very much like waking!! And yes ur hands r free and u can bend down to pick up stuff.
how was it on your knees and thighs ?
@@Ashish-nd3xj it's not painful if that's what you're asking. It doesn't feel like anything crazy.
Only thing I don’t like about it is that it’s pretty harsh on the skin behind the knee
I was thinking the same thing. There is no way I’d attempt to go up/down stairs with crutches. The iWalk is so easy. In fact at week four, the only time I use it at home now is when I want to use the stairs.
Solid review. Thank you for answering all the questions I had. I was going to get the i walk, but now I'm just going with the scooter. I have been using a computer chair around the house.
THANK YOU!
Very unbiased logical review. Thank you. Very helpful. Because of previous injuries to my knees and neck, crutches caused more problems. I tried the iWalk 2 but found it difficult to maneuver in tight areas. The iWalk2 is probably better for people with very good balance and no other injuries. I am looking at the knee scooter with brakes, as my friend bought one without brakes and she wore out her shoe used by her good foot on the street as she used it to stop. She also had trouble stopping on the inclines indoors and the hills in her neighborhood without the brakes.
I completely ruptured my tendon on Feb. 1, 2020. I also took the non-surgical route. I went back to work after one week - I was going stir crazy at home 😝. I’m an elementary school teacher and I teach in the ground floor. The knee scooter was a life saver as, logically, it was the ONLY way I could successfully return to the workplace. Best purchase I’ve ever made. 🇨🇦✌️
Thank you. It is wonderful to hear a review from someone who has actually used the devices!
I must say I loved my iwalk. The freedom to have use of both hands was key for me and I found crutches painful and slow even after a short distance and difficult if I needed to use my hands for anything. I used the iwalk a lot out of the house, walking to the station reasonably comfortably and that was about half a mile away, went to shopping malls and generally got on with life. Easy to put on once the initial adjustments were made and took no real time at all.
I never tried the knee scooter so I can't compare but for me the iwalk was a lifesaver. The thought of eight weeks on crutches was too much to bear.
Good luck to all out there with current injuries. Hope you find the right device for you.
This was super helpful. I almost got the iwalk. I prefer the scooter. Thanks👋
UPDATE
I got a knee scooter and I love it. The Iwalk would of been too much for me.
I wish I had seen this 2 years ago! Thank you for posting- I hope others can see this and be prepared!
Thank you, this has been a very helpful video. Unbiased and straight forward, really appreciate it.
Thanks for your great advice. I’ve got same injury - only on day 4. Wishing you well in your recovery 👍
Thanks for taking the time to share this thoughtful comparison! Really helpful as I have a broken foot and ankle, with surgery ahead, and have been juggling these different mobility devices. I agree, stairs are tough with the iWalk, not so much up as down.
Thank you for such a thorough review of all these products!!! You have helped a lot of people with this video
The iWalk was a godsend for me. In 2014 at the age of 52 I too ruptured my Achilles and used the iWalk for six weeks while in a cast. It allowed me to walk up and down two flights of stairs daily carrying groceries, computer bag, etc. to and from my apartment. I needed no assistance with daily tasks for the entire six weeks. Hand rails are definitely a must on stairs but I never encountered a stair without a hand rail.
Useful work-arounds for iWalk users at home; instead of strapping your iWalk on every time you need to get up use a non-wheeled walker as a makeshift crutch or an office chair with casters as a makeshift knee scooter.
NOTE: If you are considering using a knee scooter be aware you may find it difficult to exit office buildings during fire drills or actual fires due to elevators being place out of service. I used the iWalk to walk down four flights of office building stairs during a fire drill right alongside my coworkers with no issues.
SJ thanks for high-lighting these options for dealing with leg injuries.
I could’ve seriously used the I-Walk 2.0 when I badly injured my right ankle. When I was injured, it was the exam/assessment time of term 4 in year 8 (almost 4 months ago). I needed my friends help to carry my books into and out of the classroom for the entire time I was in crutches (2 to 3 weeks) and my ankle was in a brace for 1 week after the crutches (my armpits were bruised and painful to move). I spent my Christmas in an ankle brace, I was in a lot of pain and I wasn’t happy. The day I got my brace of was the 27th of December was the best because: a) finally got the ankle brace off and b) my hair got dyed dark blue and black as a Christmas pressie from mum (it cost $170). The downside was, I had a giant bruise on my right ankle, the general pain didn’t end until New Years morning (hallelujah!!!) and my ankle is in constant pain whenever I walk, jog, run, skip or jump (the Athletics carnival was hell on earth for me🤬😤🤬😤🤬😫🤕). The undeniable truth is, my ankle will never be the same: movement, flexibility and sensation (pain) wise
Thanks so much for this review. I took a bad fall and broke my ankle in four places. Had to have surgery and now have 6 screws and a plate and 1 pin. The pin will be moved in few weeks. It was put there because of ligament tear. I have tried all the things you have and I have found the scooter works best for me all around.
Im like you with 8 breaks. How did your healing go? Just 2 weeks in now
Thank you so much for making this video. I think I’m going to order a knee scooter. I have terrible balance and have almost fallen too many times with my crutches since my foot surgery. 😩
That's my issue. I just don't have the balance or upper body strength for crutches. So, I bit the bullet and just ordered a scooter. Haven't tried it yet, but I'm hopeful I can be a little more productive. I hope your recovery is going well. 😊
Bre I had foot surgery a month ago and am still using knee scooter. It has been a blessing for me. I can't go real long distances because both legs do start to hurt. Hope it works for you.
Super video; very helpful. Threw away the first set of crutches they gave me at urgent care, for a taller person. Got the right size at Goodwill, but most uncomfortable... armpits, elbows, hands. Ordered iWalk 3.0 today.
Thank you very much for this video! It helped me make an informed decision about what would work best for me!
Thanks for doing this review. Most helpful! I broke my foot and I’m using under arm crutches for now. It’s crazy tiring and hurts the wrist after a while. May consider the knee scooter!
Thanks for the info! Just ruptured my achilles and was thinking of the iWalk. With this info, I'm getting a wheeled knee scooter instead. My crutches were not properly adjusted at all when given to me. They said I had to get down the hall properly with them before I could leave and since they were set up for someone 8 inches taller than me, it was a challenge. A nurse watched me struggle and struggle to use them, but never adjusted them and I didn't know they weren't set up properly since I've never used crutches before. They didn't tell me how on earth to handle stairs either - and I live on the third floor. I wish that someone had taken a few minutes to properly fit them and explain how to use them. Thanks SJ!
UPDATE
I Got a knee scooter and I love it. Thanks to you I divided not to go for the I walker. I love my knee scooter
Great review and thank you. I tore my Achilles a couple weeks ago and ultimately decided on the iWalk 2.0. I think your assessment is accurate.
I have been finding it helpful going up and down my stairs. I finally feel well enough to go up at night and down in the morning. I can finally sleep in my own bed again. I would be a bit afraid to use crutches on our stairs, as steep as they are.
Agreed. iWalk on stairs is so much easier than crutches for me. And since I live in a 2nd floor walk up, a scooter isn't an option because I can't carry it up and down the stairs.
Thanks very much for the video man. Very informative. I really appreciate it. 👍
Thank you so much! This video really helped me make a good decision.
I noticed that once you put on the iwalk and connected the straps you never tightened them. You had the tension right, but you must pull them tight. It will become one with you and act as a leg. There are alot of variables to make the iwalk work perfectly. Once you know them it will go on and off in a matter of seconds. Good review of all the devices
I don't agree his review was that fair to the iwalk. He failed to mention you can't even do stairs at all with a knee scooter, but instead complained more about stairs with the iwalk, which don't take too long to get decent at. I need to hold at least one rail, so, I only have one hand free, but then I don't have any hands free if using elbow or full crutches on stairs.. I also noticed, like you did, that he didn't tighten the straps on the iwalk after hooking them back on, and that would definitely make walking in general and especially on stairs more of a challenge with the iwalk than it should be.
Your helping me out as well I did know that it was easy to Rapture I’m going through pain in my heel thank you for this CZcams message💯
Thank you very much for the review of many options. I just broken my leg and I looked for the tips how to stay mobile next 6 weeks. I thought that crutches are the only option but I discovered knee scooter. I like it so much that I immediately ordered one. Fortunately there was one second hand available online here in Poland, with reasonable price (ca 70 USD). It didn't arrive yet (I ordered just 5 min ago) but I am sure it will be much much better than only crutches, which are - I do not know why - tiring for me and unstable. I use that elbow crutches and I am not so young and flexible... Thanks again for that discovery! :)
Ewa Kowalska-Ocneanu Hi Ewa. Greetings from Western Australia. I broke both bones in my right lower leg in April and have been using the knee scooter ever since. So safe. Get well soon.
I now have the iwalk 3.0 and I can’t imagine life without it. I can walk around the house with stuff… you absolutely cannot do that with crutches. Got coffee in the mornin? Had to have my wife bring it to wherever I was going. The iwalk is almost like I don’t have a disability. I say they are a must if you are a semi-active person, in reasonable shape, who suddenly finds themselves on crutches.
Great video! You’d be surprised at the minimal instructions given nowadays...
OMG so right. I fell and needed 31 stitches 3 hours after being released! Had to go back to ER. Leg tear near femoral artery. lucky to be alive now
Ikr like all my doctors said to do was balence smh
Thank you for your great informative review
Great Review!!! Today I had heal Bone Spur Surgery and see that crutches are super clumsy, couldn't keep bad foot up and almost fell when crutches caught on furniture, so I am done with those. I almost believed the hype of the i-walk video but now see the huge disadvantages with your review. I am sold on the knee scooter. And here is the GREAT news. It may be covered by your insurance company. It was for me... Thank you again for your video!! Deborah
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Deborah Anne I fell and broke my right shoulder and right heel and the only thing I could use was a knee scooter. It was cumbersome but I could maneuver myself with the broken shoulder. I've been pretty much housebound for 9 weeks and just yesterday my doctor said it was time to put away the scooter and start walking, so I'm off the scooter, out of the boot and using a cane. BTW, my insurance didn't cover the scooter. Mine was about $130 and worth every penny. There were drawbacks to it but the fact that it could get me from room to room was the most important thing for me.
@Irving Delariva I was just talking to a friend about this today. It seems like so long ago but I have since let a friend's son borrow the knee scooter so we definitely got our money's worth.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Super helpful. I just had foot surgery a week ago and have been really struggling with my crutches. So painful on my hands and tiring, which I found surprising since I'm a pretty healthy/active person. Since I'll need to be non-weight bearing for a few months, I started researching other options and this review addressed so many of the questions I had. Think I will go with the scooter... though a friend strongly recommended the i-walk so I may invest in that as well. Thanks again.
TheNicoleslaw oh hey I got a foot surgery too! I'm still in my cast (I was in a splint then my mom took off the ace wrap and put on the cast material) I hope you get well soon if you haven't gotten well yet!
I just broke my ankle on the 4th of July. I've been in a splint for 6 days. I have surgery on July 10th. How long after your surgery did you start utilizing the knee scooter? Also how long did it take for you to start walking without assistance of mobility devices? Crutches knee scooter cane etc...
Thank you!
thanks so much for such a great review!!
Very useful information. Thank you!
Thanks! This video helped me make a decision!
Thank you so much for posting this. I just broke my ankle bones two weeks ago and am waiting for surgery next week. I ordered kneerover. The only concern is that we have a recessed area in the living room. The height of the difference is about 6 inches.
Very informative easy to understand. Helpful in my choice
Calcaneus fracture. The iWalk 3.0 has been liberating to have with both hands free. I can put it on and take it off pretty quickly if driving my car or going for small grocery shopping or doing other errands. It can get sore if it's on for a long time. Great to keep the upper thigh working. I generally use the crutches around the house to go from chair to bathroom or to bed. With the iWalk I can do dishes, carry food or a drink or pick up around the house. I like it a lot. Watch the specific iWalk video before purchasing to see if it's going to work for your body type, weight and situation.
Thank you I just had ankle surgery and did buy the knee scooter.
I love the detail in your review! I'm looking at alternatives to crutches as I'm facing at least a few more months without weight baring on a leg in which I fully tore a tendon, among other damage. I would like to add, though, that I've found forearm crutches, as a minimally active 56 year old, to be much, much easier on my shoulders and upper arms. There are even two (at least) companies that make forearm crutches with shock absorber springs, and more with molded handgrips made of things like silicon and tilted to ease their use on the user. I'm looking for another option as I can't go long distances on and crutches due to damaged shoulders.
I didn't find it unbiased to the iWalk - he obviously didn't give it enough of a chance and had it adjusted wrongly. It's the best!
Thank you. Great review. Best of luck to you in your recovery. 🙂
Edie! Do you remember me? I was a massive fan of you and Al back in the day (although I'm keeping my real name anonymous on CZcams but I was the Australian guy that used to always look up to you guys). I used to get some lessons from you when I visited LA and bought nearly all of your DVDs. I hope you've been well. The fact that you are watching this video makes me think you got injured?
SJ Oh wow!! I was wondering why you look so familiar!
Yes, I broke my heel in June.
It’s been a pretty life-changing event.
So I’ve been in the market for all types of gadgets and contraptions to make me feel like a human being again.
I loved your video!
Here is what happened to me: www.salsafreak.com/broken-heel
Looking forward to dancing and teaching again!
Are you dancing again? What’s the status?
Edie The Salsa FREAK!! Hey Edie, sorry to hear about your injury. Hopefully you’ll be back soon! Nah I stopped dancing around 10 years ago. I guess life just moves on and I didn’t have the time that I used to have to train competitively. But it was a great little period of life for me! Anyway I wish you are speedy recovery
Thank you .:)
Great review.
Thanks for the review, it was very helpful. I chose the iWalk because I need to use stairs a lot and often carry things. I found crutches dangerous as you have your hands in use and can’t hold the rails. I found I Walk fine going up but going down stairs is best done with the leg angled sideways or going backwards just as you said. With iWalk you can hold a rail; even if you stumble or slip, it’s unlikely to cause a fall and further injury. It’s easy to balance on sloping ground. Plus you can carry things. It’s not fast but I can walk the dog. A bit awkward in tight spaces and if sitting.
My favourite aid is shopping trolleys at the supermarket. Find one that’s the right height and lean forward on your forearms. If it doesn’t tip back then you can scoot along on it. Test the castors swivel and wheels turn ok before launch. It pays to slow down and hobble at the end of isles and when near staff as they may tell you to stop. Go fast when you are leaving and in the car park…
I love this review and wish that I had found it sooner. It would have given me clarity on what to get to help me move about. I had surgery on my left foot recently and will have the same surgery on my right foot in about 6 weeks to correct nerve and muscle damage. I have the forearm crutches, the iWalk, and scooter. I am waiting for the shoulder crutches to come in the mail. The issue with the forearm crutches is that my right foot requires surgery, so any additional weight on my right foot creates a lot of pain and tingling. Similar issue with the iWalk. I can't "hop up or down" to do any steps, because my right foot starts to hurt badly. I find the scooter is the best for me. I am hoping that, with my right foot surgery, that I'll have an easier time getting around, with the iWalk or crutches, since my left foot will be better, and I'll be able to put additional weight on at that point.
Great review on available options. I tore my tendon and using crutches so this video was helpful. Thanks
Appreciate this review, very helpful
Brilliant!! I will be needing such like after an ankle operation in November. I've been looking at all the various options and your video has helped a lot wit the pros and cons of the various items. I live in Holland where stairs are often really steep, which is my main issue. I will be renting a knee scooter for use downstairs when cooking, cleaning ect. I like the look of the exo frame :~)) Thanks for all your info
Look into the freedom leg as well I have the I walk 3.0 and it's wonderful but can be hard on the knee and even cause knee injury if use too much.
My iWalk Free 3.0 was free. My insurance covered it 100%. I have a knee roller also. And crutches. The iWalk is the best choice when cooking. The knee roller is great for long distances. The crutches went to recycling.
Broke my navicular bone I got all these as well few days ago still debating whether I like the I walk or not. thank you for the reviews
I use ths Metal ones. If you face the 2 Metal crutches facing eacjother so they connect at the Handle part. You can then lean on them to get up, you can lean on thd 2 Handles. Great Tip.
My knee scooter is my lifesaver!’
Thanks for making this video. It does a good job showing four different things and your experience with them. On July 7, 2019, I got 8 breaks in my fibula, tibia, and foot. I had ORIF surgery and am very curious about people's take on mobility devices. I am not sure if/when I may have permission to bear weight on the knee. It's so great to see how they all work. I'm doing great on the crutches for now- Always bearing weight on hands and never on the armpits, etc. I also appreciate some of the potential situation improving comments others have listed here. Thanks so much.
How long did it take for you to start walking without any mobility devices? Thank you!
Thanks, super helpful :)
Thank you still helpful in 2020!
My knee scooter is great inside, but take it outside and any ridge in the pavement or gravel on the ground and it stops dead. And distances cause a lot of pain in my knee and thigh. Trying to get used to the iwalk- struggling with balance!
I'm hemiplegic and I drive a power wheelchair. I ordered the iwalk 2.0 because I have movement in the upper left leg but I'm paralyzed from the knee down. My left arm and hand are very weak and slow and I don't have full control of it. Crutches are impossible for me to use so I'm going to try the iwalk because I'm tired of the wheelchair life.
Hi jason, yeah give it a go. I'm assuming you are thinking of using two i-walks? Just be careful because I'm not sure about how the walking dynamics would be with two. Maybe try and get them second hand so it doesn't cost much.
Wheelchair life sucks!!
Thanks for this !!!
Awesome!! Thank you so much!!!
I have an broken ankle ,tibia, fibula all at ankle bones all tendons were destroy. Had to wait 2 weeks for swelling to go down to have surgery So i had surgery have several pi s,plates and bands in my ankle to connect it back.I used a wheelchair and crutches. I think I going to get an knee scooter in a few weeks. Thank you for the information
Thank you for this video.
It sure helps but my knee does get sore. more padding is needed, especially the edge at the foot end of brace.
Just ordered me a iwalk 2.0 because I seen this cheers.
Regarding the elbow crutches. When putting them on my hospital taught me to do it this way. From a sitting position, get both crutches and form a H with them by putting both handles together. Then put one hand on both handles and use the crutches as support while you raise yourself on your good leg. The crutches are easy to put on from this point. Reverse the procedure when sitting down. Always make a 'H'. That said, I found they hurt my hand and yes, the are hard work after a while. I'm just getting used to my iwalk which I'm finding is great regarding being hands free. 👍
Great review! I broke my ankle 6months ago the bone did not knit together so I had to have ORIF surgery 6 weeks ago... crutches have been fine although I can't go up and down stairs have had to go up and down on stairs my butt basically! I've been in my unit for 6 weeks thank goodness for visitors the cast coming off soon I hope 😉I'm going to get the knee scooter you're so right the crutches are tiring for long distances.... so helpful Thanks for posting
hows it going now? did u do the scooter? I am 2 weeks behind you with my ORIF
Thank you for this. I am entering week 2 of a partial tear. I am doing the non-surgical route. The orthopaedic doctor gave me a boot 3 days ago and told me I can bear weight on it right away. I was happy for this as I totally hated my crutches. I am questioning this now though because I am in more pain this week and the swelling still looks pretty bad. I am wondering if only one week of non-weight bearing is not enough time.
iWalk should be arriving at my home tomorrow. The basic hospital crutches are fine for the most part but they are very cumbersome to bring around the house - I tend to leave one upstairs and one down; and just hobble and lean on one of them - and just scoot up or down the stairs on my butt. Standing to cook or do the dishes has been the hardest thing for me so far, so I am optimistic this will really help.
I think my lower body weight (140lb) compared to the reviewer here (looks like a solid 180 and quite tall) might make the pressure on my knee less noticiable?
Great review very honest very direct.
Cheers mate. Love the passion! Lol
Tried the iWalk. Found it easier to do house chores as compared to crutches but my leg always hurt after. I’ll be trying the scooter next.
Thank you so much!!
Just fractured a bone in my ankle 2 days ago and I am dying using crutches. I cant go far, my support leg calf starts burning.. at times i just lightly use my injured foot..
I have never had an injury that handicapped my mobility in my 37s years so my gf and 5 y/o son have been helping me a lot. Right now i have a splint and wrap, need to do a follow up with my dr asap
Hey SJ, thanks for your videos and they are really helpful. I have one question: After how many weeks you have able to drive a car by yourself?
Please answer it mate. Thanks
Since got my iwalk, i barely touch my cruches, its great device to have.
Great reviews great video. I currently use the iwalk knee crutch dealing with a ruptured achilles and really love the hands free convenience and ability to feel like i am walking normally. I also use standard crutches when i dont feel like using the iwalk. My issue is that now i have developed back muscle soreness and tightness in my lumbar region and obliques. Does anyone else experience this? I know we are compensating a whole lot for the injured side and putting a whole lot of weight on the good side...but i am curious if it is due to the wobble like walking ergonomics of the iwalk or if it is due to constantly bending over to put the straps on n off or if it is from the posture that standard crutches put you in. I am now considering using Mobi Legs instead of the standard crutches to see if it helps with the ergonomics and proper body mechanics. Any thoughts?
I have 2 questions. What type of tubular aluminum is being used in the manufacturing of crutches as well as the walker? And do you know the wall being used when it comes to the tubular aluminum?
I am on week 3 after achilles torn, just got switched to walking boot but still crutches… however, i keep having burning feeling on the heel area when laying down, also random short sharp pain at heel area.., didn’t get surgery… is this normal?
I will be NWB for 8 weeks, my concern is sitting down and getting up from toilet without putting some form of weight on the NWB foot. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've been practicing pre-surgery with the knee scooter and crutches and I'm at a loss
From personal experience the iWalk is by far the best. Key advantages include ability to use hands/carry things, better speed and endurance compared with crutches, ability to use stairs unlike the scooter, and importantly, it removes the temptation to put foot down and put weight on injured lower leg. Best AU$240 I have ever spent.
Thanks for the review! I was wondering about the pressure on the knee with the iWalk. I have broken ankle and have been using a non-wheel walker, at first, as it doesn't fall over like crutches! I use ordinary crutches for stairs and my Mum's transit wheelchair for long distances. I find ordinary crutches really hurt under the arms, and physio told me we have lots of blood vessels, lymph nodes etc under the armpit that are sensitive to the pressure of the crutch.
No much pressure on the knee. In terms of the armpit pain form crutches, it sounds like you weren't fitted correctly. It should never touch your armpit. In the video I explain how to get fitted correctly and if you buy the Crutchez cushions for your hands, it should also help.
Thank you
Using the iWalk, will you be stable enough to wait tables?
I’ve ordered an all terrain scooter, I live in the bush. It will take at least a week to ship from Melbourne to Tassie. I hate crutches, had a fall today and afraid I’ve undone 2 weeks of healing.
my Dr added a 2in heel lift to my ankle rocker boot yesterday. I use a walking/trail pole. my tear happened 20 days ago. I'm going non-surg route. Should I be using a rocker boot w the heel inserts? ur boot in this vid also looks like a rocker and bigger, close to your knee.
When using the crutches they need to dig in rather hard to the sides of your ribcage. You aren't bearing much weight there but you need that for stability. Also your thumbs need to be much further inside the crossbars (than you might expect) so that the weight of your body is entirely in the small of your palm. Also you are really just shuffling across the floor lifting your foot as little as possible with 50% of your weight on each arm.
For distance = knee scooter is the clear and only winner. For stairs=crutches are king. iWalk = best if you need to stand and do something with your two hands e.g. brushing your teeth/shaving or cooking. Walker with a cart=best in carrying stuff around the house, also excels in the bathrooom(e.g. getting up from the toilet seat).
That's why I've rented. Knee scooter. I have horrible balance and have tried practicing with crutches before my surgery and I just about fall lol. Yeah that wouldn't be good. So I rented one for 30$ a week which isn't bad. I need it for 2 weeks. So 60$. Which is a lot cheaper then just buying one outright. Online to buy one is almost 300$ and that's the cheapest one ive found.
I will look for the knee scooter but am interested in Freedom Leg which is an advanced version of i Walk. Need to find out if my insurance pays. I need something stair friendly as I've fallen twice outside using regular crutches. The short crutches might be an option alone or with Freedom Leg for more balance.
i have fallen twice too. once badly needing 31 stitches
Where do I buy this product at and how long does it take for me to get it
Did you use the knee scooter outside at all? I got one very similar to yours. But now I’m seeing the All Terrain wheel ones and I’m considering returning mine for one of those. Did you feel it was quite bumpy outside? They’re a bit more expensive but I see one but Clevr for $145
Yeah i used it whenever it was stable ground. Need to be careful though because its easy to fall!
Thank you for your review. I'm having total foot reconstruction in about 3 weeks & will be in a cast for 2-3mo. I will be total non weight bearing, therefore I'm going to need 1 of these devices. Did you have a hard time getting your balance in the beginning using the iwalk? I had never seen one until now. I do appreciate you taking the time to make this video!
I found i got used to it pretty quick. Going up and downstairs was tough though.
Why do you not like the iWalk for more than 5 or 10 minutes? Its a bit unstable to me. The feet rock too much. Maybe i just need to practice.
You might want to review the set up for the iWalk 2.0. You might have it set up for the wrong leg. The clips go on the outside of the leg.
Easy enough to change the straps around. The more I use the iWalk, the more I like it and use the others less.
He has the clips on backwards. That would be awkward to take on and off. Like it better than the scooter, ditches or walker. They say to start with it low for training and learning but having it sized properly would be far more comfortable.
Knee scooter by far the most important but I got all three
CAN'T CLIMB STAIRS WITH KNEE SCOOTER and many places don't have ramps or not all concrete curbs have the small access ramp to roll up. You'll re-injure yourself with scooter if you try to climb up steps stairs etc because you have to put weight on injury. Iwalk 3.0 was my only choice but it hurts your body because you're using muscles differently. I think my fibula under knee is probably injured too because it hurts while using Iwalk 3.0. I hate using Iwalk but it's the only thing that works best for most places I just can't get a proper fit ever. At least I'm working because of it I'm able to continue keeping up with life etc.
I Recently broke my tibia and fibula so I have an llc so I can’t use the knee scooter or Iwalk I find the underarm crutches better because on the second to last day of recovery I tried elbow crutches and I was using the stairs with the elbow crutches and I fell with the llc but I still rebroke both bones and needed surgery so I have to do ten more weeks with the llc then I get a boot for 4 weeks I will now just use underarm crutches
Geez sorry to hear that. I remember stairs were always the scary part. I remember having a few close encounters.
Sean Fanning I'm sorry, ugh! Hope you're finally recovering.
Did you recover?
Thanks for sharing your experience. Me too with tibia and fibula (and foot breaks) I have been counting down the days til Tues, when I could ask my Dr. about using a scooter or Iwalk. Looks like I may need to adjust my expectations some. Hope you are healed up by now.
Being 70 and not too fit or balanced I opted for a scooter. I am getting better eith crutches, but i think the I walk would be a disaster
I been using crutches for a few days and my good leg gets tired and starts to burn is it me or this is normal using crutches?
Omg me too, been on em for a few days and after abouy 30ft my calf is burning.. they are miserable and the top is digging into the sides of my torso/ribs