The iWALK is a Game Changer

The iWALK is a Game Changer

There are gadgets that are game changers, I consider the iWALK 2.0 a life changer! On December 16, 2016, I had triple arthrodesis surgery on my left foot. Don’t bother googling that, in layman’s terms, I had a few breaks and 5 screws put into my foot to correct a birth defect some 50 years ago. So for the next 10 weeks or so, I will be in some form of a splint or cast. Over my years of foot problems, I have been on and off crutches several times. During those times, I have come to the simple conclusion that crutches suck! Not only do crutches make it a PIA to get around, after long days, your under arms and shoulders start to hurt. For simple things like going to get a cup of coffee, you have to rely on a family member, coworker, or complete stranger to follow you or carry your coffee back to a table. Don’t even try to shave or do anything else balancing on one leg. For guys, one trip to the bathroom trying to balance, and you will hear about the mess you made for the rest of your life!

So just prior to my surgery, I was searching for a knee scooter on ebay. Believe me, I was not very excited about having to use one of these things either, but heard they were easier than crutches. As I was scrolling down the page, I came across the iWALK. I was immediately intrigued and had to search out their website (www.iwalkfree.de). After watching a couple of their videos and customer testimonials, I knew I had to try this! I reached out their local dealer SH Medical, via their website

A day after my surgery, I was struggling walking around the house on crutches, when my wife said, “hey do you want to try that new gadget?” Of course being a gadget guy, I am always willing to try out something new. I opened the package, and went to their website for instructions on how to put it together out of the box and size it for my leg. It was together and sized in about 15 minutes. I will say I was very nervous to try it out, as I have never seen anything like this before. Within minutes, I was walking around with my leg supported and full use of my hands. It was easy to balance and I knew I would be reaching for this far more often than I would be using my crutches. It is very easy to get on and off once the original sizing is done. Before I knew it, I was walking around the house, carrying my own coffee and laptop, and I actually cheered when I went into the bathroom and could stand peeing (it’s a guy thing!) The next day, heading into the bathroom to brush my teeth and shave was a breeze. Much easier than trying to balance on one leg, hoping the crutches won’t fall on my foot. The best part of all, I can walk to the refrigerator, open it up and grab a beer all by myself!

Here are some tips that I found extremely helpful and will help you use the iWALK:

1. If you have scheduled surgery, try to get the iWALK a week earlier so you can size and get used to it before you are in a cast or splint.

2. Watch all the videos on their websites in regards to assembly and fitting. Do it right the first time, don’t try to do it yourself.

3. Walk downstairs backwards! As crazy as it seems, once you do this with the iWALK and get comfortable doing it, going up and down the stairs will be much easier.

4. Trust the iWALK. The tendency is to not put all your weight on the iWALK. It is designed to handle your weight. Once you trust this device, it will become easier for you to control.

5. Get a few good pairs of sweatpants. Not only will they fit over your cast or splint, but believe it or not, complete strangers may stop you for a picture. Once people see the iWALK they instantly want to share it with a friend they know on crutches or who have surgery scheduled.

When I said the iWALK was life changing, I honestly mean it. The simple freedom and balance the iWALK provides will make you feel better about yourself and your recovery. The independence it gives you for even simple tasks makes this purchase worth it. With a price of 238,00€, it is affordable and well worth the price. Take the time to visit www.iwalkfree.de and watch the videos to see if the iWALK2.0 is right for you. I will tell you, I am very glad I did just that!