Going Hands-Free: What Every Amputee Should Know About the iWALK Crutch
When Crutches Just Aren’t It
I’ve used regular crutches before: awkward, exhausting, and inconvenient! Forearm crutches are a bit more comfortable in my opinion, but I still feel very dependent. I can’t even hold a cup of coffee! I got a knee scooter for around the house, but that struggled to get over thresholds.
Back in 2017, I was having a really tough time with my leg. I had a sore on the back of my knee that I saw several specialists about, and everyone said it just had to “run its course.” That left me out of my leg for 8 weeks!
I cannot sit still for that long, but I also couldn’t use crutches all day, every day for that long. I started walking again thanks to the iWALK. I finally felt independent again.
I hated not being able to wear my leg, but I had to let it heal. The iWALK allowed me to move around while I was still recovering.
Since then, I’ve walked, climbed stairs, and even jumped rope with the iWALK. Here’s what I’ve learned.
What Is the iWALK and Who Is It For?
The iWALK is a hands-free crutch that straps to your thigh and lets you walk using your knee as the support point. Instead of putting your weight through your hands and arms like you do with traditional crutches, the iWALK lets your hands stay free while you walk.
The iWALK was originally designed for people recovering from lower-leg injuries, such as ankle fractures or Achilles surgery. But it can also be a useful mobility option for some below-knee amputees, especially when you temporarily can't wear your prosthesis.
For a below-knee amputee, the biggest thing to consider is that you need a stable, functional knee and enough strength and balance to control the device. Your residual limb also needs to tolerate the pressure from the thigh support. It's not a replacement for a prosthesis, and it's definitely not the right option for every amputee, but for me, it has been incredibly useful when I need to be without my prosthetic leg.
How Does the iWALK Compare With Crutches?
If you’re an amputee who can’t wear your prosthesis, traditional crutches aren’t your only option. I’ve used regular crutches, forearm crutches, a knee scooter, and the iWALK, and they all have their pros and cons.
Traditional crutches: They work, but I find them awkward and exhausting when I need to use them for more than a short period of time. Your hands are occupied, and I feel like I’m constantly thinking about where to put my crutches next.
Forearm crutches: These are a little more comfortable for me than traditional crutches, but I still have the same basic problem: my hands aren’t free. Try carrying a cup of coffee, opening a door, or doing something around the house while using crutches!
Knee scooter: I liked having my hands free with a knee scooter, especially around the house. The problem was that it didn't handle thresholds and other small obstacles very well, which limited where I could use it.
iWALK: The biggest difference for me is that it actually lets me walk while keeping both hands free. I can carry things, open doors, do chores, and move around without having to manage a pair of crutches. It does have a learning curve!
For me, the iWALK has been the best option when I need to get around without my prosthetic. That doesn't mean it's the best option for every amputee. It depends on your strength, balance, knee function, residual limb, and what you're trying to do.
Why I Tried the iWALK (and What I Expected)
I was desperate for mobility. I hated crutches, so I got a knee scooter. It was nice to be able to get out of the house, but I still didn’t feel independent.
I didn’t think it would work for me because I had already tried regular crutches, forearm crutches and a knee scooter. I was sort of past the breaking point. I really had nothing to lose at that point, but so much to gain if it could work.
The Learning Curve
Getting it set up took some adjusting. I had to figure out the right fit and height, and then I had to learn how to walk with it. My first time using it was definitely awkward. I have a very short residual limb, which can make things a little more complicated for me, but after a few laps around the house, I was SO happy to be moving around hands-free!
What I Love About It (When It Works)
✅ Hands are free—carry bags, make coffee, hold your phone
✅ Easier on shoulders and wrists than crutches
✅ Posture-friendly—no slouching like forearm crutches
✅ Great for quick errands or house chores
✅ Makes you feel more independent
What You Should Know Before Trying It
⚠️ You need good quad strength and balance on your other leg
⚠️ Not ideal on uneven surfaces or outside for long walks - but i have done both!
⚠️ Pressure on the residual limb can get uncomfortable if used too long - my knee tends to get a little sore after long days on it.
Who It’s Best For (and Who Should Probably Skip It)
Great for:
Active below-knee amputees with good core and leg strength
Short-term use when you can’t wear your prosthetic
Indoor use, errands, or light activity
Maybe skip if:
You’re an above-knee amputee or have balance issues
You have knee or hip instability on the sound side
Your residual limb is short, painful, or very sensitive
Final Thoughts (and a Helpful Discount)
It’s not a replacement for a prosthetic—but it filled a gap when I couldn’t wear mine
If you’re thinking about trying it, iWALK gave me a code for 5% off. Use this link ADAPTIVE5 if you want to check it out.
No pressure—just a perk I can pass on to anyone curious like I was.
According to iWALK’s official site:
The iWALK is FDA-registered and designed for people with intact knees and sufficient upper thigh strength, which includes many below-knee amputees.
It’s recommended as a temporary alternative when a prosthetic can’t be worn due to wounds, skin irritation, swelling, or socket issues.
iWALK notes that most BK amputees can adapt quickly, often in minutes to hours, depending on strength and balance.
It requires no tools for adjustment and can be put on/taken off in seconds—making it more convenient than traditional crutches in certain scenarios.
The company advises consulting a medical professional before use to ensure it’s appropriate based on your residual limb and gait stability.
iWALK has an entire section on their website dedicated to use by below-knee amputees, with fitting tips and real-user stories. You can check it out here if you want their perspective alongside mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not typically. The iWALK is primarily designed for below-knee amputees or individuals with lower leg injuries. It requires a stable knee joint and good residual limb strength to bear weight and control balance. For above-knee amputees, especially those without strong hip/knee control, it’s not a recommended or safe option.
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It depends on your residual limb, activity level, and how well the device is adjusted. Personally, I found it comfortable for shorter periods—like doing chores, errands, or moving around the house. I have walked my dog with it though and had no issues! Think of it as a temporary, situational aid—not an all-day/everyday solution.
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Yes, but with caution. The iWALK can be used on stairs once you’re confident in your balance and strength. I’ve personally walked up and down stairs using it (I even filmed it—check out the video in this post). But it’s important to note: it takes practice, and it may not be safe for everyone, especially if you have any issues with coordination or stability. Always use a handrail if one is available.
