iWalk 2.0 Arrives! Does it work for amputees? 

I know! I know what you can use! 😁 curved memory foam or a triangle shaped foam. You can have someone craft it for you or try looking at a medical supply place, or even bed bath and beyond sells a memory foam piece designed to go between your legs when you sleep, but I imagine you could use it to prop up your leg to stay off the bursa. I will try to PM you a photo. This will sound weird, BUT if you are near an upholsterer or someone that does marine cushions, they will have scraps you can use and would probably custom make a cushion for you. I have something that would work and I’m thinking I could just mail it to you! It would be easy enough to put Velcro on the cushion and on the crutch to help hold the cushion as well. I clearly am excited for you LOL

I bought this product shortly after I fractured my foot. I could not bear any weight on it for over a month and was petrified of falling on uncomfortable crutches. So this product was life changing. It took some getting used to but only because I have never NOT been able to walk properly. It worked well when I had to go up and down the many stairs in my home and my hands were free! I've been watching your videos and I'm rooting for you. You are an inspiration to all those who take the time to listen. I'm listening. Hoping you find a permanent solution as soon as possible.

I use lambs wool in my pointe shoes to cushion my toes! Maybe something similar to that in a little bag/enclosure?

I would suggest getting a piece of high density foam and cutting it to fit the contour of your leg while alleviating pressure on the bursa. It may be messy carving foam but I'm sure it will be worth it when you can walk comfortably. Make sure to splurge on a high quality foam that bounces back. It may seem expensive but if you use a cheap foam it will flatten within days. You may be able to find the foam at a sewing or crafting supply store. Then you would only have to buy the amount of foam you need. I hope this helps! Good luck 😊

I am wondering if you could buy one of those neck pillows that people use on airplanes and either cut it to cushion that sensitive spot on your leg or even just to use it as a cushion. I know they are super soft and comfy so thats just an idea. I am not sure if it would work if you put your leg in the spot where the neck normally goes?? I don't know I am sorry. I'll keep brainstorming ideas! ❤️

Jo, I am a below the knee amputee, but my surgeon amputated my leg about 4" below the knee and I don't have nearly as much as you do. I am also 6'6" tall and 66 years of age, so I can only use two of the straps, and have removed the one at the rear. I walk with a limp, as the bottom piece which goes to the footpad is a little short. I was once a certified TIG welder- fabricator in construction. Have thought about having a piece of round 6061 aluminum tubing turned down to the right wall thickness and drill holes in it, so it will fit into the bottom of the knee/leg pad, so I can get about 1/2" to 3/4" longer length. But I will tell you, I have a prosthetic leg that won't work at all for me, only because my knee won't lock straight out, to be able to put my weight on it, as there is so much severe pain when I try walking. And my cost for the prosthetic leg after insurance was right at $1,600, as compared to the newer iWalk 3.0 which included shipping, of around $175. Today I was in Walmart pushing a shopping cart, and a lady saw my iWalk and asked me all about it, and if I could tell her more about it. She gave me her number, and I sent her your RU-vid video, plus where could purchase direct from the company. Her mother is not able to wear a prosthetic either. She told me, this may be what they have been searching for, but didn't know about it until she saw me.

Great video, Jo! How about a fleece-lined rubber hot water bottle filled with some type of gel rather than water? One downside to this (if it works) that comes to mind is airport security when traveling. But as long as the bottle is empty when you go through security, it shouldn't be a problem.

spent a lot of dark days after my amputation...thank you Jo for being a bright light and sharing your positivity with everyone.

Makes me so happy to see you smile and be able to walk like this. Hope it works out for you.

‘You’ve a nice but’ 🤣 Get you a man like Jo’s man

One idea for making you more comfortable, foam from a fabric store. I used it with my scooter and walking boot for added comfort. Also, please be careful just wearing the sock on wood floors. It can be really slippery. I did it in a walking boot and went ass over teacups .

So many people already said it but a wedge of foam or cushion. Foam on the bottom, then a memory foam wedge on top. Glue together and cover with fabric. No need to sew. Make it like a No-sew Knot pillowcase. 👍

That is so cool! I’m so glad you have a way to increase your mobility while waiting for the bursa to be sorted out. The only thing I can think of to make it more comfortable would be to maybe substitute something like a gel-filled or foam/temperpedic cushion? It may just take trying different things to see what is most comfortable for you. ❤️

That’s so awesome to see you up and walking :) I hope this helps you have a little more mobility in-between now and your next surgery!

Your video was so awesome. I bought one and it arrives tomorrow. The next day I have surgery for a superficial peroneal nerve entrapment from a head-on collision. Your video gave me hope. Thank you

SO cool to see you walking again! And Brian's commentary is hilarious.

Something you should consider is cutting the back of it that way it doesn’t hurt you. My amputee friend recommended to me but my stump is way smaller than yours and i had more trouble with it. Glad you are trying new things.

I bought this product when I severed the tendon on my big toe by dropping a knife on it. Yeah, that's kinda me to a T. I have two girls (3 and 1) and this meant I could take them for walks (pushing a pram) which kept us all sane. It's still tricky up (and especially down) hills. I found that tightening the strap behind the knee really kept everything in place and I wore a sneaker on my good leg. My girls didn't let me sit still so I used this constantly and I did find that the foam flattened after about 3 weeks of near constant use which made it rub more. Tip to Brad would be to somehow sell replaceable foam for those who are using this long term. PS love the vid Jo, you make me smile.

I have one of these rn with my foot problems I would recommend tightening it as much as possible and making it just the right height so your hips and back dont hurt

If you get some cushion foam you could build layers and leave your tender spots open so you would have no rubbing or poking issue with some memory foam on top and make it sturdier where it is not tender and still allowing you to walk. I just found your channel or I would have said something like this before. Good luck on the search! You got this!

I’m definitely weirdly scared of adjusting metal things and pinching fingers Love that you have that and hope you find a way for it to work while waiting to get stuff going elsewise

You can buy a small bag of poly fill from the craft store and make yourself a little "pillow" out of a tube sock, or something appropriately sized that can hold the stuffing, to prop your leg so it'll take the pressure off the end. That would give you much more cushioning and hopefully help make this more comfortable.

Wow you dancing and walking around in it and smiling just made me feel so happy, and I feel like I have been going on this journey with you 😅 I am not disabled, but I have been watching your videos from day 1 and it just feels really good to see you up and moving. You look really happy (and if you are not, that’s ok, I don’t want you to feel like you need to fake it for this comment) but I just needed to say that 😊

You look happy! I am happy too! I needed a good news today!

I was also going to suggest lambs wool against the limb but also maybe a hunk of foam rubber or memory foam. It will sink a bit with the pressure but you can also prop something firmer underneath the foam and it will fill soft and have some give. You could build a bit of a wedge with firmer material and place the memory foam on top of the wedge that hold your limb from the base of the iWalk. Keep us posted on what you end up doing.

That's pretty cool. Unassisted steps. I'd love that. Just be careful in snow and wet. For the bursa site, I'd suggest memory foam. Make a cap to go over/around the end and double layer it on the bottom.

I honestly love that colour in your hair! (And I am also always scared to pinch my fingers 😂) I hope the Iwalk works for you! All the love from Winnipeg ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ugh watching you use your iWalk makes me wanna try it again when I get my amputation! I bought one this summer and tried it and reaaally didn't like it, I didn't trust it enough to walk with it, but maybe if I practiced more around the house I'd get the hang of it! Thanks for kicking me in the butt to give it a second chance!

You have been such an inspiration to me! Just seeing how you adapt to your amputation motivates me. I recently had right leg, hip and half my pelvis amputated. I had rare bone cancer. Still new to the amputee life. And very new to (hopefully) the cancer survivor life. RU-vid sites like yours help people like me. God bless you.

Not watched you for a while, you are still the best on you tube and hope I’m half as good as you when I have my surgery. Totally bricking it and scared despite watching your vlogs . Resigned to being in a wheelchair

My foot is broken currently. I had the same injury 10 years ago on my other foot and walked on crutches the whole time. It sucked having no use of hands and arms. I got my iwalk a week ago. Love it!! The physical therapist helped me adjust it properly. What I see with you is that the iwalk is a bit too high. Try to lower it a bit to match your other leg. Glad you found this product. With height adjustment and a squishy memory foam pad, you should do great with it! Best wishes👍😊💛

This is so cool! It kind of looks like a prosthetic leg that u can easily take off/on. Perfect for house use I'd say. A suggestion for u instead of the "super high tech pillow-case" is to use those neck pillows(?) that people use in the airplane. You can cut it in the right shape then sew the opening and voila! U could also go for a rolled up baby blanket, or a super soft/small pillow. Hope it helps!

It may be possible for you to use egg crate foam. Just cut and layer to your comfort!

Thanks Joe you my go to help learning to prosthetic user really feel i walk 2 would help my life current needs Blessings!!

A tiny rectangular pillow of some kind maybe...? Other people are saying foam that could work too. Also super scared to pinch my fingers! This is so cool! Great to watch you do the little dance :)

I’ve had my iwalk since 2011 or 2012 it’s the best tool especially when traveling or just get the mail

Your videos are motivation for me. Respect to you.

OMG! How wonderful! I’m not crying!

Hey Jo, When I used my iWalk I didn't use the back strap as I found that After a few steps it would slide back and wasn't doing anything and that may take off some pressure on your tender spot. Also I found that using the handle on the front helped me walk better and easier and it looks like you need to lower the height by one notch ?? I know that I walked better on mine when it looked like it was too short but it kept me from dragging it and tripping. Just a couple of thoughts. Good luck !

Ok my thought. Sew up a square/rectangle of fabric. If you filled with rice could be heating pad. But you could do a piece of foam and some stuffing. Make a tiny pillow for under there.

That is so cool, can't wait for the GoPro series! I think it would be really good for you to use it as well, documenting you trying new things or testing out new things you would like to try etc, showing people things through your eyes sort of. Brian lol ❤️

I think many of the comments are on the right track. Keep it simple. Buy 2 pieces of foam, one for a prototype (and mistakes) and one for the money piece. Use an electric carving knife and remove anything that hits the touchy bits. Try to not use more foam than you have to so it doesn't get too hot and can breath. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

I really love @Ms Stagestauma's suggestion with the memory foam. That may take some time to get done so my quick fix would be to buy one of those SUPER SOFT Sherpa(? not sure if thats the name of the material, but im sure youll know what im talking about) that they sell like at WalMart and Target for like nine dollars. They even makes socks out of it now and they are THE softest thing i have ever felt! (Besides my cat Care Bear! Lol's.) Hope one of these helps and that looks sooooooo cool! I too have been on and off crutches for 25+ years and debating amputation myself and I am extremely grateful to your channel for your honesty and no b.s. communications about the truths about not only making the decision, but also the truth about the gains, set-back, and emotional roller-coaster this can be. Sadly, unlike you, I have NO family and no friends in my new small town since I've just moved to the willy-wacks of Maine. Yea, I know, very bad choice of states to pick! Lol's. Doing research now to where I might move that's a bit warmer, the people friendlier, not in-bred, and have more than a sixth-grade education! Maine IS beautiful but boy, if people only knew the truth about living here instead of the fantasy the state promotes! SOOOOOO excited for you and I can just see you now whizzing around the apartment and town! Oh! I almost moved to Grand Junction but freaked out since I didn't know anyone and it was such a looking move for such an old lady...I'm 61 and on my own and now its a lot harder to move with no help from anyone. Look forward to seeing you getting around! Pets and hugs to the rats, dogs, and cat! I have all of them too but lost my rat last year and now have a white dove instead! Lol's. Take care. Love, Grannie Annie from Maine.

You smile and laugh a lot in your videos, but it's always nice to see actual happy on your face.

Yay!!! Awesome! I’m thinking there has to be some kind of foam rubber or memory foam that you can buy and cut to fit that area, so that it is much softer on that point of impact where needed. Good luck my friend! #FabulosFootlessJo 👟🚫❤️

That's so awesome I just had a bka done on Wednesday and just the few days I've used crutches sucks and a knee scooter seems good but not practical so this is awesome and I'll be looking in to getting one. Thank you I watch your videos all the time its prepared me so much for my procedure and what to expect and for after your amazing and again thank you for your videos.

I love this video! So glad that you love the iWALK!

Try using a sheepskin seatbelt cover for padding the strap at the back of the knee. Maybe get someone to cutoff and shorten the length of the part that rubs so you don't have to put that padding that raises the angle

brians comments at the end are the best!!!!!!

Suggestions try using a soft plush blanket! Like a fluffy soft blanket EDIT: GASP I GOT A HEART FROM MY FAV RU-vidR

I have been using crutches off and on since the early 70's. That is very very cool. One thing I noticed: The length looks a bit long for you. Maybe get your prothetist to adjust it for you. You need to have the length exactly right or it will throw your balance off and kill your back. It was a problem for me growing up, because my left leg was getting longer and my right leg wasn't. At one point I was going to the prothetist ever few weeks. By the time I needed a new leg (after only about a year) I had hove an inch added to me fake leg.

so cool! you could try one of those heated bags filled with seeds (?), the ones you can use for cramps or muscle pain, and just not heat it up. they dont seem painful to bear your weight on

This made my heart so happy ❤️ I'm so glad that even if you have to finagle it, this can give you more freedom

It makes me so happy to see such a seemingly small thing make someone so happy

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this but I noticed you have some hardwood floors in your house. So be cautious of any wet spots and be especially careful on your bathroom floor after you or your hubby has taken a hot steamy shower. The Iwalk can slip on these damp/wet surfaces very easily. Since you have no feeling in your Iwalk foot, your reaction time to a slip can be delayed by a few milliseconds, and that time, although minimal, can make recovery from the fall less likely and/or any injuries from the fall worse. Have fun but be cautious,

Jo, Your prosthetist should be able to help you make an appropriate padding to protect your bursa, etc. A piece of Pelite or KeasyCone or similar heat moldable dense foam shaped to fit your knee and upper shin/tibia could be much more comfortable. Your prosthetist could even cast your knee and shin to make a mold to thermoform a shaped support. Great to see you hands free. Now, you can decorate it to fit your personal style. Keep smiling.

take the sleeve of an old shirt, sew it shut on one end, stuff till it feels right, sew the other end. super simple custom mini pillow. hugs love

I am so happy for you that you tried this out and made such a great experience!

U look so happy 😊 i love seeing u smiling like this! Please let a doctor control wheather the movement is good for your hips.

you could make a piece of fabric that has the full lengt of the suportive bottom port of the iwalk. than make holes in the areas where you have the most pain. that way there is less presure on the painfull parts and more on the "good" parts of your limb. I hope this helps, goodluck !

Egg crate material is super cheap and very nice for cushioning and supporting the body. Maybe buy a piece and cut it down, to what you need. I prefer that for my back support over memory foam. Holds its shape better and still cushions, just right.

I would try a piece of high density foam personally - you can sculpt it to be exactly the shape you need and it won't be too solid. Downside is you'd need to change it every so often as it gets compressed though

Omg I love your hair!!!!

I feel a neck pillow made out of memory foam could possibly help if it fits. I use memory foam from a neck pillow that i pulled apart when i am on crutches on and off so it might work for that as well!

Maybe you could use a triangle formed piece of sort of foam with the "small" end at your knee and the bigger end stopping just before the party where it hurts, just so that the distribution is a bit more even than just a roll right before the hurting part :)

So cute! Glad to see you dance! Glad to know I’m not the only one afraid of those metal pinchers😬

That's so ace Jo! Very happy for you. Like others have said memory foam might be your best bet, keeping the pad slim so it doesn't pinch at the sides will probably make it more comfortable. An inch or so thick should do nicely and you won't need a very large piece just to prop your leg up a little 🙌

I know moleskin helps with rubbing- I used it for my leg braces as a kid...idk about padding tho- maybe a bit of really soft spongy foam to cradle it? Or a few layers of really soft micro plush blanket with some memory foam type padding? Hope something works out till you get your prosthetic!:)

Fleece or sheep skin

Memory foam will work a lot better then the shirt. I used a memory foam pillow i cut up for my harness. It works great.

I had to watch the end a few times! That smile on your face, says it all! I really hope that you are able to make this more comfortable for you. I have never seen this crutch device before. Someone was very clever. Keep that smile, it looks so good on you! I love your personality and you have a really nice and supportive husband. Having that is very important and it's so lovely to see! You two are super adorable together too. 😘💖

724 Likes to ONE dislike.....you're killing it JO!

Hello Jo I have a couple suggestions for you to pad with-Medical supply should have sheepskin pads they use to prevent bedsores and they are washable. Maybe Ebay? Also check either a music guitar store or gun shop for grey foam padding used to line inside of hard travel cases-can be custom cut to your needs and is padded to protect expensive guitars and guns during transport. I am also a double foot amputee (trans-metatarsal) but still walking for now! Hope these ideas help you on your journey of life. Best Wishes Always-James.

I want to see the sequel !!!!! This looks AMAZING for indoor use. You have not been walking like that for a long time... :-) I would also get stuck at the towel idea, so I hope more advanced technical people (People 2.0 ;-) ) will be able to give you some ideas. I'm excited about this :-)

I would try either a piece of anti-fatigue work-mat cut to raise your knee, or you might be able to find a kneeling pad in the garden center or even dollar tree.

Really reminds me of, Amputee OT. I'm pretty sure she tried something similar, if not the same thing. Looks really cool.

first video that i watched of you and i loved it. keep up the great work

Maybe go to a craft store and get a piece of memory foam or some kind of foam? If you have Joann fabrics near you they sell foam for making cushions and such that you could cut down and form to what you need.

Very cool design. Never seen one before.

Excellent, you walked like fish in the water!! :D

Super!Cool! Maybe with a piece of memory foam

Jo I told you this is a game changer!!! I'm so happy for you and hope you get the kinks worked out!

Woah im so happy to follow your story. Watching you walking with iwalk made me genuinely smiling ^^ I hope to see you dancing more soon :D All best wishes

How about a piece of memory foam it would help cushion and support

I agree with the memory foam option !!! It’ll be great as will mould to your leg, plus I’m pretty sure you can pick it up at a reasonable price on amazon and crafty places . Hope it all works out . Good luck beaut 💕 xx

I don't have the $150 to take a gamble if this works (I don't trust my balance in my right lower leg anymore so I'm glued to my walker) but this is awesome! Just imagine something as simple as breaking your leg, you could walk as long as the break is below the knee or complicated cases like yours! Whoever thought ofthis better be rich by now!

I love this video! Did you find a more comfortable solution? Could you maybe try a longer piece of foam? X

Hi Footless Jo, I also have an iwalk2.0 and right below my knee a cartilage bone that hurt like hell when weight is put on it. My resolution is using a (hot and cold ice pack that has a strap) since it is gel-like it conforms to the body without adding pressure. P.S. I'm a big guy and this work for me, I figure it will be a cakewalk for you. good luck

I use soft foam. I place it on my knee then gently wrap my knee with an ace bandage. That way whatever my knee comes into contact with, the foam is already there!

My girlfriend bought me an iWalk 2.0 that arrived a few days ago on 8/11/2020. After watching this video, I was thinking that a piece of closed cell foam padding would work. I’ve got a stack of them for padding a floor for Tai Chi and Yoga that I could use if I run into a similar situation while I’m healing from my surgery.

I was going to say memory foam, but someone already did. I was also thinking that maybe you could like, take a saw, and remove part of the plastic part, that your residual limb sits on, since you don't have your foot hanging off the back.

Thanks for review was considering this but wasnt sure it going to take awhile before i get wheel chair and im just getting to the point i can wear shaping sock so thanks

Sherling/sheepskin. Or egg crate foam. Either may work to cushion. Talk to an Occupational Therapist or your Prosthetic tech about creating a different shape to cup your leg.

You might try hitting up a local mattress factory/mattress store that manufactures their own beds. They might have lots of foam scraps for you.

U can get an xtra cusion then shave some of the foam away for more room. I have one but waiting for doc to say ok to put pressure on my limb.

You could use a block of foam or if you know someone or can sew you could make a tiny pillow

Memory gel of some kind. Start with a kitchen mat to see if it forms. Pool noodles.

I'm so happy that it works for you, meanwhile I'm gonna put my creative brain on and try to figure out a way to make it more comfortable!

Just seeing this, so maybe you came up with a solution. Everyone seems to be suggesting adding something. What about removing some of the foam padding in the areas you experience pressure? I removed a small square from my iWalk where the valve on my orthopedic boots sits (kneeling on the valve really hurts...)

OMG I need one of those!!!! And I LOVE the movie Hitch!!! Fantastic Rom-Com movie. ❤️❤️❤️