I think some people have just never really thought about how legs work and how complicated they are and how many steps a day you take. Some people have thought about it due to sports or just an interest in how bodies work or because they had an injury that forced them to think about it. And then it's obvious how extremely limited the iwalk thing is compared to a prosthetic leg. It's just meant to be an improvement on a crutch.
@Joe Kinchicken Quite right. People in the past only spent money on far more necessary things...like sports cars...and fancy clothes...and jewelry... Really, wanting to walk sustainably without pain is just frivolous.
That’s like why get a car when a tricycle will get you around. I’m an amputee (9.5 years) no feeling like driving that prosthesis. iwalk is just that a crutch. I was blessed with an easy transition from amputation to prosthetic. You are spot on, one does NOT just dawn it and go. It’s a process. The first time I got up without thinking and went and got my coffee in the kitchen.. I cried like a blubbering baby. Look no cane or aid, just me and my 🦵. Now I put it on in the morning wear it all day. Don’t even really think about it. Hate those days when there is a hiccup and I have go without the leg for one reason or other. I am not extraordinary ::: just extraordinarily ordinary. Approaching 70. Praying your trials will end soon and you will be walking and smiling. Take care of that Knee!!!
Gay Preator , I'm a BKA of 8 years. It was a year before I was able to use a prosthetic. Just got a new foot / ankle with a microprocessor. So much more range of motion, it's great.
It's been hard for me 3 prosthetics. And none of them fit. They're always too small. So I decided to take my first socket and cut a slot in it. Then rivet sinch straps on the inside. Then I can pull them tight on the outside. Just waiting for my straps to arrive from temu.
The i walk is for temporary recovery. It's not for forever use. You nailed it on the head. I walk was amazing for me, but it was a temporary broken foot and sprained ankle. For you, I can see the problem. Love you😀😀😥😢
ZGX maybe because the market for it is not as big as the market for new cars which is huge, so they are not produced in such quantities and their production costs are way higher, also they don’t have as many competitors as a car brand.
@b consilo, I think humor is a great way of coping and dealing with life, so personally (and this is just me), I like t when people joke with me. It keeps my head in the right place and helps me!
@@bconsilio3764 it was my genuine first reaction though. i heard it and thought: me? before i understood she actually misspoke. i would also not have made this joke if english wasn't her first language or if i knew she had any problems with speech that she doesn't like being pointed out.
One thing I’d recommend to help ease the pain in your hips and knee is to try and float in a pool. The cool water surrounds you and eases muscle aches, helps with swelling, and takes the weight off your knee and hips. I did it a few weeks ago and it felt amazing. I’ve been having issues with my hips and spine because my limb is shrinking fairly quickly so my leg will fit for a few weeks then as I sink down into it the height difference pushes my hips out of proper alignment and causes issues in my back.
Thank you for taking so frankly about chronic pain and your journey. I have EDS, am legally blind in my left eye and being followed because at 33 I very likely need a hip replacement. It's so hard to live your life to the fullest when you're waiting for your body to cooperate.
It IS so hard to live your life when your body won’t cooperate...that is a constant struggle. I hear you. 💜 I’m so sorry for all the crap you are facing!
I lost my right leg 4" below the knee 42 years ago. I had a heck of a time getting fitted with a comfortable prosthetic due to nerve issues in my stump. I probably have 6-8 prosthetic legs in my closet that I used over the years. Each an improvement over the one I was using. The prosthetic I use now is a Tech socket that is real comfortable to use.
I really like that you're so damn genuine, positive, humorous but still serious about all the stuff you deal with. I've worked with some amputees before and I wish I had known someone like you to show as an example of how it's possible to get through all this. You're taking your situation with so much humor, but you still don't play it down. You're honest about the things that really suck but you also appreciate that not everything is "the end of the world". Thank you so much for uploading these videos. I really hope that the next surgery goes well and that the dream of utilizing a proper prosthetic leg comes true, you certainly deserve it!
I can identify, and you explain it so accurately. I used my I-Walk after my amputation, and it was worth it's weight in gold to me. But constant use was starting to take a toll and I was on it for a much less time than you have been on yours. Describing it as a "tool" is exactly right, and it is not meant to be a long-term tool. Even a prosthetic leg, also a 'tool', has it's usage limitations.Today, 5 years later, I'm fortunate enough to have 2 prosthetic legs (1 EV, 1 pin-lock), and I often switch between them to give my residual limb (and body) a break from some of the abnormal stresses which each leg exerts a bit differently. And oh yes, I do still have my I-Walk handy just in case... I also had a lengthy time recovering before I got my leg so I know the frustration you feel. The one thing I can say to maybe boost your hope is that after all this, when you finally get your mobility freedom back, it's going to taste just that much sweeter!
Have you considered getting a wheelchair as an alternative for days where the iWalk just hurts too much and you need to cover distances that are too long for regular crutches? It could be something even once you get to where you hopefully can use a prosthetic but have temporary issues or just need a break due to fatigue or dizziness or discomfort. A wheelchair really isn’t a failure, it’s a way to fight back and gain mobility again. I have all my natural limbs but use a wheelchair for little over 6 years now due to the effects of my EDS, and it truly gave me my mobility back and without putting the strain on my body that crutches did. Another bonus is that you always have a comfy seat with you instead of having to sit on uncomfortable chairs and benches lol
that is actually something I might consider - I previously was like “nah I’m fine! I’ll be walking soon!” After my amputation, but with all of this, I’m thinking it might be smart. It wouldn’t definitely open up possibilities that this doesn’t. Thanks for sharing your story and for the great suggestion!
Rey I totally agree, it took my ages to see that a decent wheelchair can really make daily living easier. I used to dread using it. After I had gotten my head around that, I could finally see how much easier it made my daily life. Over in the UK Doctor’s prefer amputees using a wheelchair when they’re not wearing their prosthetics, as this takes the strain off the ‘good’ leg meaning less ankle, knee, hip and spine complications or surgeries. I know that you’re home isn’t wheelchair friendly but I would still recommend it for when your going out to work, shopping etc. I would go for a lightweight active wheelchair with a slightly lower back as these can fit through most doorways. 🤗🤗
It really can save your body from uneven strain, give relief when having bad day or just be a nice alternative for mobility, and in a way it’s handsfree as well as you can put stuff on your lap lol I do think it could help you a lot by saving your good leg and your knee, and give you some relief from the bad gait that the iWalk gives, all while having access to a bit more mobility while healing. It could be something for example to use the iWalk around the house but a chair while doing groceries and such up until you can wear a prosthetic leg for longer times and can handle walking with it. But what is really important is to get a lightweight wheelchair that is custom fitted for you, it’s not cheap but insurance should cover one based on your dizziness and the fact you’re an amputee that may not always be able to walk since even a well fitted prosthetic leg can cause issues from time to time. As odd as it may sound, my wheelchair has never limited me and actually opened a whole new world to me with new friends and new interests, things that wouldn’t have come into my life if I had kept insisting on trying to walk all the time and continued ruining my shoulders with crutches, and risk falling a lot. I do walk some still, but it’s mainly at home or within a regular size apartment where it’s short distances and usually a wall nearby to catch me if I lose my balance or get a dizzy spell, or something just simply pops out of place a bit...
Watching your videos I now realize how ignorant I was on this whole issue. I thought that if/when someone lost a limb they just simply got a prosthetic limb and off they went. I know, that sounds stupid, but I just didn’t understand. I now understand how big a struggle it is. Thank you for opening my eyes to this and to be more understanding. And not park in the handicap parking spots and not to judge those who do. Thanks again
I have two screws an two plates in both of my feet due to the bones in my feet growing wrong. I have pain every day. A year ago three months after my last surgery I dropped a 50 pound skid on my foot my first day back to work. I pushed a screw out of my foot. I had another surgery an its led to constant pain. In my left foot. Trying to decided what I should do next is hard I'm 19 all I want is to walk without pain or limping everyday. I'm so happy I found your videos they have showed me so much. An it might take a while but I know I'll get there. You are an inspiration to so many including myself .
Thank you for making these informational videos. It is amazing to me that you are putting these out there as you are going through what must be an exhausting and painful process. You have helped so many learn so much. Thank you!
EMagnificent not being normal has a negative sense to it like if this person doesn’t have something that the rest of people do it’s bad but saying hey the majority of people have this but there are a lot of people who dont is just a better mindset to be in especially when you really are just a human like everyone else
Wow this is amazing! I’m overjoyed to have found your channel! Finally! Somebody dealing with similar ankle and pain issues as me! I found this video when researching prosthetic legs. I’m now recovering from my 7th surgery on my left ankle. This latest one was a sub-talar fusion and the second artificial ankle joint - a crummy podiatrist surgeon jacked up my first artificial joint. I’m in such pain that I really think an amputation is in my future. I pray no, but in my heart I know where this is headed. In the meantime I might look in to getting an I-walk. I’m going to have to research your earlier videos to see what happened to your ankle originally. I messed mine up in the Marine Corps. Be well and keep up the good fight!! 🤙🏻🙏🏻
Oh my goodness everything you are saying resonates with me so strongly. I had a car accident two years ago and my calcaneous was crushed, and my foot was “degloved” , among other things. I have very frequently wished that had just cut my foot off at the time rather than dealing with a foot that is painful and doesn’t work well most of the time. My most recent surgery was a fusion surgery. My pervious impression was that you just pop on a prosthetic and go. I am intentionally oversimplifying, but I have always just thought if they had cut my foot off I could mostly have gotten on with my life. I am rambling, but I just wanted to say thank you. You have opened my eyes.
I am a RBKA lost my leg in 2018. I have been through 3 prosthetic legs. My issues were skin breakdown so you make a very valid point. You are doing the right things. Keep in mind your stump will change shape and it's back to casting again. I rely on a wheelchair when my prosthetic leg causes me pain after 5 to 6 hours of use. I wish you the best of luck. 😀
I know what it's like to not have a knee that flexes, as I tore my hamstring and had to wear a knee brace that held my leg straight. My hip was not happy. Btw, I love your videos! You are so encouraging and amazing.
I am a new prosthetic user and I understand. I wish you all the luck in the world healing and moving on to the next phase of your life. After surgery, and various devices to include the I Walk, it was my new prosthetic that gave me the freedom to move toward independence again. Good luck and God Bless.
About that shirt... As a kid I had a bad case of LCP in my left hip; the best tool available at the time seemed to be a large metal & leather brace to hold my leg immobile. It had a big belt that went around my waist and a couple of straps on the leg, ending with a heavy shoe; I had to wear something like a Frankenstein boot on my other leg just to stand level. Of all the less-than-wonderful things I remember about that brace, what stands out the most clearly and still pops up in dreams-- over 50 years later -- is the look on other people's faces whenever I clomped around in public. I've found my own "happy face" since then, I'm glad you were able to add one to the shirt. :-)
I used an I Walk for 8 months(until May.) and I totally understand what you are saying!! I really hope everything goes well with your next surgery and you can get your prosthetic soon! You are incredible. ❤️
Below knee amputee here with serious skin issues and can't use prosthesis right now. Didn't know about the iwalk. Thank you sooooo much. Gonna order one.
I like you because even if something not so good you are still so happy and you have so motivation that everything is going to se ok and the fact that you are so happy makes me fell that every thing has a solution you just have to make the right option.
I have severe nerve damage in one ankle following more sprains, tears, and rolls than I can remember. I'm thankful meds work (for the most part) but surgery could be in my future and watching your videos has helped me get a perspective on what my future might be. Thank you for your honesty and (in reference to your 10 things no one told you before surgery video) I find it inspiring when you share the hardness and setbacks just as inspiring as the good things. From the first shot of using the iWalk I was wincing, rather reminiscent of Terry Fox's running hop in the Marathon of Hope. Thank you for your patient explanations, I hope it helps ones who don't experience lower limb mobility issues understand what we go through. For me my left shoulder suffers daily from the injuries to my right ankle because my body learned to compensate in a weird way. I did not realize this for over a year, it then took (and is taking) years to relearn how to walk/sit/work. The sooner we can get our bodies behaving as normally as possible the sooner we can have as good a quality of life as possible! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for being so positive and educating us with each video. I wish the best for you and your family. I know everything will get better for you! Hang in there! Sending lots of love!
Hi Jo, I really liked this video it was nice to see someone explain that even though a person can look like they walk "normally" or that they get around okay it actually can cause a lot of pain and imbalance in the body. I have that same issue, I'm not an amputee but I do use a walking stick most of the time and have to shift all the weight I should be putting onto my leg onto my arm which really has hurt my wrist and shoulder (even though I use my stick correctly). So when friends and family ask me why somedays I have to be in my wheelchair and not use my stick it's because my arm hurts or even my opposite leg hurts from taking a lot of strain, a lot them find this a bit difficult to understand sometimes,it's nice to find someone that does. Thanks for the video :)
Exactly! I feel you on that...our bodies are “meant” (or function best) when they are in alignment and when parts are being used for what they were built for. When we start leaning on different parts of our bodies, joints, etc., for things they weren’t designed for, like my knee and your arm, problems start to pop up. It’s funny how “normal” things can look and yet how much that can not be the case.
This is such a great take. I didn't even realize before you said smthn, but I've had ppl ask me why I don't use a wheelchair or crutches... Well I have chronic pain, but I also have chronic fatigue. Wheelchair will not give back energy is apparently a hard thing to grasp. It's like ppl don't believe I don't have energy bc I won't do the thing that will cost energy...
In gender studies classes, my professors tend to use "able bodied" to replace "normal" I don't know if that helps, or works for you, but that has been my college experience (:
Sociology, actually. I study society and work towards solutions to structural problems. Example: Investigating how to prevent town flooding rather than spending the same money and energy helping with recovery from a single flood. Gender is an intersectionality just like race, religion, and sexuality. Believe it or not, all of those categories are a part of social change, including my flood example. People who major in gender studies often do work in researching heteronormative social structures. It can also be implemented very well into medicine and social work.
@@lizkimber thank you. I am dealing with a failed ankle replacement so my foot hurts 24/7. Going Wednesday to get the proceedings started for my amputation
hi Jo...I bumped into your channel and am smitten by your positivity... I have subscribed to you and watched quite a few of your videos... you are in my prayers and am sure with this kind of positivity and energy, I'll soon find you running. all the very best dear... stay blessed
Thank you so much for that! It explained things so well. I only have a broken foot, so my use of the iwalk is temporary, but I am definitely feeling all of those issues that you mentioned with it. I am SO glad to have it because it's the only way I've been able to cook dinner or do dishes or anything in my "normal" routine, but I can't do everything because I can only wear it for so long at a time before my knee feels strained. I CAN do any of several things around the house, but I can't do ALL of them so I have to pick and choose which ones are important because I have a limited amount of time I can be in the iwalk. And yes, I think carefully about if I really need to get up and strap it on and try not to sit down until I'm ready to do so for at least several minutes. :) The website makes it sound like you'll be fully functional and you can walk "normally" but it is definitely straining my knee and my lower back and hips. I got some extra padding from my orthopedist to put under my knee and am using a little towel too. BUT again, like you said I am so glad for the tool that it is because it has made a huge difference in my recovery experience! I hope you do get surgery soon and that your dream of a prosthetic leg is realized!!!
Thank you, this is such a great informational video. Not just about the iwalk and prosthetic leg, but about why not being able to walk with a normal gate can harm many joints.
My buddy whose a former paralympian runner that plays wheelchair sports with myself and others is an amp since he was little. He has a sweet leg from this company out here near Bostonthat had a chip in it and can walk nice and fluidly heel to toe etc. Keep kicking ass. 🤘✌
I don't know why you showed up on my "youtube", but having said that, you have a good attitude. I've watched some. I understand why you want a prostheses. I won't "not interested in you." Keep living. We are only here for a short time.
I thought yesterday you might be hurting in your hips. There's a noticable difference in your range of motion from your right leg to your left leg. Thankfully you are young and you will still be young when you get through this and get into your prosthetic. You will bounce back, especially considering how active you are. I just hope that day comes really soon! Im hoping and praying for you all the way. I know you will get through this, and I know it won't be easy. But I'll be here for sure.
I'm so surprised that you don't have over 1 million subscribers. You a such a good RU-vidr and so passionate about RU-vid I hope you will grow. Love your videos and keep up the great work!
Jo, when you started to talk about knee pain/problems i really felt that 😔 i myself have problems with my knees and all joins in general that really get in a way of everyday life even though im only 18 years old and have those issues for past 5 years or so and the biggest problem is that there's not much that i can do about it I've been to tons of different doctors and tried a lot of different creams and other stuff and nth really helped me and the only option that has left is to try do operation on my knees and maybe it would help but at this young age i really don't want to start operating my joints because im scared of what will happen later in life with it when I'll get older😔 sometimes it really makes me feel frustrated but your videos always makes me feel better and draws a smile on my face so i would really want to thank you for bringing some happyness to my life♥️
Dalia Hi there! Im not sure you’ll ever see this but I just came across your comment and i was so shocked because im going through something similar. Two years ago I injured my right knee and when i went to the hospital but the doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with it and the x-rays showed that everything was okay. But i still couldn’t walk. 2 years later (now being 18 years old) i still cant walk and my other knee is having the same problems as the right one. I’ve seen (and still see) countless doctors and none of them can help me or diagnose me
Totally off topic but your voice is soo beautiful and I love hearing you talk. On topic, I wish you all the strength in the world to keep fighting for your goal, you are an amazing person.
Thank you. Your optimism is contagious. I have AVN Avascular necrosis on my left ankle I was thinking of fussing my foot, but the surgeon gave me another option, to get a new talus bone instead of fusion. But I told my kids that if I was going to be in severe pain I would choose to amputate my ankle. But your information are a great help thank you.
I won Jo drawing for iWalk, it works greats to get around the house, but it's still not ideal, you don't have a moving knee, for me those are the positive and negative of it, still I'm really happy to have one, thank you again for all you do here, helps me a lot.
It never ceases to amaze me people's ignorance and their constant insistence that THEY know better about YOUR current situation. I'm in the process now of learning to walk with my bk prosthesis. My amputation was about 4 months ago and I still can't walk or wear my prosthesis for longer than short bursts. It's truly a process and nothing like what we read or hear about. So trust me when I say, I can only imagine what you're going through. Much success in the future and know that you're not alone...I can't wait till I'm over this bump 🤦🏽♀️
I look at how that works and imagine how many tasks you must have learned to adjust for - or not to do. I've used crutch type things with my disability and imagine all the tasks I couldn't do with the iWalk or with a forearm crutch. If people knew the things crutch users learn NOT to do in order to LOOK so adept, they'd be amazed! Thank you for sharing your experience.
I love that you answered this question, though the answer is pretty obvious to many of us... love you and your videos. I'm not dealing with the same issues, but your videos make me calmer about my own.
You should not have to explain yourself. Your life, you foot. I've watched you walk with the iWalk and am amazed how well you can walk with it. It shows you have incredible balance and grace. Instead of using "normal", I usually use the words "Average" or "Typical."
I'm not an amputee but I still think that you should take as long as you feel you need. Don't listen to what people tell you about how you should just get a prosthetic leg... that's for you to decide on your own... here's to you getting to where you want to get to! Keep going FootlessJo!
Agreed. Iwalk creates an assisted gate. It’s heavy. My arthritic knee can’t talk it for long and my fused lower back hates it. It makes things in the kitchen easier than on a scooter or crutches, but it’s not ideal. It’s a relief to remove it.
I also have a fused ankle since age 16 (broken at age 14). Now I’m facing amputation due to cancer in that ankle. Your videos have been very helpful. Thank you.
I really hope the best for you! I'm an amputee as of July 11th of last year in an auto accident. Breaks failed, airbags didnt deploy and my car started on fire. I was in really bad shape and should have died. Luckily auto took care of my knee because it's well over 20k. I'll make sure I watch more videos of yours!
I appreciate your honesty and wish you all the best as you progress. The first video I saw of you was when you went back to where it happened. I had not seen the I walk before and wanted to understand it. I have now subbed as well.
Jo, Enjoy your videos been following from early on. You where looking for word to replace "Normal" in special education we use word or pharse"typica.l" you could say " I walk like a typical person with a prosthetic leg" just a suggestion. Keep up the good fight .
I think prosthetic technology is amazing and has come sooo freaking far from where it used to be just a few years ago! I do soooo hope you get to wear one in the near future!!!
You are a fighter and have a great attitude, and you are a real special person. God’s Love just radiates from you. I will pray for you. Your parents are blessed to have a daughter like you too! Phil Lock
I feel for you. With me, in my life, I am a tight wad when it comes to spending but I also am a HUGE proponent of spending huge money on quality of life. If in your situation, I might live in a shack and drive a 20 year old car with no floor but I damn sure would spend every nickel I could beg, borrow, or steal (Okay, not steal, not a thief) to maximize my mobility and minimize my pain.
I totally understand. I am a paraplegic and I get asked all the time why I would pay $3000-5000 for a fitted chair when I could get a hospital type chair for around $250. The fitted chair fits me perfectly as it is made to my specifications. Also, a fitted chair allows me to be completely independent. I live on my own and I do not have any caregiver....I do everything myself. If I used a hospital type chair it would limit my mobility. I load my own chair into my vehicle which has hand controls. My chair is built with lighter weight materials. Hospital chairs are bulky, heavy and if you are on rough terrain you would have to have help. The word disabled is a word society uses to describe someone like me, however even though I understand that is the correct word, it’s just not how I see myself. To me a disability is just something I have, it does not define me and therefore I want my chair to allow me to be who I truly am instead of limiting what I can do. People just don’t understand so I always take the time to explain and educate them...thank you for sharing!
Hey Jo, I wanted to say hello and you are an amazing woman. I also wanted to say that as a woman you have worn high heels in your life and know how after walking in them for even short periods of time they would hurt your feet. I know this because I am forever giving my GF foot rubs after she's been in those things. So use that as a guide for how long your body can tolerate wearing a prosthetic leg. I'd think your spouse would rather push you around in a wheelchair once in awhile to allow you a breather from damaging any more of your retained limb.
i used the older model iwalk about 4 years ago after ankle surgery to fix my messed up stretched out ligaments. There was a learning curve, but I loved it and so much better then crutches for going up stairs. I was lucky there was a place by me that rented it to me for free. I was not looking forward to crutches because I already have enough issues with balancing, and struggle to use regular crutches.
Cameo from sunshine! 😂 heaps of people were telling me to get an electric wheelchair instead of a manual one. And when I said no because I need to use my arms as much as possible to try prevent neuropathy in my hands and arms but they would go “ but you might need it in the future”. My aim is to get better not worse
I TOTALY understand. When I have my foot surgery next month, I'll be on a knee scooter for about six weeks so I can get around without painful crutches. I love that I'll be able to just wheel around, but after a month or so, my knee starts to hurt and I have to avoid bumps, my left foot starts to hurt from pushing myself around and my legs starts to hurt from flexing and keeping myself upright. I'm going to try to make a pad for my knee for this time around but I 100% get where you're coming from. I hope your pain goes away/gets better soon :)
This reminded me of one of the most typical engineering solutions I have ever seen. It was one of the most advanced knee prosthetics made that had a full computerised ankle and knee joint and it was just bolted to an iWalk that had the original support cut off. I love engineering!
Great post Jo! The way you’re walking with the iwalk is the very same way that Above Knee Amputees have to, in order to make the prosthetic work properly. Hip flexors and back muscles have to work harder which leads to pain and contractures within those muscle groups. Which then puts a lot of pressure on the joints and spine too. So I can see why you’re wanting to limit the iwalk use. Have to say that I’m so impressed at how you use it as you make it look so natural. It’s gutting that you now have to have yet another surgery, on top of the many you’ve already had. I will be keeping everything crossed for your revision surgery so you finally get to enjoy wearing ‘sunshine’ again and to be able to put it thru it’s paces. I’ve seen what that foot can do so I know you will enjoy 😉 wishing you the very best and sending 🤗🤗
Wish I knew about the I-Walk before I saw your videos, I go dancing with two crutches and one leg and didn't knew any better 😊 wishing you a speedy recovery and a better fitted prosthetic. Also, if your prosthetic specialist isn't making a good leg, find another.
Below knee amputee here. I just ordered my my first iwalk. Super stoked to get it for those days when skin issues keep me from wearing my full prosthesis.
I’m a right leg below the knee amputate. Lost my leg May 2021. Enjoyed the video and I’m thinking of ordering the iwalk til I can get fitted for my prosthetic leg. Looks like you have more freedom with it than using walker or crutches. Thanks for the video
Jo, I was very lucky and was able to wear my prosthetic legs almost from the get go. The Iwalk looks like it would be very painful after some time of use. Also, it appears to really alter your gait and make your back and hip really painful. Good luck.
First thing with the iWalk is it wouldn't be at all difficult to make custom fit silicone pads so the weight is spread completely uniformly instead of having higher pressure points where the pad is compressed more. It'd be a process similar to making the cast for a prosthetic but with your knee bent. Take the bent knee cast, slice the bottom face off, mount it into a mold box where the opposite side is the shape of that part of the iWalk. Pour in RTV silicone and let it cure. There's your custom fit pad. A variable durometer pad could be made with inserts for the mold box to first cast a thin, softer layer against the knee cast, then pull that out to replace with a thinner insert to cast a stiffer silicone. Then take that insert out to cast the stiffest silicone for the final shape. The pad would provide softness to cushion the force while unlike a single firmness foam it wouldn't allow too much compression. Gluing layers of various densities of flat foam together can approximate this but there's still the problem of pressure points on the knee. A hybrid design could combine flat foam with a custom cast liner. I've been doing molding and casting in various materials (plaster and ceramic, fiberglass, silicone and urethane resin) since I was a kid. My family owned a ceramics business and in the 70's was one of the largest producers of greenware (unfired slip cast pottery) in the Pacific Northwest. We had 1000+ plaster molds, bought from other companies and ones we made. I learned how to make plaster molds for that, and the techniques have carried over to fiberglass and silicone. With a small body part casting kit, a bunch of corrugated cardboard, a hot glue gun, clear packing tape, an iWalk crutch, and 3 or 4 durometer varieties of RTV silicone I'd have everything needed to make a custom multi-durometer knee pad. That would be for a one-off job. Making reusable mold parts would require fancier materials but the end result for the pad would be the same. I've been doing the silicone and resin casting for a bit over 20 years and during that time I've developed techniques that reduced cost and time and difficulty of making molds. As for the rest of the iWalk, it's simple, which aids it being inexpensive, but it's also very bulky. As a middle ground between it and an expensive prosthetic I'd use low temperature thermoplastic to custom form an upper part that's molded to the front of the thigh. Another improvement could be some knee flexion by having the upper end of the lower part in a U shape that pivots up beside the knee. I have an idea for a simple way to make it able to bend when it's lifted then lock when weight is applied. I bet somewhere around the $300~400 mark it should be possible to make a semi-custom walking device for interim use by amputees waiting on their leg stump to be ready for a prosthetic. Cost savings would be from making as much as possible as standardized parts while the parts that contact the wearer's leg are custom made, but from materials that don't have to be totally made from scratch for every person. Low temperature thermoplastics can be re-formed. I've had some ideas kicking around in my head for years on a design for an articulated ankle joint that would provide both heel impact absorption and toe spring-off, without needing electricity, and it should fit pretty well within the size and shape of a lower leg and foot.
I'm actually surprised that someone would make a comment about this. When you watch Jo walk, you can most definitely see her having to use her hip with the iwalk, which then causes hip pain and even lower back pain.
Thank you for sharing more insight on using the iwalk. I often think of my getting one, but I do pretty well with the knee scooter. My knee gets sore and the muscle I need to use for pushing myself around... I tell you, I better come out of this with a better looking behind and hip/upper legs.
