I feel unstable, do you have any tips for me?

If you are not walking with confidence on your iWALK crutch, it's usually for one of two reasons:

1. Additional adjustments are needed to tailor your iWALK crutch to better fit you. Proper fit is essential- small changes can make a huge difference.
2. The iWALK crutch is not right for you - Unfortunately, you may not be able to adapt.

Click here to see all qualifications for use. 

We have put a list of the 5 most common fitting issues and solutions for when an iWALK user is feeling unstable.

1. Strap Tension
​Proper strap tension is essential. If your straps are not tight enough you will feel wobbly and unstable. As long as the iWALK is still comfortable, get those straps tight!

2. Angle of the iWALK to your leg
Fit is critical with the iWALK crutch, and even the slightest adjustment can make a big difference in the overall experience on the crutch. The angle that your iWALK crutch is adjusted to is the most overlooked and unintuitive adjustment, but it is imperative to the successful use of the crutch. To check if your crutch is adjusted properly, review the videos below to help you identify your leg type and adjust the iWALK accordingly. 

3. Upper crutch height

A lot of people are afraid to get the iWALK high up on their thigh, and that is understandable. However, the higher you can get the upper crutch on your leg, the more stability and control you will have over the iWALK. As long as the iWALK is still comfortable and not intruding too much on your groin area the higher it is the better!  

4. Stubbing Your iToe
In the first few days when your body is still adjusting, your body can forget to hip hike causing the front edge of the iWALK tread to hit the ground during the swing-through phase of your iWALKing. This is what causes that stubbing effect you've experienced. This will resolve by itself as your body gets used to iWALKing. It is essential to remember to look up, keep your shoulders back, your momentum forward, and actively stay focused when operating the crutch.​

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5. Determining if the iWALK is an overall fit for you
We understand that the iWALK isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. After making the proper adjustments, is the iWALK crutch still feeling unstable? Sometimes, a user’s body type, physical abilities, and other circumstances can make adaptation to the iWALK unlikely.

Here is the basic criteria needed to be a successful iWALK user;

1. Before your injury, could you walk up and down stairs at normal walking speed without using the handrail for support or balance?
2. Can you balance on one foot for at least 30 seconds?

If you can do these two things, then you should have the physical ability to use the iWALK3.0.

“I’m still having issues, what else can I do?”

Submit a video for Fitter Assessment

Have you checked all the boxes, double-checked your fit, and are still having issues? The next step would be to send us a video of you walking on the crutch. We are the experts on fit! If you send us a short video of you walking towards the camera with your iWALK we can give you more specific recommendations of adjustments. See the below video for what we are looking for:

You can send the video to us by clicking here. 

Review Fitting Tips

Environment, Starting Position, and Walk As Normal As Possible - These 3 things are significant for your success!
Review our tips below:​

​Remember, you are not born knowing how to iWALK, so it is important to give yourself time to adjust properly.

If you have further questions feel free to contact our technical support team by clicking here. 

See Also:

Can I use the iWALK Crutch? (qualifications for use)

How do I fit myself to the iWALK?