Using iWALK Crutch with Casts or Boots

Normally you can use iWALK Crutch with a cast or boot without any problems. But in some situations with boots that are high on your shin, you can develop a painful “hot spot” at the upper edge of the boot or cast. Watch the video below, or scroll down to learn why this might happen to some users, and how to easily fix it.

Potential Problems

Wearing iWALK Hands-Free Crutch with boot or cast graphic
Figure 1 shows where a painful hot spot can occur with some boots or casts.
Leg on knee platform on iWALK Hands-Free Crutch graphic
Without a cast or boot, the front of your shin contacts the knee platform uniformly as shown by the dotted line above.
Painful hot spot on iWALK Hands-Free Crutch
Some boots or casts cause the shin above the boot or cast to be elevated so it doesn’t contact the Knee Platform. This concentrates most of your weight to the upper edge of the boot, which can result in a sore, tender area. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution.

Solutions

Simply fill the unsupported gap with additional padding. You can use various foams, a folded hand towel or other means to build up this area.

Boot or cast on iWALK Hands-Free Crutch graphic

Build it up a bit higher than you think you’ll need – the foam will compress to the correct height. Experiment with what works best for your particular boot or cast. A quick fix is to purchase a replacement Knee Platform Pad and cut it to the correct length. The peel and stick backing makes installation very quick and easy.

Boot or cast on iWALK Hands-Free Crutch graphic

Although uncommon, sometimes it helps to add some extra padding at the back of the Knee Platform also. Try different combinations until you find the one that you like best.

Some boots have adjustable air bladders or other hardware mounted on the front of the boot. This hardware can sometimes interfere with proper interaction between the Knee Platform and the boot.

The solution is to disable the air bladder or obtain a boot that has the hardware mounted on the side. Ideally you have a semi-smooth surface on the front of the boot.

Boot with air bladder graphic

Still have questions or concerns?

We’re here to help. Check our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us.