Charcot Foot Support

Archives for July 2019

iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch: Product Review

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The most common treatment for Charcot Foot during the acute stage is to be non weight-bearing. Which means crutches and knee scooters are a common tool used by those with Charcot Foot. We have had many readers ask us what we think about the iWalk2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch. We have spent several weeks trying the product, talking with others who have used it and gathering information. We are now prepared to offer our honest review of the iWalk2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch.

Fast Facts

  • Designed for both the right or left leg
  • Has quick release straps
  • Knee platform is padded
  • Height adjustments can be made easily
  • Easy assembly
  • Priced at $149.00

Learning Curve

We worked with six individuals with Charcot Foot who tried the iWalk 2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch. We asked them to try it for one week. Of those six people, three people were able to use it for the whole week. We asked them to share their experiences learning to use it.

“I was able to walk with the hands free knee crutch within about 25 minutes of putting it on,” Joe said. “But it took me at least a day and a half to feel comfortable walking with it. It took at least three days before I felt confident and like I was moving at a reasonably normal pace.”

Joe used the crutch in his home and in his yard. He did not use the crutch in public settings. He felt more comfortable using the crutch in his home versus outside. He says this was due to the uneven ground in his yard and not feeling incredibly confident he could balance on uneven terrain.

“I was walking with the crutch in an hour,” Lori said. “It took me two days to figure out how to go up and down the stairs with it. By the end of the week it felt completely normal to walk with it.”

Lori used the hands free crutch in her home, yard and in the community. She even used the hands free crutch during a trip to the mall. She says she had no problems using the crutch, even in a crowded setting. Her confidence level was higher using the hands free crutch than when she uses traditional crutches.

“I watched the tutorial video two times and was walking about 10 minutes after finishing the video,” Josh said. “Even though I could walk on the crutch it took me about four days to get a rhythm with it. It felt very awkward until day four.”

Josh used the hands free crutch at home and in the community. He attended a baseball game and was able to navigate up and down the bleacher steps on the crutch at day six.

Comfort Level

All six of the individuals on our team say the iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch is comfortable. It is obvious a good deal of time was put into designing the crutch to ensure user comfort. The knee platform is padded so your knee doesn’t get sore while using the crutch. Since adjusting the height on the crutch is so easy there is no pain associated to hips being out of alignment.

“Using traditional crutches has always been a painful experience for me,” Jessie said. “My armpits and shoulders would hurt. This crutch was different. The hands free system meant I wasn’t straining my arms. Additionally, I didn’t have any knee pain which I would sometimes experience when using a knee scooter.”

What we liked

There were quite a few things we liked about the iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch. After sitting down to talk it over we compiled the following list.

  • The price point – $149.99 seems like a reasonable price for the product
  • For those who could use it being hands free was a relief
  • It is durable and can be used on a number of different surfaces safely
  • It is easy to put on and take off
  • It is well padded to increase comfort
  • The height adjusts so it is usable for short or tall people

Cons

The only thing we found that may be a barrier with this product is the price point. Oddly, we also had the price as a positive. Beth explained this conundrum the best.

“$149.99 seems like a reasonable price for the product,” Beth said. “However, many people with Charcot Foot are unable to work and have yet to qualify for disability. There income is incredibly limited. To them, $149.99 may as well be $14,999. Unfortunately, insurance is unlikely to cover the product so the price could be a real sticking point for some.”

Would we recommend it

We would recommend the iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch for people who have Charcot Foot in only one foot. For those individuals the product worked very well and we feel comfortable encouraging others to try it.

“I have Charcot Foot in my left foot but not in my right,” Josh said. “I was able to use the product but I have good balance and no rocker bottom. For me, this has been a game changer. I feel like I’m more mobile which has been a boost to my confidence. I’m glad I tried it and I would recommend it.”

We would not recommend the iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch for individuals who have Charcot Foot in both feet. The people in our group with bilateral Charcot Foot were not able to successfully use the crutch. The rocker bottom associated with Charcot Foot caused those individuals to not have the balance necessary to successfully use the device.

“I tried on the hands free crutch, took two steps and knew it wouldn’t work for me,” Jessie said. “I have such bad rocker bottoms on both feet there was just no way I could balance. Even wearing my AFO braces, I just don’t have the balance and control necessary to safely use the product.”

One thing we feel is important to point out is iWALKFree, the company who made the iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch takes steps to ensure only those who can use the product purchase the product. Before purchasing there is a video on their website explaining who the product is best suited for. They also clearly state if you cannot balance on one foot for a full 30 seconds then the product isn’t for you. We appreciate their honesty from the start.

We very much enjoyed working on this product review for our readers. We hope you have found it helpful. If you have other products you would like us to review or if you would like to assist with a product review, please contact us.

Living with Charcot Foot: Joe’s Experience

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Navigating life with Charcot Foot has been a difficult experience for 72-year-old Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Charcot Foot in 2016. He has agreed to share his experience living with Charcot Foot in an effort to help others.

Living with foot pain

Joe had experienced foot pain for many years. He described the neuropathic pain as intense and unrelenting. He would experience intense pain on the top of the foot and on the sides of his feet. He also had numbness and tingling in his feet and legs.

“The foot pain started in my early 50’s,” Joe said. “It was intense but I tried to ignore it. I didn’t mention it to my doctor very often, I didn’t take pain pills, none of that. I was just going to tough it out.”

Toughing it out didn’t work well for Joe. He had difficulty sleeping due to the pain and began to stumble when walking. Ten years prior to his Charcot Foot diagnosis he stumbled and fell while coming up his front steps. He experienced his first break at that time but didn’t know it for several weeks.

“I fell and broke my foot and I still ignored it,” Joe said. “I don’t know why I was so stubborn. But I ignored it until I almost couldn’t walk, weeks later. I was put in a boot for six weeks but it didn’t heal well. That was the beginning of the Charcot I think but my doctors didn’t diagnose it until 2016.”

For years after breaking his foot he struggled with swelling in his foot and continued foot pain. Joe continued to ignore the problem and wasn’t completely honest with his doctor about how he was feeling. The lack of medical care likely increased the damage being caused by Charcot Foot.

Mobility issues

Due to the continued foot pain and the failure of Joe’s foot to heal properly he began having mobility issues. By Christmas of 2015 he wasn’t able to walk up the stairs to his front door.

“I was trying to carry in some Christmas decorations in 2015 and I couldn’t do the stairs,” Joe said. “The pain wasn’t bad but it was like my feet wouldn’t work. I couldn’t put enough pressure or enough strength to lift myself up the stairs. My daughter saw me struggling and then I had no choice but to get to the doctor.”

Joe may have avoided dealing with his mobility issues and medical concerns but his daughter did not. She was persistent, making appointments for Joe and attending them with him. It took a handful of appointments with different doctors before he was properly diagnosed with Charcot Foot.

With a diagnosis the reality of Charcot Foot treatment began to sink in. He spent six months non weight-bearing and struggling to live life with mobility issues.

“Crutches, a knee scooter, boots, I hated it all,” Joe said. “I couldn’t figure out how to get things done around the house without being able to walk and living on my own. It took a lot of creative thinking and I figured it out but it was a pain in the ass.”

Joe says crutches didn’t work well for him because he had such poor balance. He preferred using a knee scooter and became quite adept at getting around the house on the scooter. When in public he would use the knee scooter or if he was with his daughter she would push him in a wheelchair. It was a blow to his ego but he adjusted.

“I was telling a guy who was recently diagnosed with Charcot Foot that it felt like this condition stole my manhood,” Joe said. “I could do all kinds of things before this and prided myself on being independent. I’ve had to adjust to a new way of living. I’ve had to learn to ask for and accept help.”

Joe’s Best Friend

One of the biggest helps in Joe’s life is his best friend, Skip. While Joe doesn’t have a good leg, Skip has four legs and a big heart. Skip is a chocolate lab and Joe’s constant companion. Though not formerly trained as a service animal, Skip performs many duties for Joe and makes his life easier.

“Skip does so much for me,” Joe said. “Skip opens doors for me when I’m not able to walk and I’m using the scooter or crutches. When I need to get up and I’m not close to a piece of furniture I push up on Skip. When I’m walking and start to lose my balance he automatically leans into me to help brace me. He is the best dog a guy like me could have.”

Joe says Skip is just one way he has had to think outside the box to find a way to navigate his new life with Charcot Foot. After spending so many years living independently he had to change his perspective and learn new ways to cope and survive. Though the journey has been a challenge Joe says it’s worth it.

“I don’t want to have Charcot Foot,” Joe said. “But I have it. It will never go away and we all have to find a way to continue living. When I was first diagnosed I thought about just throwing in the towel, hanging myself and calling it quits. Now I’m glad I didn’t. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s still a good life.”

We appreciate Joe’s willingness to share his experience living with Charcot Foot. You can read about the experiences of Jessie, Beth, Jennifer and Charlie as well. If you would like to share your experience with Charcot Foot please contact us.

The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone…

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Most of us learned the song, Dry Bones, in childhood to learn the bones of the body. The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone… In case you weren’t privy to the song as a child or you forgot the lyrics we’ve attached a video for you refresh!

The song is catchy but it isn’t quite accurate. The foot does not consist of just one bone. The foot actually includes 26 bones! There are also 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The foot is a pretty impressive and complex structure.

Tarsal Bones of the Foot

The 26 bones of the human foot are grouped into three categories. The first group of bones are the Tarsal bones. The seven bones which comprise the Tarsal bones make up the rear section of the foot.

Tarsal bones include the talus or ankle bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, and the tarsals. The tarsals are the five bones which form the arch of the midfoot. The five tarsals are known as the medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiforms, the cuboid and the navicular.

Metatarsal Bones of the Foot

A group of five tubular bones tubular bones in the middle of the foot are called the metatarsals. They are connector bones, connecting the tarsal bones and the phalanges. The metatarsals are in a row and are numbered from one to five. Metatarsal one is is closest to the arch and metatarsal five is on the outer edge of the foot.

Phalanges of the Foot

The phalanges are the toe bones. There are three phalanges in the second to fifth toes. The big toe, also known as the hallux only has two phalanges. Those two phalanges are known as proximal and distal phalanges.

The phalanges in toes two through five are named from the back of the foot to the front of the foot. They are called proximal, middle and distal phalanges.

Bone Language

Prior to having a Charcot Foot diagnosis you may have never considered the bones of the foot. As you move forward with Charcot Foot treatment options you will find it is important to know the names of the foot bones and where they are located.

“Dislocation of metatarsals three, four and five.”

“Fractured tarsals with collapse of the arch.”

It is likely you will hear your physician or radiologist use terminology, like that above, in regards to your Charcot Foot. While it can still be overwhelming, it is helpful to learn the bones of the feet so you can better understand how Charcot Foot is impacting you.

How to keep your mind occupied while home bound

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Most people with Charcot Foot have experienced at least one period of time when they have been non weight-bearing. Unfortunately, the most common Charcot Foot treatment includes being non weight-bearing so it is likely those with the condition will have numerous times when they are non weight-bearing.

Being non weight-bearing can greatly impact your quality of life. It’s often boring, lonely and isolating. Prior to Charcot Foot, it is likely you wished for a day to sit around the house and do nothing. Now that you are stuck at home and off your feet you may be bored out of your mind. We reached out to a number of individuals with Charcot Foot to find out their tips for handling the non weight-bearing periods. Here are a few suggestions from people who have been there on what to do when bored at home.

Crossword puzzles and games

One suggestion we heard over and over from people with Charcot Foot is how they managed to keep their minds active by doing crossword puzzles and playing other mind stimulating games. Several people suggested online crossword puzzles they could complete on their phone or computer. One individual said each day they set a goal to complete a daily crossword puzzle without searching the internet for the answers. There are a wide assortment of crossword puzzle books, fill-it ins and suduko books out there to help you stay busy.

Beth tells us she found sticker mosaics to be very helpful when she was non weight-bearing. She isn’t a fan of puzzles but said the mosaics helped her to feel creative and stimulated her mind.

Catch up on your favorite shows

While we know binge watching television shows may not be the best use of our time we also know how boring it can be when stuck at home. When you are non weight-bearing it is a perfect time to catch up on your favorite shows and movies. We asked readers for suggestions on their favorite shows to watch. Maybe you can find a new favorite from one of the shows on the list.

  1. Last Man Standing
  2. Mindhunter
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Pretty Little Liars
  5. The Handmaid’s Tale
  6. Lost
  7. Parks and Rec
  8. The Office
  9. Seinfeld
  10. This is Us

Join Postcrossing

We had never heard of Postcrossing.com until Jessie told us about it. Postcrossing is a project that allows you to send postcards and receive postcards back from random people around the world. That’s real postcards, not electronic! Here’s how it works.

  1. Register for a free postcrossing account at postcrossing.com
  2. Request an address and a postcard ID
  3. Mail a postcard to that address
  4. Receive a postcard from another postcrosser
  5. Register the Postcard ID you have received
  6. Go to number 1 to receive more postcards!

For each postcard you send you will get one in return. You can receive postcards from around the world and build quite a collection. We thought this was a fun way to stay connected to the outside world and enjoy a special delivery in your mailbox each day.

“During my period of being non weight-bearing I started postcrossing,” Jessie said. “I absolutely love it! I have received postcards from 17 different countries and 38 states. It was nice to get happy mail when I was stuck at home. Now it’s fun to continue doing it and learning more about different countries.”

Learn a new skill

Now is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Have you wanted to learn to crochet, memorize the names of all the countries in the world or learn to speak Spanish. Now is the time! You can learn all kinds of things on YouTube.

“I learned how to communicate using American Sign Language when I was non weight-bearing for six months,” Beth said. “I also taught myself how to crochet. I learned both by watching videos on YouTube.”

Charlie made it a goal to learn how to make his own fishing lures when he was recovering from his below the knee amputation. He loves to fish and says it helped him stay focused on the future.

“It was a depressing time for me,” Charlie said. “By making the fishing lures it reminded me I would get back out there and fish again. My life wasn’t over. Each time I finished a lure I knew I was planning for a future.”

Make a gratitude list

Several readers tell us making a gratitude list each day or even once a week helped them. When we are non weight-bearing and stuck at home it is very easy to become depressed and feel sorry for ourselves. With Charcot Foot it often feels like we are losing so much of our lives and independence. Making a list of the things we are grateful for can remind us we still have many positive aspects of our lives.

Set yourself a goal to write down five things you are grateful for each day!

Connect with others living with Charcot Foot

You may not be able to get out of the house but you can log onto the internet. There are several online groups for people living with Charcot Foot. Almost everyone we spoke with is a member of an online group and finds it helpful.

Here are three of our favorite online groups.

Charcot Foot Support

Charcot Foot Worldwide Support

Charcot Foot Research and Support Group

“The groups have helped me learn about Charcot Foot and help me feel connected to others who really get it,” Jessie said.

Being non weight-bearing and stuck at home can be boring. But there are so many ways to keep your mind active and relieve some of the boredom. What helps you when you are non weight-bearing?

The sound of Charcot Foot

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If you have Charcot Foot you know there is a certain sound that along with it. A snap, crackle, pop sound. It’s shocking when you first hear it. If we are completely honest the sound of Charcot Foot is a little gross. It’s not normal to be able to hear your foot bones moving and shifting. The first time I heard it I felt like I may be sick. When I spoke with my doctor about it he reassured me it is common among those with Charcot Foot.

Are my bones cracking?

The sounds from Charcot Foot can leave you asking, “are my bones cracking”? The answer is, maybe. Sometimes the cracking, snapping, popping sounds you hear can be a sign of broken bone in the foot moving. The sounds can also be an indicator of a new foot fracture occurring.

The human foot is complex. There are 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The sounds you hear when applying pressure to your Charcot Foot can be coming from joints or bones. The sounds can also be a sign of the foot entering the sub-acute stage of Charcot Foot. During the sub-acute stage the bones begin to consolidate. The sounds may be more noticeable during the stage as they are shifting and consolidating into their new placement.

Should I be worried about cracking bones

When you have Charcot Foot there is always a concern about foot fracture and injury. However, you shouldn’t assume a foot fracture has occurred solely on the cracking or popping sounds you may hear. The only way to know for sure if you have foot fracture is to contact your physician and get an x-ray.

The cracking and popping sound you hear could also be attributed to escaping gases. The bones in our joints are surrounded by synovial fluid that lubricates and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. Synovial fluid contains oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When the joint capsule is stretched, these gases form bubbles that cause a popping sound when the bubbles are released. In order to crack the same joints again, you have to wait until the gasses return to the synovial fluid. This is why the cracking or popping sound may not occur regularly.

Movement of tendons and ligaments can also cause a cracking or popping sound. As tendon position changes and the tendon moves slightly out of place when a joint is moved a sound can occur. The movement may cause you to hear a snapping sound when the tendon returns to its original position. Also, your ligaments may tighten as you move your joints, which can make a cracking sound.

When you hear a popping or cracking sound coming from your Charcot Foot try not to panic. The sound doesn’t necessarily mean a new foot fracture has occurred. If you experience swelling, your foot is red or hot or you have significant pain contact your doctor immediately. If not, you can most likely wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment to discuss the sounds.

Someone call the foot doctor

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Foot pain, foot wounds, foot problems of any sort can be incredibly painful. Strangely, when foot problems begin they often seem like a small nuisance and they are easy to ignore. Over time the foot problems escalate and before you know it your feet can be in serious trouble. So when should you call the foot doctor?

Find a podiatrist

If you are diabetic you should be seeing a podiatrist at least once a year to have your feet checked. One of the best ways to prevent foot problems is practicing regular foot care, including seeing a podiatrist. If you don’t have a podiatrist near you, speak with your regular physician for a referral.

Once you have an established relationship with a podiatrist keep their number on speed dial. If you develop any foot wounds, notice changes in your toenails or feet, experience foot pain or notice a lack of feeling in your feet, call your foot doctor immediately.

Don’t delay, call the foot doctor today

If you have Charcot Foot it is important to never delay in treating foot problems. Letting what seems like a small problem go can lead to complications. Those complications can lead to deformity and even amputation. Jennifer, who shared her Charcot Foot experience with us in a previous post, says a close call with a foot wound reinforced to her the importance of calling her podiatrist at the first sign of problems.

Jennifer was wearing AFO braces at the time and noticed a bump on her foot. It was red and hard but had a darker center. She was planning to leave the state on a trip but was concerned by the wound. She thought about delaying and calling her foot doctor when she returned from the trip but reconsidered.

“I canceled the trip and went in,” Jennifer said. “My podiatrist opened it up and drained it. It was a blister with a callus over it. We treated it with antibiotics and kept it clean and it healed right up. I asked him if I could have waited to come in after the trip. He said if I would have it would have developed into a full blown ulcer.”

It is always better to call the doctor at the first sign of foot problems. Worst case scenario is a trip to the doctor for something minor. Most likely, a visit to the doctor will prevent a more serious complication down the road.

Reasons to call the foot doctor

There are many reasons you should contact your foot doctor, here are some common reasons you should place a call to your doctor.

  • Loss of sensation in the feet
  • Pain or numbness of any kind
  • Wounds on the feet
  • Blisters
  • Calluses
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Bony protrusions
  • New fractures
  • Loss of toenails

Remember, if you experience any changes or concerns with your feet you should contact your doctor. Even changes that are not included on the above list.

Regular foot care

Regular foot care will help prevent additional foot problems. When you have Charcot Foot it is important to check your feet each day. You should look for any new wounds and increased swelling or redness. It is a good idea to apply lotion each day to prevent dry skin and keep the skin moisturized. Atrac-Tain Superior Moisturizing Cream is our favorite. It keeps the skin hydrated and prevents wounds from developing as a result of dry skin.

In an effort to protect the feet you should never walk barefoot or without shoes. Make it a point to keep your feet protected to avoid further injury. Due to neuropathy you may not feel wounds developing so it is important to protect your feet and check them daily for injury.

Always remember to protect your feet, check them for wounds and call the foot doctor at the first sign of problems!