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Bionic Foot Gives Disabled Veterans Freedom to Walk Again

Disabled veterans who have lost a leg, may find hope in walking comfortably again with a new bionic foot, according to an article on WLBT 3.

Introduced by the company known as I-Walk, the new prosthetic foot is more than just a limb replacement. For the amputee, the prosthetic actually serves to operate as a replacement for their Achilles tendon and calf muscle. By doing so, it creates “powered plantar friction,” which develops an entirely new dynamic for the user.

Veterans can look past the days of forcing on molded and uncomfortable plastic and rubber limbs and then having to learn to walk again with an awkward gait. Instead, the I-walk prosthetic ankle runs on a battery charge, with each charge providing about 3 hours of walk time. Further, it is custom programmed for its user and then calibrated with Bluetooth technology via an Android phone.

When the user walks, the I-walk mimics the way the user’s actual foot would roll, meaning when the user is ready to take a step, the prosthetic pushes the user’s foot out in front of him or her. The momentum forces the user into their natural walking motion.

There’s also no pressure on the user’s knee like there’s from traditional prosthetics because of the rolling motion. The prosthetic allows the user to avoid stepping directly down on their toe or heel, avoiding direct, blunt impact.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.