Common treatment interventions include use of assistive devices, balance training and physical therapy
These interventions are largely compensatory and are unable to address the lack of sensation in the feet
Walkasins® offers a newly available option, clinically-proven to significantly reduce fall risk in patients with Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy4. See PLOS ONE.
Regular screening of patient-reported fall history and fear of falling is an important step in identifying patients at risk of falls.
Specific fall risk factors, including Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy, along with evaluations of gait and balance may suggest a Falls Plan of Care be developed and interventions implemented.
Our Balance Assessments Handout provides information on gait and balance outcome measures that may help with assessing patients at risk for falls.
Interventions, devices, and treatments to address the identified risk factors should be implemented to help mitigate high fall risk and improve safety.
In addition to balance training, physical therapy, medication adjustments and home safety modifications, Walkasins is now available for patients with sensory peripheral neuropathy who present with gait and balance impairment and are at high risk of falls4.
Our Clinical Assessment Form can assist clinicians, such as physical therapists in determining whether Walkasins is clinically appropriate.
To order Walkasins for a patient who may benefit, please fax the completed Walkasins Prescription Form along with the Clinical Assessment Form to RxFunction at 844-925-5279.
A member of our team will contact your patient to review pricing and answer any questions.
Our RxFunction team is here to answer questions or provide additional information
Please call us at 888.382.3518 and ask to speak with:
An on-staff Physical Therapist to discuss clinical appropriateness for your patient
A Reimbursement Specialist to learn about coverage and payment options
If you’re new to Walkasins®, download our Information for Prescribers Handout designed to provide doctors and other healthcare professionals with what they need to know about Walkasins.
Prescribers are encouraged to work with or refer patients to physical therapy to ensure that patients are properly assessed for gait and balance impairments, and for fall risk.
Walkasins is an external lower limb sensory prosthesis intended to replace the nerve function used for detection and signaling of foot pressure sensation.
Walkasins is indicated for patients with lower limb sensory peripheral neuropathy who present with gait and balance impairments. Walkasins is indicated for patients who can feel the tactile stimuli from the Leg Unit on the lower leg.
Walkasins is contraindicated for:
Age: Any, as long as the Foot Pad and Leg Unit fit properly.
Weight: 55 – 300 lbs. (25 – 136 kg).
Health: Must be able to walk without severe impairment even when using assistive devices.
Education: Must be able to read and understand Instructions for Use.
Walkasins is indicated for patients with lower limb sensory peripheral neuropathy who present with gait and balance impairments. Walkasins is indicated for patients who can feel the tactile stimuli from the Leg Unit on the lower leg.
Please see the Safety Information for a complete list of warnings, precautions, and contraindications.
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
1CDC.gov.
2Richardson JK, Hurvitz EA., Peripheral neuropathy: a true risk factor for falls. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1995 Jul;50(4):M211-5.
3P.R. Cavanagh, J.A. Derr, J.S. Ulbrecht, R.E. Maser, T.J. Orchard Problems with gait and posture in neuropathic patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus Diabet Med, 9 (5) (1992), pp. 469-474.R.
4Koehler-McNicholas SR, Danzl L, Cataldo AY, Oddsson LIE (2019) Neuromodulation to improve gait and balance function using a sensory neuroprosthesis in people who report insensate feet – A randomized control cross-over study. PLOS ONE 14(4): e0216212. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216212.
