1. < Neuropathy

Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?

Posted by ssjohns @ssjohns, Apr 25, 2023

I have recently been diagnosed with PSN and I’ve been searching for remedies. I am looking into the spinal cord stimulator and recently discovered a product called Walkasins by RxFunction. It is a prosthetic device you insert in your shoe which sends signals to your brain from the bottom of your feet. Looks promising for balance and gait issues and will help prevent falls because it enables you to feel your feet. This requires a doctors prescription and I assume is covered by insurance. Has anyone else use this product?

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 27, 2023
In reply to @centre "Thanks for the shout-out, John. Yes, I contacted the Walkasins company directly, was referred to a..." + (show)
@centre

Thanks for the shout-out, John. Yes, I contacted the Walkasins company directly, was referred to a PT clinic at a major medical school, traveled there, was evaluated for the Walkasins and tried them out. I have numbness, discomfort, and weakness of my right leg due to spinal issues.
Unfortunately, I did not find them helpful, was very unimpressed with the product- a piece fits in your shoe and another piece wraps around above your ankle- some light zapping then ensues. The PT recommended a computerized gait study, which I pursued at an associated clinic, and based on the results of that, a metal rocker was embedded in my shoe, which gave me a mechanical push-off, I was landing flat and unable to get much push-off in the step through. This change made a huge difference in my walking ability, balance, and ease.
What has also proved very helpful for me is, every year, going to PT for a 3-4 week "refresh" series of appointments to update my Home Exercise Program, address any bad habits starting with walking form and posture, add exercises as needed, and get some extra motivation to do them.
At the advice of PT, I had an ankle foot orthosis made and wear it for distance walking, which I do daily for a mile.
I had a bad fall a few months ago, but it was really because I wasn't paying attention, I need to be mindful when moving.
I have found its crucial to keep up with the home exercise program. At PT's suggestion, I've bought an exercise bike. The seat is upright, so my PN foot doesn't slide off.
I think the Walkasins fall into the "magic wand" category we all hope for- for relief from this PN. If they help you, that's wonderful, but if you can't access them, don't feel you're missing out on a game-changer. If only......

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Thanks for the update @centre. It sounds like you have a plan and it's working well for you. Exercise is the key for me also.

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NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 27, 2023

@centre - The review you posted was very helpful. Thanks! I guess that is what we really need, someone who personally gave these a try. Bottom line, no big game changer at this point but who knows what the future holds with this company. At least they are trying something, and we can keep our fingers crossed. I am also in PT and agree 100% with you.

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NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 28, 2023

@ssjohns --I heard from RxFunction this morning, the company that is developing Walkasins. The cost is in the range of $7000.00 and available for sale. The rep asked if I was a veteran, I'm not and some coverage being offered by VA. Otherwise, out of pocket, right now, according to the rep for the company, insurance companies not offering coverage, they are working on that. Discounts available for those who wish to pay up front or on a monthly basis over I think a 6-month period. Not sure if they have any samples avail. Didn't get that far. Don't know if FDA approved as well, we talked for about 1 minute. The clinical trials need to be looked at for each person to make an informed decision. I think it was your brother who reviewed the clinicals. The rep said that the company was to launch this in early 2020 and covid hit so the marketing was delayed until recently. Full disclosure: I have no connection with this company, I'm only providing info on what I was told.

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1 reply
ssjohns | @ssjohns | Apr 28, 2023
In reply to @njed "@ssjohns --I heard from RxFunction this morning, the company that is developing Walkasins. The cost is..." + (show)
@njed

@ssjohns --I heard from RxFunction this morning, the company that is developing Walkasins. The cost is in the range of $7000.00 and available for sale. The rep asked if I was a veteran, I'm not and some coverage being offered by VA. Otherwise, out of pocket, right now, according to the rep for the company, insurance companies not offering coverage, they are working on that. Discounts available for those who wish to pay up front or on a monthly basis over I think a 6-month period. Not sure if they have any samples avail. Didn't get that far. Don't know if FDA approved as well, we talked for about 1 minute. The clinical trials need to be looked at for each person to make an informed decision. I think it was your brother who reviewed the clinicals. The rep said that the company was to launch this in early 2020 and covid hit so the marketing was delayed until recently. Full disclosure: I have no connection with this company, I'm only providing info on what I was told.

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I’m in total shock. This cost is not affordable for most individuals suffering with Neuropathy. Granted, this is a new technology and they are probably the first to put it on the market but in my opinion, this is price gouging.

Thank you for letting me know. I am extremely disappointed that more cannot be done to help the mass population many of whom are poor and middle-class seniors at this difficult and vulnerable time of their lives.

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NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 28, 2023

@ssjohns Yes, exactly right. I am to receive more info in the way of an e-mail from the company. The cost is very high and out of reach for most and much higher than I anticipated. The fact that insurance companies are not willing to put any coverage on this is concerning to me.

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Berk | @gba | May 3, 2023

Very interesting concept. I am trying to purchase them for my Neurapathy.

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2 replies
NJ Ed | @njed | May 3, 2023
In reply to @gba "Very interesting concept. I am trying to purchase them for my Neurapathy." + (show)
@gba

Very interesting concept. I am trying to purchase them for my Neurapathy.

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There was a previous discussion about Walkasins, perhaps @johnbishop can flip your question to that previous conversation where I did post info about a week ago. I was told the price is in the close area of $7,000 and I posted additional info as well. Ed

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 3, 2023
In reply to @gba "Very interesting concept. I am trying to purchase them for my Neurapathy." + (show)
@gba

Very interesting concept. I am trying to purchase them for my Neurapathy.

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Hello @gba and thanks for the tag Ed @njed. We have moved your post to an existing discussion here on the same topic. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion where you can learn what others have shared about Walkasins by RxFunction:
--- Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-sensory-neuropathy-device/

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Berk | @gba | May 4, 2023

Unfortunately, It appears that no provider has approved Walkasis at this time. I was told the V.A. did, but they do not at this time.

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1 reply
Berk | @gba | Oct 28, 2023
In reply to @tessie63 "It would be nice to know what these cost both in Canada and the US. I..." + (show)
@tessie63

It would be nice to know what these cost both in Canada and the US. I am a Canadian and sometimes these things can be out of a persons price range. Because this is new, I know my insurance would not cover it. It is interesting, however, to know that there is work being done out there to help those of us suffering from this debilitating illness!

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Cost is 6,000$. Check with the VA, they have the Walkasinis available. Good Luck!

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