Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Kyle
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Knee Walkers vs Hands Free Crutches
Have you recently suffered a knee, foot, or ankle injury and are confined to crutches. Crutches have been around for a long time and without much of a change.
While crutches are proven to effectively unload the weight off of your injured leg or foot speeding up recovery time, they are extremely uncomfortable. There is underarm pain, not to mention how awkward it is to use them. They also always seem to get in the way and you can’t use both of your hands.
Most if not all of us have used crutches at one time or another due to a lower leg injury. I remember my first time using crutches after I suffered a bad ankle sprain playing basketball in high school, man did that hurt.
My doctor had me wear a serious ankle brace and prescribed me a pair of brand new shiny crutches. I used those crutches for about 2 painstaking weeks. The day I finally was able to put weight back on my ankle and get rid of those crutches was a great day in my young adult life.
Fast forward fifteen years and know there are some awesome crutch alternatives, that are making the traditional pair of crutches go the way of the dinosaurs.
Knee Walkers
Knee walkers or knee scooters are one of my favorite crutch alternatives for lower leg injuries. Just like a crutch a knee walker or knee scooter works by keeping all of your weight off your injured leg.
But unlike a crutch, a knee walker or knee scooter places your weight on your uninjured leg and shin instead of your forearms or underarms. This will help alleviate some of the pain of using crutches.
Who really doesn’t like scooting around instead of walking. It makes having an injury just a little more tolerable.
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Benefits of Knee Walkers
- It is ideal for individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, and other foot injury issues.
- Knee walkers can be steered for increased maneuverability
- Adds stability and support for your leg
- Knee walkers are a safe, comfortable mobility option that will support your recovery.
The Drive Medical Dual Pad Knee Walker is one of the best knee walkers in the business.
Pros
- Easily get around
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a basket to place your bag, phone, or tablet
Cons
- It’s only designed for below the knee injuries
- You to have adequate strength in your other leg to push you around.
- While using the knee walker your hands are not free
- It might be to much fun.
Hands free crutches
Carry a cup of coffee. Walk your dog. Push a shopping cart. Cook in your own kitchen. Get back to work. Live independently. That is what hands-free crutches are all about.
It gives you hands-free and hopefully pain-free mobility for below the knee non-weight bearing injuries. More importantly, it gives you back your independent, functional lifestyle. I know when I had to use crutches years ago, it was a pain not being able to use your hands.
It was hard opening doors and using the phone. With hands-free crutches, you lose all the inconvenience of having to hold on to the crutches but maintain the stability and support you need to help recover.
Hands free crutches benefits
- Maintain a natural walking like motion when recovering
- Maintains stability and support but allows the use of both hands
- No underarm, hand, or forearm pain
iWALK 3.0
When it comes to an innovative crutch alternative the iWALK3.0 takes the cake. Do you like pirates? This revolutionary crutch takes the idea of the ancient peg leg and brings it to a whole new level.
The iWALK3.0 works by allowing you to rest your knee or shin on there comfortable padded leg platform. By using the iWALK3.0 you are no longer using your forearms or armpits to support your weight, so say goodbye to the sore and fatigued wrist, forearms, hands, or armpits. Unlike traditional crutches the iWALK3.0 allows your hands to be completely free.
Pros
- Hands are Completely Free
- No More Sore Armpits, Forearms, or Hands
- Easily assembly
- Fits people up to 6′ 6″ tall
While the iWALK3.0 is an awesome crutch alternative it’s not for everyone. If you find yourself fitting into one of these categories I would not recommend purchasing the iWALK3.0 and instead go with a different crutch alternative.
Cons
- Are shorter than 4′ 10″, then iWALK3.0 is not a good fit
- If you have a knee injury or upper leg injury, and proper knee crutch fitting is needed for best use.
- Suffer from balancing problems. In fact, the manufactures of iWALK3.0 have a stair and balance test to make sure the iWALK3.0 will work for you.
Who wins Knee Walkers vs Hands Free Crutches
So which is better knee walkers vs hands-free crutches? Well, that depends on many factors. When choosing a crutch alternative you need to take several things into effect.
What type of injury do you have, is it a knee or upper leg injury, then a hands-free crutch might not work for you. Do you need to use both your hands while using your crutch alternative? Then using a knee walker might not be right for you. Are you in good enough physical shape and fitness level to use either one the crutch alternatives?
I guess it comes down to personal preference, injury type, and physical ability, but you can’t go wrong with either of the examples above. The Drive Medical Dual Pad Knee Walker is an excellent knee walker crutch alternative and has some great features. The iWALK3.0 is one of the innovative medical devices I have seen recently, that allows for use of both your hands while still being supportive and safe.
If you have an injury where you think you might need crutches, it is important to see a doctor for a checkup. You deserve to feel better and get back to your day-to-day activities. With the right care and treatment plan, you will be back on healthy feet in no time.
Other Resources
- Do you have plantar fasciitis check out What Helps Plantar Fasciitis.
- Have you ever used KT Tape? Read KT Tape for Plantar Fasciitis Review. I have personally used KT Tape to help with my own plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis.
- As always, remember RICE it helps.
