Knee Walker vs. Crutches: Which Is Better for Foot and Ankle Injuries?
When you’re recovering from a foot or ankle injury, you may be in search of a way to keep yourself mobile and functional while still allowing your body plenty of time to heal. In this situation, the choice that most people make is between a knee walker and a pair of crutches. Both of these options can keep weight off your injured foot while allowing you to move around, but each of them has unique pros and cons that are worth considering before you choose one or the other.
What Is a Knee Walker and How Does It Compare to Crutches?
Also known as a “knee scooter,” a knee walker is a type of mobility device used by resting your injured leg on a padded platform and using your other leg to push yourself forward.
Compared to crutches, which support body weight through the arms and shoulders, a knee walker is a more stable base that keeps you both mobile and upright. This is why using crutches requires more balance and upper body strength, and why those contending with longer injury recovery periods often opt for knee walkers.
Knee Walker vs. Crutches: Pros and Cons for Foot and Ankle Injuries
Some of the positive aspects of crutches include the fact that they’re lightweight and easily transported, and that they can work on stairs and tighter spaces that aren’t well suited to knee walkers. They also tend to be the more affordable option compared to knee walkers.
Knee walkers have the advantage over crutches when it comes to comfort and avoiding strain on your arms and shoulders. They can be easier to use for extended periods and while doing everyday activities like working or shopping. But the fact that they’re larger than crutches and have four wheels means that they’re not always a great fit for bumpy surfaces or narrow/crowded spaces. Knee walkers also tend to be more expensive than crutches. However, this Economy Folding Steerable Knee Walker can be folded down to a small footprint, negating some of these cons and making it an above-average option for storage and transport.
What Types of Crutches Are Available and Which Work Best for Ankle Recovery?
The most common types of crutches used after an ankle injury are axillary crutches. These rest under your arms and come with padded hand grips for support.
Under the umbrella of crutches, however, there are a range of products to choose from depending on your needs. The Knock Down Universal Aluminum Crutches are a simple, popular choice, but if you need more padding, the MD by Drive Air-Crutch comes with air-cushioned underarm support as well as extra-grippy treads for more reliable traction.
For those who need sturdier crutches with a higher weight capacity, the Bariatric Heavy Duty Crutches are made of ultra-durable steel and exceed these other two crutches’ 300-pound weight capacity significantly, supporting up to 500 pounds.
When Should You Choose a Knee Walker Over Crutches?
A knee walker is probably a better fit for your needs if your doctor tells you you’ll need to keep pressure off your foot/ankle for more than a few weeks, or if you know that you find crutches uncomfortable. Those with reduced upper body strength or pain in their arms or hands might also prefer knee walkers, since using crutches relies primarily on upper body strength.
How to Use Crutches Properly Without Straining Your Arms and Shoulders
Using crutches the right way can go a long way toward supporting your comfort and safety as you recover from an injury.
Many new crutch users make the mistake of putting their full weight on the crutches’ underarm pads, which can cause pain with use. Instead, you should be supporting your weight through your hands and arms, keeping the pads lightly resting at your sides.
When walking on crutches, keep your elbows somewhat bent and move the crutches carefully forward. If your doctor has told you to avoid placing weight on your injured foot, move both crutches forward first, and then swing through your uninjured leg.
Knee Walker vs. Crutches: Which Is Right for Your Recovery?
The choice of whether to use a knee walker or crutches during your recovery depends on the nature of the injury and your recovery timeline, as well as your body’s specific needs. Crutches are typically the better choice for shorter-term injuries and transportability, while knee walkers are often a better fit for longer recovery periods or anyone who needs to minimize arm and shoulder strain. The right mobility aid is the one that helps you stay active as your foot or ankle heals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a knee walker for a sprained ankle?
Yes, a knee walker can be a great choice for some sprained ankles, especially when the sprains are more severe and doctors have told you to avoid placing weight on your ankle for more than a few weeks. Make sure that your doctor confirms it’s a safe choice for your injury before you use it.
Are knee walkers easier to use than crutches?
People often find knee walkers easier to use because they require less upper body strength and keep pressure off the hands, wrists, and shoulders, but they can also be less practical for navigating tight spaces like stairs.
What types of crutches work best for foot and ankle injuries?
Axillary crutches are the most popular choice for these kinds of injuries because they’re easy to adjust and get the hang of using for shorter-term injury recovery.
How long do most people need a knee walker or crutches after a foot injury?
The answer depends on your doctor’s recommendations. You may only need to use crutches for a few days, but if you’re recovering from a fracture or a major surgery, a few weeks might be a more realistic estimate.
Is a knee walker covered by insurance or Medicare?
Coverage for knee walkers depends on your insurance plan and whether it meets your provider’s requirements. Some plans may cover this type of mobility equipment, while others might consider knee walkers an out-of-pocket expense.
