Best Knee Scooter for a Broken Ankle
- Edd Siu
July 6, 2020 Updated: May 18, 2022
- One of the most common joint and bone injuries is a broken ankle, also typically known as an ankle fracture. It's caused by breaking one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joints.
Anyone can get a broken angle regardless of their age or physical ability. The recovery times vary greatly depending on the specific injury. Some fractures only require rest and protecting the injury, while others require surgery and weeks of rehabilitation.
Some doctors allow weight-bearing immediately, depending on the severity of the injury, while others recommend waiting several weeks. If your doctor recommends keeping weight off your ankle, then it's time to consider a mobility aid device.Mobility Aids
Typically, the default recommendation is to use crutches. Although, people are increasingly becoming aware of knee scooters (also called a knee walker or leg scooter). If you are recovering from a broken ankle, foot surgery, or any other operation or injury—a knee scooter might be an excellent option for you.
A Better Option to Crutches
A knee scooter is a mobility aid device with three to five wheels, a knee rest support, and a steering handle. It allows you to take the weight off your injured leg by resting it on a padded knee platform while using your uninjured foot to push yourself forward. You use the handlebars to steer the direction you want to go.
These scooters are typically used after surgery to help you move around during your non-weight bearing period.
These mobility scooters are a great alternative to crutches. They are a proven, trusted, and comfortable mobility aid.
Related: 6 Customers Who Conquered their Injury ObstaclePros
Knee walkers, in terms of function, allow you the flexibility of crutches, and the stability of a wheelchair—without the discomfort and dependency.
Crutches require a lot of physical exertion to use, in addition to the fatigue it causes your armpit and wrists. With a knee scooter, on the other hand, you can travel distances almost effortlessly—as expected from a steerable wheeled device.
Knee scooters are beneficial when you have to do your usual chores and routine activities. Since you remain standing, with your injured leg on the knee rest, your hands are free to do whatever you need to do. Just remember to lock in the brakes for extra stability.Cons
Since you have to rest your knee on the padded knee rest, if you have a sensitive or injured knee, a knee scooter may not be a good option.
However, you may find seated knee scooters to be a better option.
Knee scooters cannot be used on stairs; you would need someone to help you carry it up and down the stairs.
When compared to crutches, purchasing a high-quality knee scooter may be out of budget for some, especially if their particular insurance does not want cover them. But, renting one may be an excellent cost-effective option.
Related: Are Knee Scooters Covered By Insurance?How to Choose a Knee Scooter for a Broken Ankle or Foot
There are a few but important factors to consider when choosing a good knee scooter for your foot injury. It's always important to talk to your physician to make sure using one will be beneficial to you. Everyone has unique health considerations.
Once your doctor gives you the okay, then it's time to figure out which knee scooter will best suit you. We've listed the things to consider in the guide below:
Related: How to Choose the Right Knee Scooter for YouCrowd Favorites
There is no specific brand physical therapist recommend for their patients after ankle surgery. But with over 10 years of selling and renting knee scooters, our most popular models have always been the Swivelmate and the Orthomate All-Terrain knee scooter, both made by TKWC.
The Swivelmate is very popular because it's the only knee scooter that can make tight turns. This is extremely useful to people who have to navigate around tight spaces such as hallways, offices, apartments, etc.
It's one of the few deluxe steerable knee walkers with dual hand brakes, useful for when you have a dominant hand. It has an adjustable knee pad to accommodate a right or a left leg injury—this improves ergonomics and maximizes comfort.
The Orthomate is preferred by many because of the air-filled rubber wheels that provide a smooth ride when using it outdoors—without necessitating oversized wheels, unlike other models out there. Its design allows for both indoor and outdoor use.
This all-terrain knee scooter can effortlessly navigate rough terrains, such as grass, gravel, dirt, sidewalks, or uneven concrete.Final Thoughts
Breaking your ankle can be a painful experience, but with a good treatment plan and a proper healing process—along with an excellent knee scooter—you can have a speedy and trouble-free recovery process.
Got more questions about knee walkers? You can always chat with a member over the phone—we're always happy to help!
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