Where would I be able to locate a knee scooter? Are you familiar with anything called a knee scooter? Is using a knee scooter risky? If you have just undergone medical treatment or sustained an injury that prohibits you from putting weight on your foot or ankle, you might wonder what steps you should take next. After suffering an injury to their foot or ankle, many people cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle, which means they are left with only one leg to stand on. Because of the difficulty of this situation, someone came up with the idea of creating a knee scooter.
In the past, a person unable to bear their weight would walk with the assistance of crutches or a walker, or in rare situations, they might be confined to a wheelchair. Hopping on one leg while utilizing a walker or crutches requires a large level of upper-body power.
Some persons just do not have the required upper-body strength or other injuries or health problems that prevent them from using their arms. In those instances, patients were required to use a wheelchair throughout their recovery.
Being a wheelchair user might restrict your movement and make it difficult for you to carry out activities independently. Additionally, for some people who do not want to feel "handicapped," using a wheelchair can be a mental challenge.
Mobility can be restored by using a scooter for ankle injury by transferring weight to the healthy knee of the affected leg while scooting on the injured limb's opposite side. It seems like it may be a lifesaver, and in some cases, it is. However, some restrictions should be brought to your attention right once.
There is no guarantee that insurance will cover a device of this kind. Determining whether this will benefit you before you part with any money is in your best interest.
What does the Research Say?
Is using a knee scooter risky? According to a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics in 2017, 44 percent of knee scooters patients fell. Many of them were knocked down multiple times.
The Research is not completely accurate because only 80 of the 671 people who participated in the survey responded. However, this provides some light on the restrictions of using the knee scooter. And as someone who has used these and taught others how to use them, we can tell you from experience that a learning curve is associated with their utilization. It's not as simple as it seems at first glance.
As someone in this business, we can't confirm any substantial statistics that patients do fall while using knee scooters, which frequently results in injuries to the ribs and visits to the emergency room. It would be best if you made broad rotations to prevent losing your balance and falling.
Another challenge is rising from a seated position while using the knee scooter. It is not the simplest activity to carry out. Before moving the knee scooter forward, you must demonstrate that you can stand on one leg while adjusting the other on the device.
Using a knee scooter will need less endurance than using a walker or crutches; this is something that we can tell you based on our clinical expertise. This assumption was proven in a study in 2016, albeit a very small one of only ten people. On the other hand, if you have restricted endurance because of concerns with your heart or lungs, this is a component you should consider.
Advantages of Using a Knee Walker
After suffering an injury to the foot, ankle, or knee, the most typical guidance doctors and other medical professionals provide is to keep the afflicted area elevated and obtain as much rest as possible.
There are tasks to complete around the house, responsibilities to fulfill at work, and other duties throughout the day that compels us to move around. For many of us, staying put is simply not an option because of these obligations.
There was a time when the only remedy to this issue was the use of uncomfortably bulky medical boots or, even worse, slow and awkward crutches. You can easily remain active and productive throughout the day with the assistance of a knee scooter, which is a blessing. The following are a few of the advantages that using a knee scooter can provide:
1. A Better Alternative to Other Mobility Aids
When it comes to errands like going to the store, work, or even vacation, a knee scooter gives all of these experiences a noticeably simpler and more natural feeling. You are free to move about without the restrictions of crutches or a wheelchair, and you do not require the assistance of other people to get around.
2. Maintaining a Good Posture When Getting Around
By maintaining an upright and natural stance while using a knee scooter, with your shoulders pulled back and your "good" leg continuing in a comfortable stride, you can alleviate some of the tension that would otherwise be placed on your back. Because it requires you to use both legs to propel yourself along, a knee scooter helps keep your balance and remain stable while preventing muscle atrophy.
3. Conserving Your Energy
When you walk with a knee scooter, you don't have to physically raise a pair of crutches up and down to walk, and you also don't have to move the wheels of a wheelchair manually. This allows you to conserve your physical energy.
4. Better Speed
On a knee scooter, you can go around considerably faster by just pushing the scooter forward like a skateboard and gliding in the direction you want. This makes getting around a lot easier.
5. Easy Storage When Not in Use
There is never any lifting involved when using a knee scooter. When it is not used, it may be stored easily by leaning against a chair or wall.
What About the Cost?
Let's take a moment to discuss money matters. Knee scooters are not often covered by insurance; nevertheless, you should verify this information with your provider.