Originally posted on https://bayshoremedicalsupply.net/the-complete-guide-to-knee-walkers-and-knee-scooters/

 

What are knee walkers?

Knee walkers have become a popular mobility choice for a good reason. They are a perfect upgrade from the standard crutches that we are all so familiar with since knee walkers allow you more mobility and also allow you to completely rest, hands-free, whereas you must be standing and securing yourself at all times when utilizing crutches.

While there are depictions of bent knee prosthetic devices dating back more than 2000 years ago, the modern versions that are available today weren’t seen in regular use until the 1980’s. Knee walkers are designed for those who are injured so that they can move about freely and are a fantastic invention for those who have injured their foot, leg or hip but still need to get around frequently.

Types of knee walkers.

While all knee walkers include some of the same features (wheels, padded “seat” to rest your knee, handlebars for steering), there are many makes and models available on the market. A few of the different options/features available include:

Brakes– Handlebar brakes similar to what you would see on a bicycle

3 wheeled vs. 4 wheeled models– Each are sturdy, but the 3-wheeled versions are often a bit smaller and can fit into tighter spaces

Baskets– Again, like what you might see on a bicycle, these baskets are perfect for groceries, business items, or anything else you may need to tote with you.

All-terrain wheels– These models include larger, wider wheels to allow the user to navigate rougher terrain, such as grass, dirt, or gravel-covered areas. Perfect for anyone who must spend much of their time outside on uneven terrain.

Heavyweight capacity– Some folks are simply bigger than others, so some models of knee walkers are designed to carry a much heavier weight load.

As you can see, there are quite a few options you can select with your knee walker. Just make sure that the one you choose has all the options that are suited for your needs.

How do you know if you need a knee walker?

You may be asking, “What’s wrong with just hobbling around on a cast or using a pair of crutches or a cane that are both much less expensive?”

Good question, but in many cases, simply trying to get around using crutches or a cane is not a viable option. Here are some examples of those who would make great candidates for knee walker use:

The Elderly- The elderly who have been injured are excellent candidates for knee walker. Many older folks cannot get around easily considering the strength and balance required when using crutches or a cane. Knee walkers provide an incredible amount of stability for those in upper age ranges.

People who have very little upper body strength- When using crutches, much of your upper body muscles will be in use the whole time. People who do not have sufficient upper body strength may have serious issues when trying to use crutches. For instance, while moving about with a pair of crutches, you must engage grip strength, forearm muscles, your core (including abs and lower back to prevent soreness and injury in these areas) and even your shoulder muscles to a degree. Knee walkers require very little strength whatsoever to use making them a perfect option for those who do not possess enough upper body strength.

People who have balance issues- If someone has any type of balance issue at all, then walking with crutches is never a recommended option. This can include those with inner ear disorders, those on certain medications, etc. Knee walkers are secure vehicles and they do all the balancing for the user.

People who must be mobile for large parts of their day- Those whose jobs or familial duties require them to be mobile for much of the day are perfect candidates for knee walker. Anyone that has had to use crutches for any period know the issues: underarm rubbing causing discomfort, hand and forearm stiffness and pain from gripping the handles for extended periods of time; it’s just uncomfortable. Because knee walkers can support your entire weight and allow you to rest your hands for as long as you like, they are incredibly more comfortable than any other option, especially when one needs to be mobile for a large part of the day.

People who have certain types of injuries- Depending on what type of injury a person has, walking with crutches or a cane may not be recommended. In these cases, the jarring action associated with hobbling along on crutches can exacerbate an injury, whereas movement on a knee walker is quite smooth.

 

Specific model information.

Now that you have all the info you need to make a choice, it’s time to pick out your own personal knee walker. If you are in the Houston area, then Bayshoremedicalsupply.net is the place to go. They have a huge selection of all kinds of medical equipment including top of the line knee walkers that have all the features mentioned above. These models include:

The KneeRover Deluxe– A top of the line design, 4-wheel model that has extra padding for your knee, a large transport basket and tie-rod steering for maximum stability and safety.

• Offer an advanced automotive style tie-rod steering mechanism and an adjustable locking handbrake.
• Features four 7.5″ non-marking rubber wheels, a comfortable 3″ thick contoured knee platform that is left or right leg compatible, and a free basket.
• Has a removable front axle and handlebars with a quick folding mechanism for easy transport and storage.
• Fully adjustable handlebars and knee platform,
• 300 lb weight capacity and is recommended for individuals with heights 4.9′ – 6’6″.

 

The All-Terrain KneeRover– This kneerover is a steerable knee scooter in the industry, establishing a new level of durability and freedom of mobility for individuals who cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle, yet want to remain active.

• This indoor/outdoor all terrain knee scooter features 12-inch pneumatic tires
• This steerable knee walker offers an advanced automotive style tie-rod steering mechanism (not available on most knee walkers) and an adjustable locking handbrake.
• Fully adjustable knee platform and handlebars with easy folding mechanism for simple transport and storage of rolling knee walker.
• 350 lb weight capacity and is recommended for individuals with heights 5’6″ – 6’5″.

 

The KneeRover Jr.- A high quality kneerover made just for kids and smaller adults.

• The first pediatric steerable knee scooter designed specifically for kids and smaller adults who cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle yet want to remain active and mobile.
• Excellent stability and safety with its sturdy dual bar design, unique 4-wheel frame, adjustable handbrake and rear drum brake.
• Weighs only 18 pounds,
• 3″ thick contoured knee platform and ergonomic rubber hand grips for complete comfort.
• Easy to use thumb-release lever. Additionally, this knee walker is equipped with a free detachable storage basket and features tool-free assembly & setup.
• Lightweight yet sturdy knee walker offers a 160 lb weight capacity and is recommended for children and small adults with heights 3’9″ to 5’6″.

 

The KneeRover Jr. All Terrain– You guessed it, just like the kneerover jr. model but with larger tires designed to allow users to get around just about anywhere.

• Outdoor mobility for individuals (4’3″ feet to 5’9” tall) who cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle yet want to remain active and mobile.
• An advanced automotive style tie-rod steering mechanism and an adjustable locking handbrake.
• Includes the New KneeRover® Stabilizer training wheel for maximum stability and control.
• Features three 9″ diameter air-filled tires and a 3″ padded knee platform that is left or right leg compatible.
• Features tool-free setup and assembly, along with a hand rim brake.
• Equipped with an easy folding mechanism that collapses via a thumb-release lever.
• It also comes with a FREE detachable basket for storage of your personal belongings.

 

The Seated KneeRover– This model lets you truly sit down and elevate the injured leg for maximum comfort.

• Adjustable locking handbrake and rear drum brake.
• Seated mobility scooter features a large gel padded seat,
• Ergonomic rubber hand grips
• Front leg platform that allows the patient to rest in comfort while elevating the non-weight bearing leg.
• Handlebars with a quick folding mechanism for easy transport and storage.
• Walker also comes with four 7.5″ non-marking rubber wheels, and a free basket.
• Robust 300 lb weight capacity and is recommended for individuals with heights 5″ – 6’6″.

 

Bayshore Medical Supply is in Pasadena TX and is the surrounding Houston area’s source for knee walkers, mobility supplies and medical rental equipment. Bayshore offers knee walkers for rent and for sale, as well as other mobility products so patients can make the best solution for your lifestyle.