5 Best Alternatives to Crutches
What are the best alternatives to crutches? You sustained an injury, had an accident, or went through surgery and need mobility support. When you cannot use crutches, what else is there to use? Let’s find out!
Our Top 5 Picks
Highlights
- Padded adjustable straps
- Three-layer knee platform
- Quick-release buckles
- Replaceable non-slip tip
I like iWalk 3.0 because it gives you the freedom to do more. You could almost not remember that you are using mobility aids. iWalk 3.0 frees your hands and arm from the stress of resting on the crutches. You don’t have to lean on the crutches all day.
When you purchase the iWalk 3.0, you do not need tools as it comes pre-assembled. It fits into any leg, left or right. And if you need to, you can adjust the upper or lower heights separately.
The iWalk 3.0 has comfortable pads to rest your legs on the walker without any pain. If you have small or large legs, the iWalk comes with adjustable straps. That helps make it your perfect size and for easy movements.
You can move around, up and down the stair with the non-slip base. The base comprises Vibram thread to give the iWalk sturdiness. That means you are safe from accidental slips.
Good For:
- It's more convenient for moving around without leaning on the crutches.
- You experience less pain around the ankle or foot if it is a pain area.
- You don't need any tools to assemble.
- It is clinically certified as safe for mobility use.
- Hands-free mobility aid.
- It is not suitable for knee accident victims.
- It would help if you didn't use it for long-distance movement.
Highlights
- Four wheels
- Steering with grip handles
- Height adjustment
- Rear brakes
KneeRover scooter walker takes you around faster. You experience no pain in your ankle or foot while moving around. Also, you can steer your way around with ease.
Another great news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune or break the bank. Yes, as the KneeRover is a mid-range scooter. That’s why it’s ideal for broken ankle or leg and after surgery.
The KneeRover weighs about 21 pounds but carries up to 300 lbs weights. So it is portable and easy to carry with you.
Good For:
- You can fold and unfold within seconds to save up space.
- It comes with rubber wheels for comfortable and noise-free movement indoors and outdoors.
- It has a padded and comfortable knee cushion.
- You can adjust the handlebars to suit your height and specifications.
- It is perfect for kids and adults with heights 4.6” to 6.6” tall.
- Don't expect a super-comfortable knee pad for more prolonged use.
- It would be nice to have baskets for carrying small items.
Highlights
- Two brake systems
- Quick foldable hand bars
- Soft and large padded seats
- 4 Rubber wheels
The KneeRover evolution has some more perks than the economy scooter. And that includes the basket for carrying items. In addition, the seated scooter evolution works best for lower leg injuries. That consists of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
The scooter has a rear disc brake and adjustable handbrakes to help control speed and movement. With the soft gel-padded seats, it reduces friction on the knees. Using a rubber hand grip ensures sturdiness when moving around.
You can reduce the chance of a slip by applying the rear disc brake. When you combine that with the lock handbrake, you should experience fewer falls others complained about. Besides, you can adjust the handbrake to increase comfort.
Good For:
- It is suitable for 5” to 6.6” heights for kids and adults.
- A perfect knee walker for up to 300 LBs weighted individuals.
- The 7.5" rubber wheels make it easier to move around.
- The large and soft padded seat reduces pains.
- Lock brakes and rear brakes for safety.
- No option to choose whether right or left brake.
- You may experience challenges moving on an uneven floor surface.
Highlights
- Foldable back support
- Padded seats
- Storage pouch
- Adjustable heights
Drive Medical 10257BL-1 provides an incredible alternative to crutches. However, it is a more suitable option for elderlies due to the backrest.
The walker comes with a four-wheel walker rollator for easy movement. That means better support when you combine it with the backrest.
You can pack your little belonging into the pouch and move around. The rubber wheels are noise-free. So, you can get around in comfort. There are additional loop locks to increase safety.
Using a padded seat and backrest helps reduce discomfort on the go. And you can hold onto the adjustable handle for sturdiness. The handle is adjustable to your height, so you don’t have to strain.
Good For:
- It comes with a detachable and foldable backrest for support.
- The padded seat increases the convenience.
- Store up your personal belongings with the attached pouch
- The four-wheel rollator walker works best for any surface.
- It uses loop locks for increased safety.
- The height handle is not suitable for six-footers.
- There’s no provision for locking the rollator after folding.
Highlights
- Four rollator large wheels
- Collapsible rollator and seats
- Back support
Drive Medical RTL10266 Nitro rollator walker offers a sleek and comfortable alternative to crutches. It comes in a brilliant red and black design that accentuates the appearance.
I like the walker because you can collapse it into one hand. Then, all you need to do is to pull the seat up using the grip, and the side will come together.
The Drive Medical comprises impressive aluminum frames and nylon seats. When moving around, the brake cable helps for safety. In addition, you can easily maneuver using the caster fork and large front wheels.
Good For:
- The back support ensures more comfort.
- It has four large rollator wheels for effortless maneuvers.
- You get an adjustable seat and handle to your specification
- It is a portable and easy-to-collapse rollator walker.
- The wheels don’t work well for smooth surfaces.
- Some products have quality issues with the frame or brakes.
Why should you consider an Alternative to Crutches?
Crutches are great, but they could cause strains on the arm and elbows. That’s where crutches alternatives become the solution. Knee scooters, seater, and walker help reduce pains peculiar with crutches.
Crutches require upper body strength but not knee scooters. Knee scooters make it easier to move faster with less pain. You will love the ease of movement (hands-free) if you do not have a knee injury. Also, those with ankle or foot injuries can move around better with knee scooters. So, no strains or discomfort around the armpits, wrists, or shoulder due to crutches.
How Do You Carry Shopping Bags using Crutch Alternatives?
Do you make use of crutches alternatives like the knee scooter or walker? Then you should get a shopping bag hook attached to the steering handlebars. It will help you in carrying your groceries and others after shopping. You can try out the PACMAXI Knee Walker Storage Bag.
Although, some knee walkers or scooters come with a basket or bag. So, you may not need one.
Tips to Consider When Using Knee Scooters
Be careful! they could strain your good leg.
Using a knee scooter means more work on the good leg. It may strain the muscles and bones of your good leg. And that’s not how the human body typically functions under such strenuous activities on the good leg.
Therefore, you need more breaks to save the good leg. Also, please learn how to use knee scooters effectively to avoid straining the good leg.
You still require body balance.
Using a knee crutch or scooter means you need adequate balance. Remember, you may need to distribute your weight correctly. One foot is on the knee scooter and the other on the floor. Poor balancing could result in an accident.
Knee scooters are not the best for ascending or descending the stairs
You may not be able to go up and down the stairs effectively in a knee scooter. Remember, knee scooters or walkers usually have wheels? Of all five walkers reviewed above, only the iWalk3.0 can navigate the stairs. But it would be best if you also were careful to avoid injury or a fall.
Your best bet with knee scooters may be to use the elevator up or downstairs. But that is if there’s one in the building.
Knee Scooters require a spacious environment
It is a lot easier to turn around if you were on your feet. Also, you need only a small space to turn left or right when using crutches. But you would require far more freedom to achieve the same turning when using a knee scooter. Outside your home, space may not be an issue.
Final Words
Are you trying to decide the best alternative to crutches to purchase? I will recommend you speak with a medical practitioner first to know what works for your situation.