subject: Knee Walkers - Are They For You? [print this page] Knee walkers are used as a form to keep weight off of your ankle or foot and helps with mobility assistance. Universal knee walkers can be used for people who have ankle braces or casts. They can be adjusted for the left knee or the right knee for optimum control. They can also be easily adjusted based on your height. The knee walker can be folded so that it is compact for storage or transport, and is equipped with a hand brake to lock the knee walker in place. They are available for up to 400 lbs capacity.
Knee walkers can greatly improve the quality of you or a loved one. How? Knee walkers give individuals comfort, stability and mobility with minimal effort. Knee walkers are an alternative to a walker or crutches that is pain-free. Most models have front wheels that turn, which make it easier to maneuver and steer the device. They free up your hands, and conserve energy. They prevent falling and tripping. They also elevate the leg so that there will be less swelling and pain, and improved circulation. It can be used as a foot stool or a bench while resting.
What are some other advantages to knee walkers? For individuals who don't have good balance, it ensures stability for them. It also strengthens muscles in the elevated leg, therefore preventing atrophy. Atrophy is the wasting away of bone mass and muscles. It does not need to be disassembled, but rather can simply be folded to store or transport it. In addition to these things, it actually improves balance. It exercises many muscles when used regularly, including muscles in the trunk, hip, and around the knee in both the unaffected leg as well as the affected leg.
Who will benefit from using knee walkers? Knee walkers can be used by a variety of people. You can benefit from using a knee walker if you have gout, bunions, or sprained ankles. It will also help you if you have wounds or ulcers in your lower extremities due to diabetes. If you have Achilles tendons that have ruptured, or a leg amputation, it may also be right for you. They will also benefit individuals who have non-union fractures or fractures in certain lower regions of the body. These places include the lower leg, the heel, the ankle, and the foot. They can also be used if you are recovering from foot surgery.
