If you’ve ever experienced an injury or surgery that requires you to use crutches or a knee scooter, you know just how inconvenient it can be. You’re not able to use your hands, and carrying anything is nearly impossible. It can also be painful and put strain on your shoulders, arms, and back. Knee scooters can help, as they take the strain out of your shoulders and hands, however they are only suitable on flat surfaces and you still need to use hands to steer them. However, there is a new alternative available that can make your recovery a lot easier and more comfortable: the iWALK3.0 hands-free crutch. In this post, we’ll explain why the iWALK is a better solution than a knee scooter.
First, let’s start by describing what the iWALK is. The iWALK is a medical device designed to replace traditional crutches or knee scooters for patients who need to be non-weight bearing for a period of time. It’s essentially a crutch that straps onto your leg, often likened to a pirate’s ‘peg-leg’, allowing you to walk hands-free. The iWALK allows you to maintain your independence and mobility, without having to rely on others for assistance.
Now, let’s look at some of the reasons why the iWALK is a better solution than a knee scooter:
- Greater mobility and ease of use: With the iWALK, you can walk up stairs, navigate tight spaces, and move around much more easily than with a knee scooter. You can even use it in the shower. The iWALK is also much lighter and more compact than a knee scooter, which means you can take it with you anywhere you go.
- Better for your overall health: Using the iWALK can actually help improve your overall health, as it allows you to maintain an active lifestyle while you recover. Walking with the iWALK is a weight-bearing activity, which can help reduce muscle atrophy, reduce the risk of blood clots, and improve cardiovascular health.
- More affordable: Knee scooters can be quite expensive. The iWALK, on the other hand, is much more affordable and can be a cost-effective solution for many patients. Particularly when you take into account the £50 buy-back scheme for our customers.
One of the biggest drawbacks of a knee scooter is that it can be difficult to manoeuvre, especially in certain situations. Here are some specific examples:
- Uneven surfaces: Knee scooters can be challenging to use on uneven surfaces like gravel, grass, or cobblestones. The small wheels can get stuck or catch on obstacles, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable for the user.
- Hills and gradients: Going up or down a hill on a knee scooter can be challenging, especially if the slope is steep. You will need to use your good leg to push yourself along or use your hands to help control the speed of the scooter.
- Homes without lots of space: Knee scooters can be difficult to use in small or cramped spaces, especially if there are a lot of obstacles in the way. Moving around in a bathroom, for example, can be challenging if there isn’t much room to manoeuvre. You certainly can’t get it in the shower!
- Opening doors: Opening doors while using a knee scooter can be tricky, particularly if the door opens toward you. You may need to rely on someone else to help you open doors, which can be inconvenient.
- Transporting the scooter: Knee scooters can be bulky and difficult to transport, especially if you need to take them in a car or on public transportation. This can make it challenging to travel or get around outside of your home.
All of these challenges can make using a knee scooter frustrating and difficult, especially for people who are already dealing with the stress of an injury or surgery. The iWALK hands-free crutch, on the other hand, is designed to be easy to use and manoeuvre in a variety of situations. It can help users maintain their independence and mobility, even in situations where a knee scooter may be challenging or impractical.
In conclusion, the iWALK hands-free crutch is a better solution than a knee scooter for many patients. It offers greater mobility, is more comfortable, better for overall health, and more affordable. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to be non-weight bearing for a period of time, the iWALK3.0 is definitely worth considering.