• Why Are Knee Walkers a Great Alternative to Crutches for Non-Weight-Bearing Recovery?

    • By Lydia Lucas
    • January 18, 2025
  • Recovering from a lower leg injury or surgery can be a challenging experience, especially when it requires you to avoid putting any weight on the affected area. For years, crutches or wheelchairs have been the only solution for non-weight-bearing recovery, but they come with their fair share of discomfort and limitations. That’s where knee walkers come in—a modern, practical, and far superior alternative to crutches for non-weight-bearing recovery.

    At StrideOn, we specialise in knee walkers, helping thousands of customers regain their mobility, comfort, and independence during recovery. Let’s explore why knee walkers are a great alternative to crutches and how they can make your recovery journey so much easier.

    The Drawbacks of Crutches
    Crutches have long been a standard mobility aid for recovery, but they’re not without challenges. Common issues include:

    • Discomfort: Crutches often cause strain and soreness in the arms, shoulders, and wrists, especially after prolonged use.
    • Fatigue: Supporting your body weight with crutches can be physically exhausting, leaving you drained.
    • Stability Issues: Crutches can be tricky to balance on, particularly on uneven or slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.
    • Limited Use: Crutches require your hands to remain occupied, making it difficult to carry items or perform daily tasks.
    While crutches may get the job done, they’re far from convenient or comfortable. This is why so many people are now turning to our knee walkers as a better solution.

    Why Are Knee Walkers a Better Alternative to Crutches?
    A knee walker (or knee scooter) is designed to solve the challenges that come with using crutches, offering a more comfortable, stable, and versatile way to recover from a lower leg injury. Here’s why our knee walkers are increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals and loved by patients:

    1. Superior Comfort
    Crutches can place a lot of strain on your upper body, causing discomfort in your arms, shoulders, and wrists. In contrast, knee walkers feature a padded platform where you can rest your injured leg, ensuring maximum comfort throughout your recovery.
    2. Greater Mobility
    Knee walkers allow you to glide smoothly across various surfaces without the physical effort required by crutches. Whether you’re navigating your home or venturing outdoors, a knee walker offers effortless mobility, helping you stay active and independent.
    3. Increased Stability and Safety
    Unlike crutches, which can be difficult to balance on, our knee walkers provide a sturdy and reliable base. With their 5 Wheel or four-wheel designs and integrated brakes, our knee walkers minimise the risk of slips and falls, giving you confidence in every step.
    4. Hands-Free Convenience
    One of the most practical benefits of knee walkers is the ability to carry items while staying mobile. Many All of our models come with detachable baskets or storage options, allowing you to carry essentials like a water bottle, phone, or shopping bag without hassle. One of the essential features we have is the parking brake. This enables you to stand with your injured leg fully supported and be hands free to craft a meal, make a cuppa or engage in other hobbies.
    5. Easy to Use
    Crutches can take time to master, and remember, to remain non-weight bearing, you will need to HOP. StrideOn Knee walkers, on the other hand, are intuitive and easy to use. With minimal effort, you’ll be able to manoeuvre your way through tight spaces and open areas alike.

    StrideOn Knee Walkers: Designed for Your Recovery
    At StrideOn, we’re proud to offer two exceptional knee walker models tailored to suit your recovery needs:
    • StrideOn Knee Walker: Ideal for indoor use, this model features a 90-degree turning ability, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces such as hallways and kitchens.
    • Orthomate Knee Scooter: Built more for outdoor use, this model has air-filled tyres to absorb some of the bumps and provide a smoother ride on less even surfaces, making it ideal for activities like dog walking, shopping, or simply enjoying fresh air.
    Both models are designed with comfort, stability, and practicality in mind, ensuring you can focus on your recovery without added stress.

    Why Choose StrideOn for Knee Walker Hire?
    StrideOn has been specialising in knee walkers for over 12 years, helping thousands of people recover comfortably and confidently. Here’s what makes us stand out:

    • Flexible Hire Options: Perfect for short-term recovery, with the option to extend if needed.
    • High-Quality British Design: Our knee walkers are built to last, offering durability and reliability.
    • Accessories to Enhance Comfort: From memory foam knee pads to waterproof cast covers, we provide everything you need for a smooth recovery.
    • Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly team is here to help you choose the right knee walker for your needs.

    Recover Comfortably and Confidently with a Knee Walker
    Crutches may have been the standard choice for years, but knee walkers are redefining the recovery experience. By offering greater comfort, mobility, and independence, a knee walker is undoubtedly the best alternative to crutches for non-weight-bearing recovery.
    If you’re ready to make your recovery easier and more enjoyable, explore our range of knee walkers today.