Dr Beckstrand reviews crutches, scooters, and other assistive devices to help you walk with a broken foot, ankle, toe, or leg! Yes I did break my foot and yes I do own each of these assistive devices. There are pros and cons to each one and I’m here to break them down for you in this simple video.
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LINKS TO EACH DEVICE PRESENTED IN THIS VIDEO (AFFILIATE):
#4 AXILLARY (ARMPIT) CRUTCHES: https://amzn.to/3AzxVpx
#3 FOREARM CRUTCHES: https://amzn.to/2XHRzkA
#2 KNEE SCOOTER: https://amzn.to/3CBBAn3
#1 iWALK 3.0: https://amzn.to/3CBxE5V
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OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
ONCE THE BOOT COMES OFF - DO THIS! PHASE ONE EXERCISES: https://youtu.be/Zq3HYp6MCkw
EXERCISES YOU MUST BE DOING WITH YOUR LEG INJURY: https://youtu.be/bsMrL_U7Hsk
In this video, I’ll be reviewing some of the popular mobility devices available today for a broken foot or ankle bone.
There are many available, so let me help you to make the right decision about which one is the best for you and your situation!
Please note that this is my unbiased and unpaid review of the different types of mobility aids available for temporary non-weight bearing injuries. This video is NOT sponsored by any of these companies and you can find the links to all these products in the description above (affiliate links).
This is simply my unbiased opinion on what has worked for me and what hasn’t! I’ll list pros and cons of each and hopefully this advice will help you in your selection of a mobility aid.
0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - My Injury
1:48 - Armpit Crutches
3:26 - Forearm Crutches
4:14 - Knee Scooter
6:19 - iWalk
(1:48) #4 AXILLARY (ARMPIT) CRUTCHES
Pros: Very stable and simple to use. There is no weight limitation and not much strength required to use them effectively (weight is born through the armpits). They’re fairly portable and rathe simple to do stairs.
Cons: The biggest con for me was these really hurt my armpits. They’re slow, a little cumbersome, and leave your armpits/lats feeling pretty raw by the end of the day. They’re slower, and don’t allow you to use your hands while using them (chores, getting ready in the morning, cleaning, etc, are all very difficult).
My least-favorite, but I understand why it’s the go-to in an instant care an emergency room facility
(3:26) #3 FOREARM CRUTCHES
Pros: Forearm crutches are a lot faster. They’re lighter and a little more agile than the armpit crutches. You can also go up and down stairs quickly provided you have adequate upper body strength.
Cons: They do require a lot of upper body strength and put lots of pressure on your hands. Also, you cannot use your hands for other tasks while using these crutches. They’re also not the most stable option and may not be a good choice if your balance is poor.
(4:14) #2 KNEE SCOOTER
Pros: The biggest pro on this one is the scooter is FAST. This is easily the fastest way to get around on one foot while the other is rehabbing. It’s also very comfortable as your leg is supported (as opposed to hanging freely while on crutches). Brakes are convenient for stopping and a basket is ideal for being able to carry small items with you.
Cons: The knee scooter is not very agile. If you live in a small home or apartment you might find it difficult to navigate. Stairs/curbs can pose a difficult problem. Also cracks and holes in the cement and asphalt can be hazardous.
(6:19) #1 iWALK 3.0
Pros: This is probably the assistive device I use the most often. It feels the closest to “normal” walking and enables you the use of your hands. This is great for chores around the house, meal prep, exercising/lifting weights, and getting ready in the morning.
Cons: You have to qualify to use it, and it’s not for everyone. You need good balance and it’s better suited for those who are stronger. It is the slowest of all the devices I tried and is not ideal for walking longer distances. It can be tender on the back of your knee with the straps, and can stress the hip, glutes, and lower back.
So which is my favorite device? And which one do I recommend? Well - my answer is “that depends”. I would say they are each ideal under different circumstances and I use them all throughout my day (well… except the axially crutches. Haven’t had those out a day since my other devices all showed up!).
I hope this review helps you to make a better educated decision about which device is ideal for you and your unique situation. Good luck and happy healing!
⬇️ MORE VIDEOS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL⬇️
WATCH THIS ONCE THE BOOT COMES OFF (ANKLE MOBILITY): https://youtu.be/Zq3HYp6MCkw
SPRAINED ANKLE STRETCHES: https://youtu.be/Ehan_VI7p4c
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR ANKLE: https://youtu.be/8YL5oL0pmtM
PLANTAR FASCIITIS EXERCISES: https://youtu.be/zMUWbzxuw7s
ACHILLES TENDONITIS EXERCISES: https://youtu.be/byCTWYxlPfU