Not all types of walking aids are suitable for non-weight bearing; therefore, it is vital to know the best walking aid for non-weight bearing injuries so you can help your mobility and not worsen the injury.
Non-weight bearing walking requires that no weight is placed on the injured foot; therefore, selecting medical equipment meant for balancing for non-weight bearing might be disastrous.
This article reviews some of the best products for the non-weight bearing you should consider purchasing.
Types of Walking Aids for Non-Weight Bearing
Below is medical equipment suitable for non-weight bearing:
- I-Walk Hands-free
- Crutches
- Walkers
- Knee Scooters
Note: We do not consider wheelchair and transport chair because both are more useful when the patient cannot walk, which is mostly not due to ankle, knee or hip injury alone. Also, rollators and canes are considered to be walking aid for balancing.
I-Walk Hands-Free
This is suitable for ankle and below-the-knee injuries. They are not appropriate walking aid for knee injuries because the knee rests on the comfort pad. I-walker hands-free is a crutch alternative that works like an artificial leg. The walker is strapped on the affected foot, with the knee and shine area rested on the comfortable pad, thereby making the ankle region bear no weight.
Crutches
Crutches are standard walking aid for non-weight bearing. There are two types of crutches: the forearm and the underarm crutches, each having its specific role and more suitable for different individuals.
Both forearm or underarm crutches have a specific goal: to help your ambulation by taking the weight of the injured foot. To be effective, you must select the correct crutch and ensure how to use it.
Our article on the best crutches for non-weight bearing will give you buying guide and suggest the best to purchase. We also have an article on non-weight bearing walking with crutches that will give you the best informational guide on using a crutch correctly.
Walkers
There are two types of walkers. The one with wheels, called rollators, cannot be used for non-weight bearing. They are suitable for balancing. The second type of walker is without wheels and is suitable for non-weight bearing.
Walkers are easy to use and require the user to lift them. That makes it vital for the patient to have a strong upper body for effective usage. The walker without wheels can double for balancing and non-weight bearing.
Knee Scooters
These are suitable for non-weight bearing involving the ankle region of the foot. It should not be considered for knee and hip injuries/after-surgery care. Knee scooters have wheels and manoeuvrability that ensure easy mobility.
They also have knee pads on which the injured foot is placed. Knee scooters are not suitable for older adults with weak physical strength. Also, they should not be considered when the second leg is weak because the second leg will be used to propel the knee scooter forward.
How to Choose the Right Walking Aids for Non-Weight Bearing
- Physical Strength of the Injured Person: How strong you are will determine what to go for. Forearm crutches and knee scooters require more physical strength than underarm crutches and walkers.
- Balancing of the Patient: iWalker require that the patient can walk perfectly before the injury, while the walker doesn’t require this. Therefore, the state of balancing before the injury is vital before picking a walking aid.
- Physician’s Advice: What you should go for should also be recommended by your doctor, who understands the nature of your injury. You must seek their advice on the best medical walking aid suitable for your case.
- How long will you be non-weight bearing: This question will also inform your decision. Therefore, what you decide to go for should depend on what you can cope with for an extended period. Also, how long will determine what you spend on the walking aid.
Top 10 Best Walking Aids for Broken Ankle and Non-Weight Bearing
1. iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch – Pain-Free Knee Crutch
This is the best crutch alternative suitable for a non-weight-bearing walking aid. With iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch, you can be completely free from the hassle of using crutches.
It works like an artificial leg, freeing your hand to do other work and allowing you to go about your daily activities without worries.
It has a weight capacity of 275 pounds and will be a good fit for a broken ankle, ankle surgery and below-the-knee injury.
iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch is suitable for people who can work well before the injury; height between 4’10”-6’6”; and weight lesser than 275 pounds.
2. Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Ergonomic Forearm Crutches
This is a forearm crutch and one of the best walking aid for non-weight bearing and broken ankles. The crutch comes in pairs and is designed to give the user the best comfort during recovery from injury.
Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Crutches have a maximum weight carrying capacity of 350 pounds, making it a good choice for heavyweight users.
It is a forearm crutch that makes it light in weight yet very strong. Each pair weighs 2.90 pounds, which any user can easily carry.
Also, it is correctly padded, from the handgrip to the cuffs around the wrist. The crutch tips make good contact with even and uneven floors, preventing falls and ensuring safety.
Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Crutches is one of the best forearm crutches and an excellent walking aid for non-weight bearing.
3. Millennial Medical Motion Ergonomic Crutches
Underarm crutches are great walking aid, and Millennial Medical Motion Ergonomic Crutch is a lovely product to consider.
One feature that distinguishes the crutch from others is the spring-assisted technology that acts like a shock absorber. This provides comfort for the user and also aids ambulation.
Millennial Medical Motion Ergonomic Crutch is sleek yet strong with a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It can be adjusted to suit users’ preferences and heights perfectly.
The crutches are correctly padded for comfort and convenience, and it’s one of the best crutches and walking aid for broken ankles and other non-weight-bearing injuries.
4. Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutches
This is also an underarm crutch and one of the best crutches available. It is a suitable product to consider if you are on a budget as its price is easily affordable.
Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutch is comfortable due to its padded handgrip. The part under the armpit is also padded with foam, enhancing the user’s comfort.
You can also adjust it to your height; the crutch is recommended for users within 4’11”-64’” height and weight, not more than 250 pounds.
Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutch is light in weight for an axillary crutch. Each crutch of the pair weighs 4.5 pounds, considered lightweight for a typical underarm crutch. It also folds to a smaller size for easy storage and travelling purposes.
5. KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter
The unique product is made by Knee Rover, one of the best makers of walking aids. This knee scooter is made to give you the mobility you desire and has been the favourite choice of many users worldwide.
The scooter’s frame is made with a steel alloy, which gives it strength and durability. It is strong enough to hold users weighing up to 300 pounds and suitable for heights within 5’3”-6’5”.
KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter weighs just 22 pounds, making it easy to carry when not in use. Our only reservation is that it may not be suitable for rough surfaces.
The knee scooter also folds easily, making it an excellent travel choice. It has a durable brake system, and the knee platform is well padded for comfort.
6. Drive Medical 796 Dual Pad Steerable Knee Walker
This durable knee walker scooter is one of the best walking aids for broken ankles. It has a strong frame and durable wheels, making it suitable for all terrain.
Drive Medical 796 Dual Pad Steerable Knee Walker is 30 inches in length by 16 inches in width by 31 inches in height; the knee pad dimension includes 15 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 16.5-20.5 inches in height.
The knee scooter is easy to control and steer due to its optimal 8-inch casters, making them a good option for indoor and outdoor usage.
It is solid and durable with a high weight carrying capacity of 350 pounds. The scooter also comes with a basket that serves as a storage purpose while using the scooter.
7. KneeRover All Terrain Steerable Knee Scooter
If you want a knee scooter capable of moving on all terrain, you may want to consider KneeRover All Terrain Steerable Knee Scooter. It is a three-wheel scooter with an extensive and sturdy 12-inch wheel for all floor surfaces.
The knee scooter is also made of steel, making the frame solid and durable. It has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. It is also foldable and weighs 28.2 pounds, making it a good one for travelling.
Furthermore, the handle and the knee rest can be adjusted to suit the user’s height perfectly, and it is recommended for users within the 5’6”-6’6” height range.
This knee scooter is one of the best, and it’s a good one to consider for below-the-knee injuries like a broken ankle.
8. Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker
This is likely the most purchased walker and one of the best. It is strong, durable, adjustable and easy to use for non-weight bearing.
Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker is made with aluminium, giving the frame strength yet light in weight for easy carriage.
It has two wheels in the front; therefore, it can be used for balancing and non-weight-bearing purposes. Also, it can be easily adjusted to the user’s height through the push button adjustment.
Furthermore, the walker can be used with wheels or without wheels; therefore, the wheels are removable on all the legs of the walker. The user can use it as a walker for non-weight bearing or a rollator for balancing.
9. Drive Medical 10200-1 Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker
Unlike the 10210-1 model, Drive Medical 10200-1 Walker cannot be used with wheels. This is a complete walker and one of the best available choices.
The walker is strong, with a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It is made with aluminium, making it light in weight and easily folds into a compact size for travelling purposes.
Furthermore, it adjusts to different heights, making it suitable for different users’ heights. It is one of the best walkers and an excellent walking aid for a broken ankle and non-weight bearing.
10. Front Wheeled Walker by Healthline
This is a front-wheel walker and one of the best to consider. It gives good support and is strong enough to carry users weighing up to 300 pounds.
Short and tall people can use Front Wheeled Walker as it is adjustable to fit different users’ heights. The frame is strong and made of aluminium.
You can also easily fold the walker into a compact size, making it suitable for travelling. The two wheels are not suitable for all terrain and are just 5-inch in diameter.