How to Use a Knee Walker Properly
If you've recently experienced a change in your mobility level due to an injury, accident, or surgery, knowing how to use a knee walker can be useful to keep yourself active. A knee walker—or knee scooter—is an alternative to crutches or traditional walkers and is commonly used as an ambulation aid for patients who need to stay mobile as they recover from surgery.
Used to support the shin of the injured leg, a knee scooter allows the user to propel the device using their good leg as it makes contact with the ground. Though these devices are simple and safe to use, it's worth taking time to learn how to use them most effectively while you recover.
How to Set Up a Knee Walker
Knee walkers are generally safe devices to use after surgery. A 2022 study showed that patients using knee scooters suffered 14 falls compared to 22 falls for people using crutches. That said, before using your knee walker, you must adjust it properly so it fits your measurements. Doing this will make using your walker safer and more comfortable.
1. Adjust Your Scooter to the Right Measurements for You
You may well already have an injury if you're using a knee scooter, so the last thing you need is another one! The easiest way to ensure your safety and comfort is to make sure it's properly adjusted. You'll need to measure it first to optimize it for your needs.
You can adjust the height of the knee rest and the handlebars. The correct height of the steering column and the knee pad will differ from person to person, and you should seek professional guidance to make sure you adjust both to the correct height.
2. Change Knee Pad Orientation
Some knee scooters also allow the user to adjust the knee pad orientation to offer greater support for your injured foot, ankle, or leg. Adjusting the knee pad makes it more ergonomic for the user and provides the injured leg with more support. This is in addition to helping the uninjured leg make strides more easily by preventing it from hitting the scooter's frame.
How to Change Knee Pad Orientation
Most knee walkers will require you to unlock the knee rest and remove the knee rest post from the frame. You'll likely find the instructions under the knee rest. Follow the instructions to choose the orientation you need.
3. Adjust the Knee Rest Height
To find out how to adjust your knee rest, you'll need to measure the distance from the bottom of your bent knee to the floor. To do this, stand up straight while stabilizing yourself on an item that won’t move. Then measure the space between the bottom of your bent knee and the ground.
You'll then need to adjust the knee pad to match the distance you measured so it's equal in height from the surface of the pad to the floor. Lock the knee pad securely into position.
4. Adjust the Handlebars
Ideally, the handlebar height should be around waist height. To raise or lower the handlebar, unlock the height adjustment knob and set the appropriate height for you.
5. Lock the Brakes
Getting used to your knee scooter may take some time and practice. An important safety step to take while you're learning is to engage and lock the brakes to provide stability and prevent it from rolling away.
Locking mechanisms tend to differ from model to model. Check the manual to learn how to lock the brakes.
How to Use a Knee Scooter
Once you've set up your scooter, it's time to practice using it. Read the user manual carefully before you use it the first time in case there is any important safety information to know.
To safely operate the scooter, grab the handlebars before you mount it. This will ensure that it's stable before you get on and gives you a secure base to hold onto as you get on the scooter.
1. Mount the Knee Scooter
As you grab the handlebars, place your injured leg onto the knee rest. Keep your good foot on the floor.
2. Unlock the Brakes
After ensuring your unit is stable, you're ready to go. Unlock the brakes by releasing the brake handles.
3. Start Propelling Yourself Forward
Keeping both hands on the handlebars, use your foot and lower leg to push yourself forward. Be aware of objects around you when you kick back. Start slowly as you get a feel for the device. When you're more confident, you can afford to go a bit faster.
4. Don't Forget the Brakes!
You always want to move at a controlled speed when using your knee walker. Your good foot is effective in stopping you and your device if you are traveling slowly enough. You can then use the brakes to stay in place while stopped. Get to know your braking system as some systems may be more or less effective and sensitive than others.
5. Dismount Safely
Don't attempt to get off your knee scooter until you're at a complete stop. When you're ready, lock the brakes and dismount with your hands still on the handlebars.
Other Tips
Knee scooters are generally safe and simple to use. Using one during recovery, following your physical therapist's advice, and incorporating therapeutic activities like mobility yoga (with your doctor’s okay) can help you recuperate your previous level of activity. However, keeping these tips in mind could make your experience more comfortable:
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing while using your knee walker. Avoid long, loose, or flowing clothes that could get trapped in the wheels or mechanisms.
Practice Before Using: Practice lowering and raising the steering column at home before you need to pack your device into a car or taxi.
Go Slow and Steady: Be aware of what's around you as you learn to use your scooter as they can be tricky to control in tight spaces. Be extra careful around furniture or other obstacles.
Take Extra Care Around Staircases: Be particularly careful when you approach any stairs in your home.
Using Elevators: It might be worth reversing into a lift so you don't need to turn around when it's time to alight.
Clear Your Path at Home: Make sure the pathway through your home is free from clutter and obstacles to prevent accidents and hassle.
Watch for Uneven Terrain: When you go out into your community, be aware of uneven surfaces, potholes, or any other hazards that could impede your journey.
Safety First When Operating a Knee Walker
A knee walker can be a great help to many people when their mobility is limited. However, safety must come first when using this or any other mobility aid.
Take time to learn how to use your device safely, and don't rush your recovery more than necessary. And, as always, ask for help from your healthcare provider, physical therapist, or a mobility expert if you need assistance with your knee walker.