Crutches, Walkers and Scooters : Best Assistive Devices for Knee Mobility

Importance of Assistive Devices for Knee Support

'Pain' is the language of the knee joint to convey that it needs some rest and cannot perform its function normally. This simple term encompasses a plethora of knee conditions, ranging from nutritional deficiency and osteoarthritis to falls and surgical interventions.

In the case of knee pain, normal movements of the knee joint are usually restricted. Your knee may starte resisting movement. That is when assistive devices take over the function of the knee joint by passively coordinating the muscle movement. They are like a friend who helps you walk by being a replacement for your painful leg.

These devices reduce dependency on movement, minimise stiffness, and strive to keep blood circulation active in the knee joint.

Studies reveal that people who used assistive devices during their knee treatment had better self-esteem and lowered symptoms of depression and physical falls.

Here are a few key ways in which assistive devices support the knee: 

• Improve Gait—Reducing the load on the knee and kinetic stress during movement on the entire knee joint is essential to treating osteoarthritis. Recent assistive devices are artificial intelligence-enabled and can simulate nerve-muscle coordination via electromagnetic interventions. 
• Prevent Damage to Cartilages and Ligaments—In a few cases where the knee joint is under pressure due to excess body weight, assistive devices can prevent damage to the ligaments and cartilages due to kinetic stress and pressure. 
• Help You Be Independent—Assistive devices can make you less dependent on others. This reduces depression and mental stress and helps maintain self-confidence. 
• Maintain Active Blood Circulation in the Knees—Lack of movement may further worsen immobility. Hence, these assistive devices help maintain the active blood supply around the knee joint. 
• Stimulate Resynthesis of Cells—In some knee surgeries with stem cell therapy, electromagnetic assistive devices can stimulate cartilage regeneration through magnetic stimuli that improve treatment outcomes. 

"These assistive devices worldwide are proving to be a great value addition to knee joint treatments.", says Dr. Naveen Chandran, CMO at Nirva who is specialised in ayurvedic orthopaedics.

Which Assistive Device Works Best?

A wide range of assistive knee support devices is available in the market. In most cases, the treating healthcare provider may recommend the one suitable for you. However, you can also consider your choice after discussing it with your healthcare provider. 

Let us take a brief look at some of the commonly used ones.

• Pure Mechanical Assistive Devices—These devices operate absolutely manually. They are primitive assistive devices that offer sturdy physical support. Examples include walkers, crutches, customised shoe inserts, etc. 
• Electromechanical Assistive Devices—In this case, the device is backed up by a remote control and reduces physical exertion. It is comparatively easier to operate and is a boon for senior citizens. 
• AI-based Assistive Devices —This next-generation assistive technology offers a complete artificial intelligence-based, adaptive automated knee physiotherapy system. This is clinically proven to effectively manage pain and adapt the response to the body's condition and the person's lifestyle. 
• Implantable Assistive Devices—These advanced implantable assistive devices can completely relieve the knee joint from any load and greatly minimise pain. Your health care provider may recommend you regarding the same if the need be. 

Apart from these direct assistive devices, a few accessory devices can support minimising movements, such as remote-controlled electronic appliances that can reduce too much movement. 

Mechanical and electromechanical devices are more popularly prescribed among all these types of devices.

Read on to know in detail about different assistive devices that are more commonly used among the global population.

Crutches: Supporting Mobility While Reducing Weight on Knees

Crutches are mechanical devices that help to hold on and proceed with regular movement. Your healthcare provider may consider the crutch for you based on the strength of the upper body, total body weight and other medical conditions. 

There are three main types of crutches. 

• Underarm Crutches or Axillary Crutches - These types of crutches are placed under the arms. Their height can be adjusted based on the individual's height. They are the most common type and are economical, too. They are very handy for those in rehabilitation post-knee surgery. 
• Forearm Crutches or Elbow Crutches - This is preferred when mobility needs to be supported at one side of the body. Typically, this is fixed until the elbow length and is used for supportive movement. 
• Gutter Crutches—These are also known as adjustable arthritis crutches or forearm support crutches. They are rarely preferred and used. They are usually considered in knee conditions with chronic pain and inflammation. They have padded support at the forearm level and come with adjustable height. 

Crutches offload the knee joint and distribute pressure on the arms that can support movement. These are the most common and economical. 

If walking is mainly to be made accessible, then you may need to prefer walkers over crutches. Let us see more about them.

Walkers: Providing Stability and Support for Knee Mobility

Walkers are handy assistive devices that can help you feel closer to regular walking. These are very effective in improving stability after surgery, as well as in severe patella (knee bone) injury and foot injury. There are different types of walkers; depending on your needs, you may choose the right one. Here we go: 

1. Regular Walker  - This is the standard one and best suited to improve stability. This needs to be lifted while walking, and it also improves muscle strength in the upper part of the body.
2. Two-Wheel Walker - While you use these types of devices, it is easier for you to stand upright and try walking. This has two wheels on the front side, which becomes useful if lifting the devices is difficult.
3. Four-Wheel Walker - This is very easy to move around with. This is useful for those who have unsteady feet and need support to practise mobility.
4. Knee Walker - In this type, the knee rests on a supportive structure, and one may need to move with the other leg. This type of walker is used for temporary support. 

Apart from this, you can choose the walker for you based on the ease of gripping. Many types of grips are available in these types of walkers.  

When walking is difficult, you may consider using the knee scooters if you need to glide along. Let us know more about them. 

Knee Scooters: Enhancing Mobility During Recovery

Knee scooters facilitate a gliding movement and are more comfortable than traditional crutches. They ease the knee off any load and provide relief while moving. The term knee scooter is often used alternatively with knee walkers. 

Knee scooters contain a seat with four wheels, which looks similar to a toddler's cycle modified for adults. There are four types of knee scooters: indoor, outdoor, paediatric, and seated. 

• Indoor Knee Scooter - This is designed for use within the house or domestically. This may not be suitable for rough surfaces. 
• Outdoor Knee Scooter - This is designed for rough surfaces and for outdoor purposes. 
• Paediatric Knee Scooter  - This is designed for children and helps set the correct knee position in kids. 
• Seated - This is particularly useful for senior citizens. This type of knee scooter has a seat. 

This can help you navigate easily and create more comfort on the knees. However, if you are looking for something you can wear, then knee braces can be your choice. Let us look into them. 

Lift Assist Knee Braces: Supporting Movement with Mechanical Assistance

Knee braces embrace the knee wide enough to support movement and healing. This is the most preferred assistive device among athletes and other sports professionals. There are four main types of knee braces. 

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinically validates using four types of knee braces.

• Braces for Specific Injury - These are medically called prophylactic braces designed to reduce inflammation in case of any injury. 
• Functional Braces - This type of brace is suitable if you want to improve knee stability. This can facilitate close-to-normal knee function.
• Rehabilitative Braces - This is specifically customised for knee rehabilitation. It allows protected and controlled motion of the knee. 
• Patellofemoral Braces - This is the fourth and the rare braces designed especially for a knee injury on the front side. It reduces pain in the upper leg under the knee joint. 

Of all these types of assistive devices, how do we choose what we need? Let us see what experts have to say about this. 

Choosing the Right Assistive Device for Your Needs and Their Benefits

"Restricting movement is a vital aspect of healing your knee. All that this largest joint of the body needs is some time to rejuvenate itself. These assistive devices give precisely this", says Dr. Naveen.

When looking for an assistive device, it is crucial to consider a few factors. 

• Expert Opinion—Always discuss with your healthcare provider to understand what can help you. 
• Your Preference —You can always consider your choices; you can choose the type of grip and the nature of support based on your own will. 
• Place of Work—If the surface of your workplace or living space is smooth or rough, you may need to choose the support accordingly. 
• Health Condition - If you have other health conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiency, energy utilisation needs to be monitored. In such cases, you can consider assistive devices that offer more mobility.
• Affordability - This is one of the most important deciding factors. You can also consider various brands and types with your health coordinator based on your budget.

Ideally, assistive knee support devices are important for reducing the strain on the knees. It helps the joint heal well. The secret recipe to healing your injured knee is to support you in choosing the best device for you. 

Wrapping Up!

There are several assistive devices for knee support. Every day, science surprises us with remarkable value additions.

Contact your healthcare provider to identify the right assistive device for you.