Which Is Best For YOU? How To Walk With A Broken Foot, Ankle, or Toe

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):
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OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

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⬇️

[teresaroper]

I broke my heel on Feb 4 and got the Iwalk a week later I was so depressed about the crutches and being unable to even carry a coffee to the table.
I am 65 and have always been active.
It was easy to use and within 30 minutes I was quite comfortable with it.
I love it!

[palerider]

I lost my left leg below the knee after a motorcycle crash several years ago and the iWalk is a life saver for me. Sometimes I’m unable to wear my prosthetic leg for days and even weeks at a time. I modified my iWalk by cutting down the platform to the length of my residual limb and adding extra padding. It’s not perfect but the best I have found.

[HAL-dmeh]

And the BEST part is, you can still do your job of helping others! I couldn't imagine you doing that with crutches all day.

[adamosman]

Same injury as you. Also had the iwalk pop up in Amazon search. Watched the video and new immediately this was the choice. Total game changer. Highly recommend. Some advice I can give to help carry things around, you can wear a small backpack backwards across your chest (on your front). Pop whatever you need to carry with you in there and off you go. I happened to have a small ultra lightweight backpack around. It works great.

[captainfoil]

I have a broken ankle with the same 6 weeks no weight orders. Two weeks post surgery and I can tell you the iWalk has been awesome. Hands are free, stairs work (I go backwards to descend), I can work out, etc. Thumbs up

[FaeryfriendXx]

I just got my cast off after 5 weeks bon weight bearing for 3 fractures in my right foot and a sprained ankle. I was looking up PT exercises and came across this video. I randomly tried all these except for the crutches that go around the forearms. I found the underarm crutches hard for me. I lost my balance, bulky, can’t get around my small apartment, etc. But I had searched scooter on Amazon and the iwalk was advertised and I bought that right away. I didn’t know how much I appreciated it until I used a scooter on a work trip (great for a hotel, speed, and big areas, but not for my small apartment either). The I-walk has been a lifesaver for me and I was able to do chores and get around. Thank you to whoever designed it!! It is a little heavy so maybe not right for everyone, but my body totally adjusted to any discomfort I had initially (where the strap was and also where my cast hit my shin bone on the padded part)… after a day or so no discomfort. Also, the straps are very easy to get on an off for quick trips to the bathroom etc. Haha

[maryjofrey]

I also just broke my 5th metatarsal. Was casted for 6 months and non weight bearing. Sent home with crutches from ER, had to wait 6 days til I saw orthopedist. Before I was able to see him, I found I just could not use crutches, almost fell many times and would have if not for my husband there to support me! Called ortho and they could not order a knee scooter til I saw him in 6 days, as per insurance regulations! even though told I was high risk for another fall and further injury. I am 69 years old!!! Fortunately my PCP was able to call and put in an order. And for insurance coverage you HAVE to have a doctors order. Love the video, but don't fail to mention you need to know what you qualify for for insurance, and know what is available to to receive quickly. Fortunately there was a medical supply place here in town where I could pick it up the same day. BUT if you have to, or want to, buy the items! you may run into trouble finding it to purchase that same day. AND cost would be a big consideration. For hopefully the short time you'll need it, you don't want to wait weeks for delivery or pay huge sums for quick delivery, and then be done with it soon after. All the while hobbling around on something unsafe! After 6 weeks still not healed, but in a boot with slight weight bearing, and another 4 weeks til next x-ray. I watched a video on how to use crutches, knee scooters and wheelchairs. I would recommend to everyone who would use one of these to study them, there are lots of safety tips and helpful hints. The knee scooter, DON'T make shape turns, be careful to LOCK wheels if you are standing in one spot for a time so it doesn't scoot out from under you. LOTS more things to learn.

[christianWYZ]

I had an ankle fractured 6 weeks ago and I walk 3.0 change my life too! I feel so mobile and can go to work and do anything basically! A game changer really! Thanks for the detailed explanation btw!

[janet]

I would like you to evaluate the “Freedom Leg” . It is a leg splint that puts the weight on the thigh (through straps) and has a bar about 3 inches below your foot to keep it non-weight bearing. It’s a bit expensive but if you need to weight bearing (like me) for 10-12 weeks it could be worth it.

[Brian-dhzz]

I've had the iWalk for about 3 years and have used it a handful of times, it's great.

The worst thing about it is the strap behind the knee tends to bunch up over time making the back of your leg sore, a great fix for this is a soft kneepad, just turn it around so the padded area is on the back of your leg instead of the knee, completely fixes the strap issue.

[mriley]

I had ankle surgery and purchased this before my surgery and let just say it's a new experience & total game changer. For me, having my independence is very important to me. I would recommend this to all. I'm at 230 lbs and I use it just fine. Definitely a balance importance and the handle on the top definitely helps with that.

I know some people are saying if you are a little or somewhat overweight this won't work for you. Don't listen to them, They don't know you or your body's type. I think the max weight it says is 275 but again you can be 270 and just be really tall and solid. Try it first.

If it has a return policy definitely try it out. I did and I'm keeping mine forever, you never know who in the family might benefit from it.

[instant_mint]

I would love another one of these "25 min workout no equipment (except maybe rubber bands) required" with exercises focusing on preventing knee problems. I have quite weak and unstable knees, get pain occasionally, and my parents both have meniscus problems. I do these 25 min workouts several times a week, but I feel like I need one that specifically targets knee stability and strength and I love your videos!

[AMRPhysiotherapy]

Wish you a speedy recovery, be interesting to hear about your journey and rehab with it!

[rpettigrewjr]

I have a broken tibia and have to be non weight bearing for nearly 10 weeks. I agree with your eval on first 2 crutches. I even fell twice while using crutches and it is not fun to try and crawl over to a bench to get up. I am 71, but fairly fit. I also have the KNEE ROLLER. I really like this device the best. I would recommend getting the version with the all terrain tires. This makes it much easier to be mobile outside the house. I also like the quick mobility inside the house, getting up and down off the lounge chair and going to kitchen to prepare a meal. I did not get the peg leg, because it appeared to me to be more constriaing. Each time you sit down you have to unbuckle. In addition, it might not be the right device for older individuals. THanks for the reveiw.

[tonycamp]

Jared looks like we both did same evaluation on all 4 of your devices! Your order is the same order as I would have ranked! One tip for the Inwalk 3.0 . For the straps i bought 4 lamb skin seat belt covers. Wrap them around the straps problem solved. No longer an issue. Paying it forward since I’m down for 8 weeks with a broken ankle! Hope this helps y’all. Tony

[Angela-zsuc]

I love your videos! Thank you!
I’ve got ankle fracture (fibula), declined surgery and need the go 6 weeks on the cast. These other options really help. Thank you once again

[MrDavidriese]

I had a Jones Fracture and used the iWalk, it was fantastic, completely liberating, highly recommended

[loismiller]

Thank you, this was terrific. I had ankle surgery last week. I stumbled across iwalk and got one. I have the scooter, crutches etc. HATE CRUTCHES!
I tried the iwalk and love it - we have 2 story house, kitchen second d level. Bedroom downstairs.
I can negotiate steps easily @ iwalk. Once I get the stitches out of my ankle and calf, I'll move around more!
I can see how this device is NOT for everybody. I am fit, swim, yoga, weight resistance @ gym. I am doing what I can exercise within the parameters of non- weight.
1 week down, 7 to go for first round of healing!

[franciscomolina]

Thanks so much, I watched the previous video about exercises and this one about the equipment, I agree, I use 3 of them depending on the activity — again thanks so much 🙏 you nailed it on all of them👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[zippygti]

broken ankle here...mountain bike fall. 2nd ankle injury from mountain biking... need to learn to ride flats! Anyway, the iWalk 3 is amazing. I broke my ankle in Baja, Mexico, and it took 2 weeks for Amazon Mexico to get it here, but it's a huge game changer regarding mobility and being able to get up and make my own margarita and not having to ask my wife! :-) Great video, thank you, will be watching your others on how to re-hab it and pre-hab it. Still not weight bearing, and going stir crazy.