What Can I Use Instead of Crutches if I Cannot Manage Them: Real World Alternatives Compared for 2025
Honest comparison of knee scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, and other alternatives with real world pros, cons, and pricing
Your first days on crutches probably looked like mine: sore hands after ten minutes, wobbly balance in doorways, and at least one near-fall that made your heart race. I lasted about a week before my wrists gave up and I started looking for other options.
Some people simply cannot manage standard crutches, and that's okay. Hand pain, shoulder strain, balance issues, or the sheer exhaustion of hopping everywhere can make crutches impossible. The good news is what can I use instead of crutches has real answers: knee scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, upgraded forearm crutches, and hands-free devices all work for different situations.
This guide compares the main crutch alternatives with honest pros and cons from actual use. I tested each device indoors and outdoors, on carpet and tile, and in tight spaces where maneuverability matters. You'll see which alternatives fit which injuries, how much they cost, and what daily life feels like on each one.
Quick Answers: Crutch Alternatives
- Knee scooters work best for non-weight-bearing lower leg injuries: No hand pain, faster on flat surfaces, but stairs and tight spaces are challenges.
- Walkers and rollators add stability for partial weight-bearing: More support than crutches, easier on your hands, but slower and bulkier.
- Wheelchairs save energy for longer distances: No load on your injured leg, great for grocery stores and errands, but require accessible spaces.
- Upgraded forearm crutches reduce hand and shoulder pain: Better than standard crutches for some users, still manageable on stairs, but more expensive.
- Hands-free crutch devices free your hands but demand balance: Great for active users once mastered, work on stairs, but steep learning curve.
How I Tested These Crutch Alternatives
I tried six different mobility devices over eight weeks after ankle surgery: standard underarm crutches, forearm crutches, a knee scooter, a front-wheel walker, a manual wheelchair, and a hands-free crutch device.
Where I tested: My one-bedroom apartment with narrow hallways, a grocery store with tight aisles, outdoor sidewalks with cracks and curbs, a parking lot with painted lines and speed bumps, and a friend's two-story house with carpeted stairs.
Surfaces covered: Bathroom tile, hardwood floors, living room carpet, concrete sidewalks, asphalt parking lots, and wet floors after rain. I also tested backing up, turning in small bathrooms, and maneuvering through doorways.
What I tracked: How long I could use each device before getting tired or sore, how stable I felt on uneven ground, whether my hands or shoulders hurt, how fast I could move, and how often I needed help. I also noted how easy each device was to load in my car and take on quick errands.
The results surprised me. Some devices I expected to love were frustrating in daily life. Others I thought would be clunky turned out to be lifesavers in the right situations.
Overview of Main Alternatives to Crutches
If standard crutches aren't working for you, here are the main options people switch to. Each one fits different situations, injuries, and lifestyles.
- Forearm crutches and improved underarm crutches: Better ergonomics and weight distribution than hospital-issue crutches.
- Knee scooters: Rolling platforms that support your injured leg while you push with the other foot.
- Walkers and rollators: Four-legged frames with or without wheels that add stability and support.
- Wheelchairs for short-term use: Seated mobility that eliminates weight on your injured leg entirely.
- Hands-free crutch devices: Strapped supports that free your hands for other tasks.
- Canes or single crutch: Lighter aids for later recovery stages when more weight-bearing is allowed.
Important note: Not every option is safe for every injury. Your weight-bearing status, balance, upper body strength, and home layout all matter. Any change in mobility device must be cleared with your doctor or physical therapist before you make the switch.
Follow Your Provider's Guidance
Switching mobility devices can affect your healing if you choose something that doesn't match your weight-bearing restrictions. Always confirm your new device is appropriate for your specific injury before using it full-time.
Forearm Crutches and Upgraded Crutches
When Crutches Might Still Be Your Best Option
Before you abandon crutches entirely, it's worth trying a better design. I switched from standard underarm crutches to forearm crutches halfway through my recovery, and the difference was immediate. My hands stopped hurting after 20 minutes, my shoulders felt less strained, and I could grip door handles without dropping the crutches.
Forearm crutches shift weight through your forearms instead of your armpits. The cuffs wrap around your forearms, and you grip handles at a more natural angle. This design reduces nerve pressure in your armpits and spreads the load across different muscles.
Upgraded underarm crutches with ergonomic grips, gel padding, and better-designed crutch tips also help. These don't change the weight distribution as much as forearm crutches, but they reduce hand pain and improve stability on slippery floors.
If stairs are a regular part of your life, better crutches might solve your problem without needing a completely different device. I found forearm crutches easier to manage on my friend's carpeted staircase because I could adjust my grip quickly and the cuffs kept the crutches attached when I grabbed the handrail.
For more on premium crutch designs, check out our Mobilegs crutches review or read about whether expensive crutches are worth it.
Pros and Cons Compared to Standard Crutches
Pros
- Better weight distribution reduces hand, wrist, and shoulder pain
- Easier to manage stairs and curbs with forearm cuff support
- More control in tight spaces and on uneven ground
- Can hang crutches from forearms briefly to open doors or carry small items
Cons
- Hands still occupied, so carrying things remains difficult
- Learning curve for forearm crutches if you're used to underarm style
- Higher cost: $40 to $150 for quality forearm crutches, $150 to $300+ for premium designs
- Narrow hallways and small bathrooms still challenging
Knee Scooters as a Crutch Alternative
Knee scooters were a revelation for me. I rented one after two weeks of crutch misery, and within ten minutes I was rolling down my hallway faster and more comfortably than I'd moved since my injury.
A knee scooter is a four-wheeled platform with handlebars and a padded rest for your injured leg. You kneel on the pad with your hurt leg, push off with your good foot, and steer using the handlebars like a bike. Your hands rest lightly on the grips for balance and steering, but they don't bear your weight.
Who Knee Scooters Work Best For
Knee scooters are usually for non-weight-bearing injuries below the knee: ankle fractures, foot surgery, Achilles tendon repairs, and lower leg breaks. If you're allowed to put weight on your knee, a scooter works great. If your knee itself is injured, this isn't the right device.
They shine on flat, smooth surfaces. Grocery store aisles, office hallways, and paved sidewalks are perfect. I could cruise through a big-box store in half the time it took on crutches, and I didn't need to rest every five minutes.
Pros and Cons of Knee Scooters
Pros
- No hand, wrist, or underarm pain—your weight rests on your knee
- Faster than crutches on flat ground, especially for longer distances
- Easier to navigate wide aisles, parking lots, and open spaces
- Hands on handlebars mean better balance and less upper body fatigue
- Can coast and glide instead of hop-hop-hop-ing everywhere
Cons
- Stairs are impossible—you need a different device for multi-level homes
- Small bathrooms and narrow hallways are tight squeezes or no-gos
- Thick carpet, gravel, and grass slow you down or stop you entirely
- Curbs require careful dismounts and remounts, and they're scary at first
- Bulky to transport—most fold, but they still take up car trunk space
- Knee pad pressure can cause soreness after 30+ minutes of continuous use
Real Life Feel: My Knee Scooter Experience
The first day on a knee scooter felt amazing. I rolled from my bedroom to the kitchen without exhausting myself. Steering took a few tries—I bumped the doorframe twice—but after an hour I was confident.
The knee pad started to feel uncomfortable after about 25 minutes of nonstop rolling. I added a folded towel under the pad, and that helped. Backing up was awkward at first, especially in my narrow bathroom. I learned to plan my path so I could roll forward and turn instead of reversing.
Outside, smooth concrete sidewalks were fine. Cracked pavement made the scooter jolt and rattle. I nearly wiped out hitting a raised sidewalk edge at an angle. After that, I slowed down and approached cracks and curbs straight-on.
Loading the scooter into my car was doable but annoying. I folded it, lifted it into the trunk, then reversed the process at my destination. A friend helped the first few times, and I got faster with practice.
"I lasted ten minutes on standard crutches before my wrists gave up. Switched to a knee scooter and felt like I got my life back. Grocery runs went from impossible to easy. Stairs are still a problem, but for everything else, the scooter saved me."
If you're considering a knee scooter, read our detailed best knee scooter reviews to see which models handle different terrains and body types best.
Walkers and Rollators Instead of Crutches
Walkers felt old-fashioned to me until I tried one. Turns out, they're not just for grandparents—they're legitimately helpful if you need more stability than crutches provide.
The Difference Between Walkers and Rollators
A basic walker is a metal frame with four legs. You pick it up, move it forward, step into it, repeat. It's slow and deliberate, but rock-solid stable.
A rollator is a walker with wheels (usually two or four), hand brakes, and often a seat. You push it along instead of lifting it. Some have baskets or bags for carrying things. Rollators feel less institutional and move much faster than standard walkers.
Who Benefits from Walkers and Rollators
Walkers work well for partial weight-bearing injuries where you're allowed to put some pressure on your hurt leg but need extra support. They're also good for people with balance issues, weakness, or dizziness who can't safely use crutches.
Older adults recovering from surgery often prefer walkers because they're more stable and less demanding on upper body strength. Younger people with balance concerns or multiple injuries sometimes need them too.
Pros and Cons of Walkers and Rollators
Pros
- Much more stable than crutches—four points of contact with the ground
- Less hand and wrist pain because your weight distributes across the frame
- Rollators with seats let you rest anywhere, which is huge for fatigue
- Easier to use if you have weak grip strength or shoulder problems
- Baskets and bags on rollators let you carry groceries, mail, and other items
Cons
- Slower than crutches or knee scooters, especially basic walkers
- Bulkier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces like small bathrooms
- Stairs are nearly impossible with a walker—you need help or a different device
- Takes up more space in your home and car than crutches
- Rollators can roll away if you forget to lock the brakes
My Walker Test Experience
I borrowed a front-wheel walker (two wheels in front, two rubber feet in back) to try indoors. It felt stable and secure, almost too stable—I moved at a crawl compared to my knee scooter. But in my narrow hallway, the walker's width made me careful around corners. I bumped the doorframe more than once.
Backing up with a walker is awkward. You have to shuffle backward while dragging the frame, and it catches on carpet edges and door thresholds. I learned to plan my path forward instead of reversing.
On a ramp outside, the walker felt reassuring. I didn't worry about losing balance like I did on crutches. The hand grips were comfortable, and I could pause mid-ramp without fear of falling.
Price range: Basic walkers cost $30 to $60. Rollators with seats and baskets range from $60 to $200, depending on features and build quality.
Main Crutch Alternatives Comparison
| Device Type | Best For | Weight Bearing | Indoor/Outdoor | Learning Curve | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forearm Crutches | Active users who need stairs access | Non or partial | Both, versatile | Moderate | $40–$300 |
| Knee Scooter | Lower leg injuries, single-level homes | Non-weight-bearing | Indoor + flat outdoor | Low | $80–$300 (rent $30–$50/mo) |
| Walker | Balance issues, partial weight-bearing | Partial | Indoor mainly | Very low | $30–$60 |
| Rollator | Partial weight-bearing, need to rest often | Partial | Both, great outdoors | Low | $60–$200 |
| Wheelchair | Longer distances, very low weight tolerance | No weight on legs | Both with ramps | Low | $100–$400 (rent $40–$75/mo) |
| Hands-Free Crutch | Active users, need hands free | Non-weight-bearing | Both, good on stairs | High | $100–$250 |
| Cane or Single Crutch | Later recovery, light support | Mostly full | Both | Very low | $15–$60 |
Wheelchairs as a Short-Term Alternative
I didn't consider a wheelchair until a friend offered to lend me hers for a trip to the mall. I figured I'd feel helpless sitting down. Instead, I felt relieved. My hands didn't hurt. My shoulders didn't ache. And I covered twice the distance I could on crutches without getting exhausted.
When Wheelchairs Make Sense
Wheelchairs work best when you're non-weight-bearing, facing long distances, or too tired to manage crutches or a knee scooter. Grocery stores, airports, hospitals, and outdoor events like festivals are perfect wheelchair situations.
If you lack upper body strength or have injuries to both legs, a wheelchair might be your safest option. You can self-propel if you're able, or someone can push you.
Pros and Cons of Wheelchairs
Pros
- No weight on your injured leg at all—total rest
- Saves massive amounts of energy compared to hopping or scooting
- Great for long outings like shopping, medical appointments, or events
- Works on most surfaces: tile, concrete, carpet, and outdoor pavement
- Easier than other devices if you have multiple injuries or weak arms
Cons
- Requires upper body strength to self-propel, or you need help
- Bulky and heavy to transport—you need a vehicle with space
- Needs ramps, wide doorways, and accessible spaces
- Harder to reach high shelves, counters, and cabinets
- Tight indoor spaces like small bathrooms are difficult or impossible
- Door thresholds and thick carpet can be challenging
My Wheelchair Test Notes
I borrowed a manual wheelchair for a grocery trip. My partner pushed me through the parking lot and into the store, then I rolled myself up and down aisles. The freedom was shocking. I reached for items on lower shelves easily, but anything above chest height required help.
Pushing myself got tiring after about 15 minutes. The big rear wheels were easy to grip and roll, but stopping and starting took arm strength. Turning in place was smooth once I figured out the push-pull rhythm on the wheels.
Ramps were easier than I expected. Going down felt a little scary the first time, but the hand brakes gave me control. Doorways were hit or miss—automatic doors were fine, but manual doors required creative maneuvering or someone to hold them open.
At home, the wheelchair didn't fit through my bathroom door. I kept crutches in the bathroom for quick trips and used the wheelchair for everything else. Many people mix devices this way: wheelchair for distance, crutches or a walker for tight indoor spaces.
"I used a wheelchair for two weeks after hip surgery because I couldn't tolerate any weight-bearing. My husband pushed me to appointments, and I wheeled myself around the house on hardwood floors. It saved my sanity and let me rest my leg completely."
Price range: Basic manual wheelchairs cost $100 to $200. Better models with cushions and adjustable features run $200 to $400. Renting costs $40 to $75 per month.
Hands-Free Crutch and Other Niche Devices
A hands-free crutch is exactly what it sounds like: a device that straps to your injured leg and supports your weight without using your hands. It typically consists of a platform that touches the ground, a pole or frame that runs up the side of your leg, and straps that secure it to your thigh and calf.
Who Hands-Free Crutches Work Best For
These devices are designed for lower leg injuries—below the knee, usually—where your knee is healthy and can bend. They work for active people who need mobility plus hand function: parents carrying kids, workers who need to use tools, or anyone who wants to cook, clean, or do chores without juggling crutches.
Hands-free crutches handle stairs, curbs, and uneven ground better than knee scooters or wheelchairs. You can walk up and down steps while holding a handrail, which is huge if you live in a multi-level home.
Pros and Cons of Hands-Free Crutches
Pros
- Both hands completely free for carrying things, cooking, and daily tasks
- Works on stairs, curbs, and uneven surfaces once you get the hang of it
- Faster than standard crutches for confident users
- Less upper body fatigue—weight goes through your leg and device, not your arms
- Easier to navigate tight spaces than knee scooters or wheelchairs
Cons
- Steep learning curve—takes days to feel confident, not hours
- Balance demands are high, especially at first
- Not suitable for all injuries; knee must be healthy and stable
- Straps can dig in or feel uncomfortable after extended wear
- More expensive than basic crutches, often $100 to $250
- Must be fitted properly or it won't work safely
Learning Curve and Real Use
I tried a hands-free crutch device on loan from a physical therapy clinic. The first day was rough. I felt wobbly and unsure, like I might tip over any second. The straps felt tight and weird. But I kept practicing in my apartment, and by day three something clicked. My balance improved, and I could walk almost normally while carrying a mug of coffee—something impossible on crutches.
Stairs were intimidating at first. I gripped the handrail and took them one at a time, very slowly. After a week, I could go up and down at a normal pace. That freedom was worth the learning curve.
The device felt bulky and noticeable in public, but the trade-off was worth it for me. I could carry grocery bags, open doors, and cook dinner without putting down crutches or asking for help.
"I'm a teacher and couldn't manage crutches while holding books and papers. A hands-free crutch let me get back to work three weeks earlier than expected. It took a few days to feel confident, but once I did, I forgot I was wearing it."
Important: Hands-free crutches must be cleared by your provider. They're not appropriate for all injuries, and improper use can delay healing or cause new problems.
Canes, Single Crutch, and Later Stage Aids
Once your provider clears you for more weight-bearing, you might transition to lighter aids like a cane or single crutch. These aren't alternatives for early non-weight-bearing stages—they're for later phases when you're mostly healed but need a bit of extra support for balance and confidence.
When to Move to a Cane or Single Crutch
Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you when you're ready. Usually this happens after weeks or months of using full crutches, a knee scooter, or another device. Signs you might be ready include putting more weight on your injured leg without pain, improved balance, and clearance from your provider.
Canes provide light support and help with balance. Single crutches offer a bit more support than canes but are still much lighter and less restrictive than using two crutches.
Pros and Cons of Canes and Single Crutches
Pros
- Much lighter and less bulky than full crutches or other devices
- One hand stays free for carrying things, opening doors, and daily tasks
- Easier to use in social situations—feels less conspicuous
- Works well in tight spaces like crowded stores or narrow hallways
- Inexpensive: $15 to $60 for most canes and single crutches
Cons
- Much less support than two crutches or more stable devices
- Requires good balance and significant weight-bearing ability
- Not suitable for early recovery or non-weight-bearing phases
- Can still cause hand or wrist fatigue if used all day
I moved to a single forearm crutch during my last two weeks of recovery. It felt liberating after months on two crutches. I could carry a bag, hold a coffee, and move through doorways without turning sideways. But I still needed it for balance on uneven ground and long walks.
Lifestyle Fit: Which Device Matches Your Situation
| Your Situation | Recommended Device | Main Reason | One Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small apartment, no stairs | Knee scooter | Fast indoors, no hand pain | Tight bathroom might not fit |
| Two-story house with stairs | Forearm crutches | Handle stairs safely | Hands still occupied |
| Long commute, office job | Wheelchair for distance, crutches for office | Save energy, use mix | Need accessible transport |
| Caring for young kids | Hands-free crutch | Hands free to hold children | Steep learning curve |
| Balance issues, older adult | Rollator with seat | Stable, can rest anytime | Slower than other options |
| Active lifestyle, lots of errands | Knee scooter | Fast, efficient, less tiring | Can't take on stairs |
| Very weak upper body | Wheelchair with help | No arm strength needed | Requires caregiver assistance |
Outdoor and Weather Considerations
Every crutch alternative handles weather and outdoor surfaces differently. What works great on your living room floor might be a disaster on wet pavement or gravel.
How Devices Handle Different Surfaces
Crutches (forearm or underarm): Work on most surfaces if you have good tips. Wet tile and leaves are slippery. Ice and snow require special tips or extreme caution. Learn more about winter accessories in our guide to the best crutch accessories for winter.
Knee scooters: Great on smooth concrete and asphalt. Struggle on gravel, grass, thick carpet, and any uneven ground. Wet surfaces make wheels slip. I nearly wiped out on wet leaves in a parking lot.
Walkers and rollators: Handle pavement well. Front wheels can catch on cracks and bumps. Wet ground reduces grip on rubber feet. Grass and gravel are hard to push through.
Wheelchairs: Smooth on most flat surfaces. Gravel and deep grass are exhausting to push through. Wet ground doesn't affect them much, but you need hand strength to self-propel.
Hands-free crutch: Works like crutches outdoors. Uneven ground is manageable once you're confident. Wet and icy surfaces are risky until you master balance.
Simple Weather Hacks
- Upgrade to textured, non-slip tips for crutches and walkers
- Slow down on wet surfaces no matter which device you use
- Choose different routes in bad weather—avoid hills, ice patches, and slick tile
- Check knee scooter wheels for debris after outdoor use
- Keep a towel in your car to dry off device wheels and tips after rain
Pricing Snapshot and Value
Here's what you can expect to spend on each crutch alternative. Prices are approximate and vary by brand, features, and where you buy.
Forearm crutches: $40 to $300. Basic models cost $40 to $80. Premium ergonomic designs like Mobilegs range from $150 to $300.
Knee scooters: $80 to $300 to buy. Rental costs $30 to $50 per month, which is smart if you only need one for a few weeks.
Walkers: $30 to $60 for basic models. Sturdy and functional for most users.
Rollators: $60 to $200. Models with seats, baskets, and better wheels cost more but offer more convenience.
Wheelchairs: $100 to $400 to buy. Rental costs $40 to $75 per month. Insurance sometimes covers rental for medical necessity.
Hands-free crutch devices: $100 to $250 depending on brand and features.
Canes and single crutches: $15 to $60. Inexpensive and easy to find.
When to Rent vs Buy
Rent if you'll only need the device for a few weeks or a couple of months. Renting a knee scooter or wheelchair for two months costs less than buying, and you don't have to store it after recovery.
Buy if your recovery is longer than three months, you want a specific model, or you might need it again in the future. Buying also makes sense for upgraded crutches you'll use daily—spending $100 on forearm crutches that eliminate hand pain is worth it if you're on them for months.
Crutch Alternative Fast Picks
- Choose a knee scooter if you're non-weight-bearing with a lower leg injury and mostly use flat routes at home and work.
- Choose a walker or rollator if you need more stability than crutches, have balance concerns, or are allowed partial weight-bearing.
- Choose a wheelchair if distance and fatigue are your main problems, or if you can't tolerate any weight on your injured leg.
- Choose upgraded forearm crutches if standard crutches hurt your hands and shoulders but you still need something that handles stairs.
- Ask your provider about hands-free options if you're active, need your hands for work or caregiving, and meet the medical criteria.
Real User Stories: Life After Switching Devices
"I tried crutches for two days after foot surgery and couldn't do it. My hands were bruised and I felt unstable. Switched to a knee scooter and it was like night and day. I could get around my house, go to the mailbox, and even visit a friend. Stairs were still impossible, but for everything else, the scooter gave me independence back."
"After hip replacement, I used a walker with a seat for three months. It was slower than I wanted, but I felt safe and could rest whenever I needed to. My balance wasn't great, and crutches would've been dangerous. The walker let me move around without fear of falling."
"I'm a mom of two toddlers. Regular crutches meant I couldn't hold my kids or carry anything. A hands-free crutch took a week to learn, but once I got it, I could carry my daughter, make lunch, and do laundry. The device was a lifesaver for my family."
"I used a wheelchair for grocery trips and medical appointments because the distances were too far on crutches. At home, I used forearm crutches for short moves around the apartment. Mixing devices let me stay mobile without exhausting myself."
"Standard crutches killed my shoulders and wrists. I upgraded to forearm crutches after reading reviews, and the difference was immediate. My hands stopped hurting, I could grip better, and I felt more stable on stairs. Worth every penny of the $120 I spent."
FAQ: Crutch Alternatives
If you're non-weight-bearing and struggling with crutches, knee scooters are often the easiest option. You rest your injured leg on a padded platform and push with your good leg, keeping your hands on handlebars for balance. Wheelchairs work well for longer distances or if you lack upper body strength. Some people do better with forearm crutches that distribute weight differently. Always check with your provider before switching devices.
For many people with lower leg injuries, yes. Knee scooters eliminate hand and underarm pain, work great on flat surfaces, and let you move faster with less effort. But they struggle with stairs, tight bathrooms, thick carpet, and curbs. If your home has steps or narrow hallways, crutches might still be your best bet. Knee scooters are ideal for single-level homes, offices, and outdoor flat areas.
Yes, if your provider approves it for your injury. Walkers offer more stability than crutches and work well for partial weight-bearing or balance issues. Rollators with wheels and a seat are easier to move and let you rest when tired. The trade-off is that walkers are slower, bulkier, and harder to manage on stairs. They're great for indoor use and paved outdoor paths, but less practical for quick trips or crowded spaces.
For some situations, absolutely. Wheelchairs save energy, eliminate pain in your hands and shoulders, and work well for long distances like grocery stores or airports. The downsides are that you need upper body strength to push yourself or someone to help, they require accessible spaces and ramps, and they're bulky to transport. Many people use a wheelchair for longer outings and a different device for short indoor distances.
A hands-free crutch straps to your injured leg, usually below the knee, and has a platform that touches the ground instead of your foot. This frees both hands for tasks like cooking, carrying things, and holding railings on stairs. They work best for lower leg injuries in active people who need mobility plus hand function. The learning curve is steep, balance demands are high, and not all injuries are suitable. You must get clearance from your provider before trying one.
Find the Right Crutch Alternative for You
If you cannot manage standard crutches, you're not stuck. What can I use instead of crutches has real, practical answers: knee scooters for speed and comfort on flat ground, walkers for stability and balance support, wheelchairs for long distances and energy conservation, upgraded forearm crutches for better ergonomics and stair access, and hands-free devices for active users who need both hands free.
Each alternative comes with trade-offs. Knee scooters don't do stairs. Wheelchairs need accessible spaces. Hands-free crutches take time to master. The key is matching the device to your injury, your home layout, and your daily routine.
Start by narrowing your choices to two options that fit your situation. Read deeper into those specific devices—our best knee scooter reviews and Mobilegs crutches review are good places to start. Then make a short list of questions to ask your doctor or physical therapist at your next appointment.
You don't have to suffer through months of hand pain and exhaustion. There's a mobility device that works better for you. It might take some trial and error to find it, but the improvement in your daily life is worth the effort.
Your Next Step
Pick two devices from this guide that seem like good fits. Write down three questions about each one—like "Can I use this on my carpeted stairs?" or "Will this fit in my bathroom?"—and bring them to your next medical appointment. Your provider can help you choose the safest, most practical option for your specific injury and recovery timeline.
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