Roll Mobility Blog
Foot Surgery Recovery Tips
Use a knee walker to take the weight off your foot.
Having foot surgery doesn’t mean you have to be stuck on the couch for the next few months or become completely dependent on others for getting around. Here are some tips to help you keep your sanity and mobility after foot surgery.
1. Use a knee walker to get around.
The fastest way to recover from foot surgery is to listen to your doctor and stay off your foot! With a knee walker, you can still get around by yourself without putting any weight on your foot. Crutches can be awkward—and dangerous if you lose your balance—but a knee walker gives you more reliable support, since you can put weight on your knee instead of your foot.
Some knee walkers also come with a basket so that you don’t have to wear a backpack or shoulder bag to carry your stuff.
2. Clear away clutter.
Before your surgery, get the house ready by clearing away clutter and making sure you have more than enough space to get around. If possible, arrange everything you need on one floor so that you don’t need to go up and down the stairs. Ask a friend or family member to help you rearrange furniture and move items to make them more accessible.
3. Ask for help.
It’s difficult to feel dependent on others, but it’s better to ask for help than risk re-injuring your foot. If you need to reach something on the top shelf, carry a laundry basket down to the basement, or get the mail on an icy day, ask someone to help you.
If you know you’re going to be spending a long day away from home, it’s also a good idea to ask someone to push you in a wheelchair. Using crutches or a knee walker can tire you out after a few hours. A wheelchair allows you to elevate your foot and enjoy being out and about without compromising your recovery time.
Knee Walkers
Get around better after foot surgery with a knee walker! View our selection of knee walkers by Drive, Invacare, and Medline. Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.
How to Use a Rolling Walker
Stand up straight when using your rolling walker.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or just suffering from the effects of aging, a rolling walker can help you keep your balance and take some of the strain off your legs.
Getting around the house is easier and safer with a rolling walker, especially if you suffer from bouts of dizziness or lightheadedness, which can make you lose your balance. The support provided by a rolling walker can reduce the risk of falls when used properly.
Using the Rolling Walker for Balance
If you use your rolling walker only for balance, simply guide the walker forward as you step inside the walker. Use your normal gait.
You should be close to the walker with your hands slightly ahead of your body, pushing the walker along. Don’t lean over the walker.
Using the Rolling Walker for Support
If you use your rolling walker to support your weight, it’s best to keep the walker still as you step forward.
With your back upright, start by pushing the walker forward.
Step forward with one leg until your foot is inside the middle of the “box” created by the four walker legs. Hold the walker still as you take the first step forward.
Then step forward with your other foot.
Move the walker slightly ahead of you and continue the process to keep walking forward.
Tips for Using a Rolling Walker
- Don’t lean over the walker. Stay upright to protect your back.
- Common mistakes that cause you to lean over the walker are (1) pushing the walker too far in front of you, or (2) adjusting the handles to the wrong height.
- The walker handles should be high enough to allow the user to stand up straight and keep the walker close to them. The top of the handles should line up with the crease on the inside of the user’s wrist. Elbows should be bent at about 15 degrees.
- Don’t hurry or take large steps. Turn slowly to change directions. Don’t use your rolling walker on the stairs.
Rolling Walkers for Sale
Looking for the best deal on a rolling walker? Check out our selection of Medline, Drive, Invacare, and Roll Mobility rolling walkers.
How to Walk with a Rollator
Keep your body centered in front of the rollator as you walk.
If you need a little help keeping your balance while walking, a rollator might be just what you need. Here are some tips on using a wheeled rollator for walking.
- First, place the rollator in front of you. Place your hands lightly on the handles and get your balance before you start walking.
- When you’re ready to walk, gently roll the walker ahead of you as you move forward. Keep the rollator close enough to support you but not too close. If you have to lean forward to reach the rollator, move the rollator closer to your body.
- Take even steps. If you typically have an uneven gait, try shortening your stride and taking smaller steps.
- To use the rollator while turning, keep your body centered in front of the rollator as you turn. Don’t twist your back as you turn. You should always be facing the front of the rollator.
- Don’t lean too far away from the rollator. You want a solid base of support as you walk.
- Don’t lean in too close to the rollator, either. Keep your body upright and balanced.
Getting Out of Bed with a Walker or Cane
A walking cane helps you keep your balance when getting out of bed.
Fear of falling is one of the greatest fears for the elderly. Getting out of bed can potentially lead to a fall, but with the right movement and support, there’s no need to fear.
The tips below guide you through the process of getting out of bed and standing up with a cane or walker. If you have had surgery recently or if one side of your body is weaker than the other, you may need to consult your health professional for instructions on getting out of bed.
1. First, make sure your walker or cane is next to the bed, with the walker open and ready to use. If you are using a rollator, make sure the wheels are locked to keep it from rolling away.
2. Slide your body over to the edge of the bed. Use your arms and legs to push yourself closer to the edge.
3. Roll onto your side and swing your legs over the edge of the bed.
4. If your leg or hips are injured or weak, don’t roll onto your side. Just move your legs over the edge of the mattress as you slowly sit up, using your arms for support.
5. Sit on the edge of the bed for at least 30 seconds to regain your balance. Don’t rush yourself, and don’t attempt to stand up if you feel dizzy.
6. Place one hand on the walker, or hold on to the cane with your strong hand. Place the other hand on the edge of the bed.
7. Slowly push yourself up until you are standing. If one side of your body is weak or injured, put most of your weight on the stronger side of your body. NOTE: Do not pull on the walker or use it to support your full weight. If the walker tips over, you could easily fall.
8. If using a walker, move your other hand to the walker.
9. Stand still for another 30 seconds to let your body regain balance. When you no longer feel dizzy, you can start walking.
Adjusting Rollator Height
Rollators adjust to accommodate various heights.
Adjusting the height of the rollator is important to prevent tripping, hunching over, or changing the walking stance of the user.
If the handlebars are too high, the rollator will not provide enough support for the user’s weight. If the handlebars are too low, the user will have to bend too far forward to lean on the rollator. Either way, the user’s center of gravity will be thrown off balance.
Instructions for Adjusting Rollator Height
Here is how to adjust the rollator to the correct height:
1. Stand with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loosely at your sides.
2. The handlebar height should be at the crease of your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
3. Loosen the knobs on the outside of the handlebars. For some models, this may be sufficient to allow you to raise and lower the handlebars. If so, move the handlebars to the desired height. Tighten the knobs.
4. If the rollator has bolts that go through the handlebars, remove the bolts and then move the handlebars to the desired height. Re-install the bolts and screw the knobs to the bolts. The knobs should be on the outside of the handlebars. Some frames have a hexagonal hole for the bolt head to fit into. Ensure the bolt head is properly aligned with hole before tightening fully.
Note: The seat height is not adjustable. If the seat is too high or too low, a different size of rollator may be more appropriate. You should be able to sit on the seat with the balls of your feet touching the ground.
Rolling Walker Buying Guide
A 4-wheeled walker provides seating, storage, and stability.
Need a little help getting around the house? A rolling walker helps you keep your balance and your independence. Here are some tips on choosing a rolling walker.
Choosing a Style
Rolling walkers are available in 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and 4-wheel styles. The two-wheeled walker is the cheapest, with two small wheels on the front and glider caps or tennis balls on the other two legs.
Rollators come with 3 or 4 wheels. Three-wheeled rollators are smaller and lighter. They turn easily and can handle sharp corners. Four-wheeled rollators are sturdier and come with a built-in seat for rest breaks.
Wheel Size
Bigger wheels roll more easily over terrain, so if you plan to use your rolling walker outdoors, we recommend oversized wheels. Smaller wheels are good for use indoors and on smooth surfaces.
Accessories
One of the biggest advantages of a 4-wheeled rollator is the built-in padded seat. Whenever you need a breather, you can just stop walking, lock the hand brakes, and sit down on the padded seat to rest. The locked hand brakes keep the walked from rolling away, and the seat lifts up to access the under-seat storage bag or basket. Keep your hands free to maneuver the walker by storing your things in the bag.
Alternative to Crutches: Rolling Knee Walker
A knee walker offers greater mobility than crutches.
If you’ve ever had to use crutches, you know what a bother they can be. Using crutches requires both hands and a good sense of balance and coordination. It often leads to soreness, and using crutches over a long distance is tiring.
Fortunately, there are other options, such as a knee walker (also called a knee scooter). A knee walker allows you to get around independently (unlike a wheelchair) and takes the strain off of your arms and hands. With crutches, you are more likely to trip or fall, but with a knee scooter, you have better balance. The wheels allow you to move faster and further than crutches, and when you need to rest, just use the knee pad as a bench or as a footstool to elevate your leg.
Knee walkers are designed for injuries below the knee. The individual must be able to bend his or her leg at the knee and rest the upper shin on the knee pad.
Some rolling knee walkers include a front basket for carrying books, a water bottle, a wallet or purse, and anything else you need to bring. The entry level models provide the basics at a more affordable price. Higher end knee walkers offer more amenities, like swivel wheels, steerable front wheels, and storage options. All knee walkers include hand brakes for safety.
Knee Walkers Now at Roll Mobility
Drive Medical Steerable Knee Walker
Knee walkers from Drive Medical, Invacare, and Medline Industries are now available at Roll Mobility. These knee walkers are manufactured by well-respected brands in the home medical care industry.
For individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputations, or ulcers on the foot, a knee walker provides a comfortable, pain-free alternative to crutches. The thick leg pad cradles your knee and adjusts in height for ergonomic use. A hand brake lets you control and stop the walker. Steerable knee walkers are available for increased maneuverability.
Use your knee walker indoors or outdoors for greater freedom than crutches can offer. See the links below for more information on knee walkers at Roll Mobility.
- Drive Knee Walker
- Drive DV8 Steerable Knee Walker
- Invacare Knee Walker with Swivel Wheels
- Medline Weil Knee Walker
Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.!
Video: Rollator Setup Instructions
Setup Instructions
The Deluxe Rollator from Roll Mobility provides just the right amount of support and rest with 8-inch wheels and a built-in padded seat and backrest. The lightweight aluminum frame is available in red or blue.
Before Setup
After you remove the rollator and parts from the box, take a few minutes to read the instruction manual included with this product. Then you can begin the process of setting up your rollator by following the instructions in the manual.
To open the rollator, push down on the center bar.
Assembly
To open the rollator, push down on the center bar until the side crossbars are locked down. Lower the padded seat all the way down.
Attach the backrest by sliding the support tubes into the frame, pressing the spring buttons, and pushing down evenly on both sides of the backrest until the spring buttons snap into place.
To attach the handles, remove the height adjustment knob and bolt, slide the handle into the frame to the desired height, making sure the holes are lined up, and then slide the bolt through the holes from the inside of the frame. Tighten the adjustment knob on the bolt to secure the handle in place. Do the same for the opposite handle, making sure that you put the bolt through the same holes as the other handle. Count the number of holes visible on each handle to make sure the handles are set at the same height. For information on how to adjust the push handles to the proper height, see the instruction manual included with this product.
Using the Rollator Brakes
This rollator comes with ergonomic handles and loop lock brakes. To use the hand brakes, pull up on the brakes to slow down or stop. When you let go of the brakes, the wheels will be free to move again. To lock the rollator in place, push down on the lower section of both brake handles until they lock in place. Pull up on the brake handles to release the brakes from the locked position.
Folding the Rollator
The last thing we will cover is how to fold the rollator. First, lift up the padded seat. Then pull up on the center bar. If needed, you can remove the backrest before folding the rollator to make it more compact for storage. Simply push in the spring buttons on both sides of the backrest and pull up to remove.
That’s it! Now you are ready to use your Deluxe Rollator from Roll Mobility.
Prevent Falls for Seniors while Walking
A rollator can help prevent falls for seniors and rehabilitative patients.
Seniors commonly fall while doing everyday activities like walking to the bathroom or stepping up on a landing. Throw rugs, raised thresholds, and objects on the floor are just a few of the tripping hazards that seniors face. Thanks to mobility devices like rollators and canes, however, seniors can take back their independence and reduce the chances of a fall.
Canes and rollators provide walking support at home, at the mall, around the neighborhood, and almost anywhere your loved one needs to go. Single-point walking canes are best for users who need a slight balance check every once in awhile. For users who need more support, a quad cane is the next step up. With four points of contact with the ground, quad canes are more stable. A small base quad cane is small enough to use on stairs. A large base quad cane is too large for the average flight of stairs but provides more support for users who need it, especially for heavier users.
If a quad cane no longer provides enough support, consider a wrap-around frame. Walkers and rollators wrap around the body to provide support in front and on both sides. To move a walker, the user either slides the walker forward, lifts it and moves it forward, or lifts the back of the walker and rolls it forward on the two front wheels. Rollators are easier to move, but the user must be able to operate the hand brakes for control.
Deciding which type of mobility aid is right for your loved one is a choice that your doctor, health care provider, or physical therapist can help you make. Each individual’s needs and level of mobility is different, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on mobility equipment from your medical support team.
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