Rollabout vs. walker, crutches - Foot Problems Message Board

monster bunion · 08-20-2007, 09:35 AM

Hi All,
I am thinking ahead for my next bunionectomy. When I had my first bunionectomy, I used a combination of crutches, a wheelchair, and a walker.
When I used the walker, I got callouses on my hands, and if you don't place the walker feet just right on the ground, you can get off balance quickly. I couldn't carry anything in my hands while using crutches or the walker. With the wheelchair, I couldn't stand very well to cook anything, and it was hard to maneuver in the kitchen. I've heard people talking about the "Rollabout" knee walker and was wondering if I should get one. Any comments would be much appreciated.

dancergal19 · 08-20-2007, 10:28 AM

I've never tried a rollabout but I saw a woman using one in an airport recently and she was CRUISING through the airport. I think you can use them hands free and you can stand upright while resting your leg to do things like cooking. Seems like a better option than crutches, wheelchair or a walker.

sunny77 · 08-20-2007, 10:41 AM

I used a Turning Leg Caddy scooter for about 3 months and it was a lifesaver! You have one hand free when you're moving or both hands free if you're just standing. I also used it as a way to prop my foot up when I was out and there wasn't anything else available. Dancergal19 is right about cruising...I could (it was fun at times!) and got a TON of questions and looks about it...I told the company I rented it from that they should have been paying me to use it, not the other way around! They got lots of free advertising! If I had to do it again, I would totally get this. Crutches were a pain in the butt and I used them only if I was in a place with stairs (no elevator) and when I became PWB. My insurance did pay for part of the rental fee each month, so you might want to check that possibility out. I would have paid the full fee regardless though.

Abikat · 08-20-2007, 11:40 AM

I also used the Turning Leg Caddy and am so glad that I found out about it before having surgery. I liked how it was designed compared to the Rollabout or RollerAid. I have a pretty open floor plan in my home, so I could scoot all over. It was also very convenient putting in/getting out of the car and I used it a lot going to restaurants, etc. I hardly even touched my crutches or walker the first three months - this was so much easier on my good leg, arms, as well as my heart (which I need to baby a little). Once I was in my Cam Walker, I didn't use it nearly as much, but still it was handy for an occasional trip to the mall or grocery store. My insurance covered it fully as I rented it from an insurance participating provider.

rosinberfoot · 08-20-2007, 05:44 PM

I've had flat foot reconstruction surgery and have been using my rollabout pretty much exclusively for the past 6 weeks. I can't imagine getting by with just the crutches... the rollabout has allowed me to move about the ground floor of my house much faster and easier. I definitely recommend getting one.