Difference Between a Hemi Walker and a Knee Walker

Walkers, a replacement for walking sticks which were supportive in a few conditions, have become an essential tool for all people who have trouble balancing themselves while walking. Walkers are the tools used by people who suffer from impaired mobility to provide them additional support to balance themselves while walking. A walker is a basic tool with a simple frame consisting of two or four legs and a handle for the user to grip. Many are foldable while many are equipped with wheels.
 

In this context, you’ll get to know about the two most common mobility aids used by people suffering from partial mobility issues, the products are:
 
· Hemi Walker
 
· Knee Walker
 
What is a Hemi Walker?
 
Hemi Walker is an entry-level assistant device most commonly used by people who have weakened on side of their body, more precisely stated the people who have suffered from full or partial paralysis of one side of their body or any sort of medical conditions that prevents them to access mobility functions of their partial body, use a Hemi walker as a mobility aid. Built with lightweight materials such as aluminum, making it easy for the users as well the caregivers to carry it around. As the word Hemi means half, it is also known as half walkers or side steppers as well. It is a hybrid between standardized walkers and walking canes. The frame of a Hemi walker is similar to an average walker consisting of four legs and a balance beam, which also works as the gripping handle. Rubber tips are installed at the base of the legs ensuring the walker provides adequate traction while in use. The user must have the good upper body strength to use a Hemi walker, since it doesn’t have wheels to move.
 
Types of Hemi walkers.
 
· Standard Hemi Walker: Standard frame Hemi walkers consist of four legs and a balance beam equipped with a grip to support the user. Made of lightweight materials are easy to move around.
 
· Heavy Duty Hemi Walker:  Made of composite light material, supporting bariatric patients or patients that have to avoid stressing one side of their body while walking. It easily supports heavyweights and is portable as well.
 
· Foldable Hemi Walker - All Hemi walkers are portable since all of them are lightweight but these can be folded and stored easily anywhere such as at home or in the car’s trunk.
 
What is a Knee Walker?
 
A hybrid between standard walkers and scooters, also known as knee scooters. They have wheels and a handle to balance. They have a seat in the center to rest the knee and move by the force applied from the upper body. One experiences pain in the forearms and underarms after using crutches and there is a possibility of aggravating the injury further. Eliminating the pain and discomfort, Knee Walkers are a simple and easy tool to use. They are made of robust yet lightweight materials and are easily transportable from one place to another.
 
Types of Knee Walkers
 
· Steerable Knee Walker: They provide improvised steering for better maneuverability. People who have recently undergone leg or knee surgery can use it to move around places.
 
· Hans-free Knee Walker: They can be maneuvered using a gentle push, allowing the hands to be free. They are good for people who have to work constantly while standing, the only drawback of them is they can’t be steered.
 
· All Terrain Knee Walker: As we can predict from its name, these walkers can be used on almost all terrains in the city. From home surfaces and tiles or gravel and sand, they are the perfect mobility option.
 
Difference between a Hemi Walker and a Knee Walker
 
Both mobility tools, Knee walkers and Hemi walkers differ in functioning but the main objective behind the two is the almost same that is providing supportive assistance to a person while walking. Hemi walkers cater to a different set of patients whereas knee walkers cater to people with injuries and disorders in the leg.
 
Conclusion
 
Both the tools have their advantages and disadvantages, but it is important to choose the right tool as per your requirements for proper healing and mobility. These above-mentioned details will help you to understand the difference between both the products, making is easy for you to choose the right one as per your requirements. If you are eyeing for the walkers for sale you can browse through internet and we will find amazing website related to the same.