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Tag Archive for Nutrition after surgery

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How to Get the Knee Scooter Insurance Coverage You Need

In an ideal world, knee scooter insurance coverage would be incredibly simple to approach. You’d simply need to collect your knee scooter, submit a photo of yourself waving and smiling happily on your knee walker, and your insurance company would respond with a big thumbs-up and a completely covered bill.

Of course, knee scooter insurance coverage doesn’t exactly happen this way. And while it may be fun to dream about an insurance company who’s desperate to make you happy (Zero co-payments! Free prescriptions! Birthday cards!), there’s no denying that operating within the realm of reality means playing a little tug-of-war.

Or does it?

When it comes down to it, there are two options you can use to get the knee scooter insurance coverage you need. You could call the insurance company, cry, yell, and harass them until an exasperated insurance agent finally gives you the information you need…

Or you could use these knee scooter insurance coverage techniques:

Get out your insurance policy and look for a special insurance code known as HCPCs Code E0116, which essentially dictates how your insurance company will handle paying for crutch alternatives with or without wheels. This code should outline the percentage of coverage, as well as additional caveats. For example, you may discover that the insurance company will only pay for a knee walker rental if it comes from an approved provider. When you call be sure to ask if you have out of network benefits, a deductible or co-pay.

Have your doctor sign a Letter of Medical Necessity, which lets the insurance company know that you need a knee scooter to stay mobile. You may also need to provide a prescription to your insurance company. All of this information can help prove to your providers that you have an absolute need for knee scooter insurance coverage.

Some knee walker rental companies provide you with the Letter of Medical Necessity for your doctor to sign. This can make it very easy to get your knee walker as quickly as possible – and that’s always a benefit when you can barely hobble after your foot or ankle surgery.

If you’re renting a knee scooter, get the company to provide you with a detailed invoice that contains billing codes. This can provide your insurance company with the information they need to determine how much they’re going to cover.

Submit your claims at the end of your treatment, as this can help ensure that your insurance company receives all the documentation they need.

Keep copies of all of your paperwork. If you don’t have a scanner in your home, have a family member or coworker make scans for you at the office or the public library. This can make it easier for you to re-submit any information your insurance company needs, especially if they claim that they’ve lost valuable paperwork.

Remember that you’ll be dealing with your insurance company throughout the course of your treatment. If you follow this checklist, you can ensure that getting knee scooter insurance coverage is a lot easier than you originally anticipated.

Category: Crutch Alternatives, Insurance, Insurance Coverage, Insurance Information, Insurance Lingo, Knee Walker Central Insurance Coverage, Knee Walkers | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Best Meals to Pre-Make for Foot Surgery Recovery

Let’s face it: foot or ankle surgery is never fun. But if you’ve spent the majority of your time dreading that ominous square on your calendar that contains the date of your surgery, then it’s time for a reality check:

Your foot surgery, whether you like it or not, is happening.

So you have one of two options: you can either avoid preparing for your surgery, or you can take some steps (you know, because stepping’s gonna be hard after your surgery!) to prepare for life after surgery…

And that includes discovering the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery.

Man does not live on delivery pizza alone. So if you want to ensure that you heal in a healthy and (somewhat) enjoyable manner – without making you feel like Pizza Hut’s number one customer – here are the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery.

Savory Baked Chicken

Baked chicken is going to be the lifeblood of your surgery recovery – and for good reason. The protein in chicken can help fuel your muscle growth and repair, while the lean meats ensure that your weight stays off of your waist as well as your injured foot.

Baked chicken can be thrown over rice, pasta, or shredded and added to a bed of lettuce. As you can see, savory baked chicken is perfect for eating well while undergoing surgery recovery.

First, grab yourself a couple pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil on a large baking pan. Coat the foil with cooking spray (go for olive oil spray – delicious). Lay the chicken on the pan. Now here’s the fun part: start seasoning the chicken any way you want. We’re taking garlic powder, lemon pepper rub – anything! Set the oven to 400 degrees and pop the chicken in for about 30 minutes, or until the juices are running clear.

Super-Fast Tomato and Basil Pasta

Pasta can keep for many days in your refrigerator, which makes this one of the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery. Try out this meal, which incorporates whole grains and vegetables for maximum healing power.

First, grab yourself a box of whole grain linguine (whole grains are an excellent source of fiber) and pour into salted boiling water. While the pasta’s boiling, chop up a few cups of grape or cherry tomatoes into quarters. Next, chop up some basil leaves (make sure you take the time to enjoy the delicious scent!). Once the pasta is done boiling, drain it. Add the tomatoes and basil to the pasta, and throw in some olive oil or spaghetti sauce to bring it all together. If you’re really feeling adventurous, add some crumbled goats cheese for a tangy flavor that just won’t quit.

Foods to Avoid

While the above recipes are some of the best meals you can pre-make before surgery, it’s important to point out what you shouldn’t be eating during your recovery time. Healing your body is a delicate process, and it’s going to need all the nutrients possible. Therefore, avoid the following foods, as they don’t pack a nutritional punch:

Processed foods (buh-bye, Funions)

Dehydrated foods like beef jerky

Full fat cheese (too much can cause constipation – not really something you want to deal with on top of an injured foot or ankle)

Refined sugars (sweets, white grains, etc.)

Now that you know the best meals to pre-make for foot surgery recovery – as well as what foods to avoid – it’s time to throw on your chef’s hat and whip up a creation that would make Paula Deen jealous (butter not included).

Category: After Surgery diet, After Surgery Recovery, Foot Surgery, Nutrition After Surgery | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Phil’s Experience with a Knee Walker

My husband, Phil, is an active biker and adult kick scooter rider who loves being outside on wheels. Unfortunately, on June 2012, the front wheel of Phil’s bike got caught in an asphalt rut, tipping the bike and pinning his ankle in an unnatural position.

Worse, Phil did not like walking with crutches and simply did not. Fortunately, he had a favorite chair, upon which he sat day-after-day, thinking penuriously about his upcoming medical expenses.

As a surprise, I purchased a knee walker for him. It was, indeed, a surprise because if it was up to him, living in misery was better than taking on a new expense because he didn’t want to be a burden. As I didn’t regard him as a burden, I splurged first, and told him later.

In less than a half-hour of receiving his knee walker, Phil scooted down our hallway to our apartment’s elevator, then out the door to our car to go to Weehawken, NJ’s prime kick scooting area along the Hudson River.

Within an hour of receiving the knee scooter, Phil had no trouble navigating around Houlihan’s outside café tables and after dining, he had no trouble scooting along Harbor Boulevard to take in the views offered by the Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club.

The knee walker instantly transformed Phil from invalid to normal person. Although he continued to be penuriously (it’s a lifestyle), he was happy that I spared no expense in acquiring this device (which, truth be known, was reasonably priced).

He felt so strongly about how it improved the quality of his life during this period, that once he was out of his cast, he contributed the knee walker to his doctor, who passed it on to someone in need. He has also pontificated about the joys of a knee walker to people in leg casts ever since.

Note that the day after his cast was removed, Phil resumed adult kick scooting with a trip to the Walkway Over the Hudson. Read about here: Kick Scooting on the Walkway Over the Hudson.

This was a guest post from Karen Little. Karen Little is a professional writer who specializes in creating technical articles and training manuals. She is also an adult kick scooter enthusiast who shares her passions on www.LetsKickScoot.com along with many contributors. Karen and her husband, Philip, live in Weehawken, NJ, and enjoy area Hudson River Parks on a daily basis.

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Ankle Surgery Recovery, Knee Walkers, Mobility Options, Non Weight Bearing Products | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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Adventures To Have With Your Scooter For Non-Weight Bearing

Just because you’re laid up on the couch from your foot or ankle injury doesn’t mean your adventures have to be limited to surfing daytime TV (that’s more like a nightmare, am I right?).

Here at Knee Walker Central, we’re all about encouraging our clients to take their scooter for non-weight bearing out into the world for some safe yet awesome adventures. Ready to put some mileage on your scooter for non-weight bearing? Here’s what you can do:

  • Play knee walker bowling. Push aside all carpets and rugs in your living room or head to your kitchen (the goal here is to find a room with wooden floors). Set up a bunch of plastic bowling pins or empty water bottles. Challenge your kids or friends to beat you in bowling. At random times, fake your friends out by using yourself as the bowling ball. It’s a guaranteed way to get a strike!
  • Head to a busy museum or crowded restaurant that you can never get into. When the employees see you in a scooter for non-weight bearing, they’ll make every effort to make your visit more comfortable. It’s like getting first class service without having to pay a first class price.
  • Challenge your family to come up with a dance routine that you can use with your scooter for non-weight bearing. This is a great activity to do if you have energetic kids, so roll up those rugs and start practicing. Bonus points if you can come up with a routine to “Thriller” (and if you do, send us the video. Seriously. We’ll make you famous.)

Get ready to look as cool as this guy…

Dealing with a foot or ankle injury doesn’t mean you have to be a boring lump on the couch for the next three to six months. Just whip out your trusty scooter for non-weight bearing, gulp down a cup of coffee, and get ready to have some seriously memorable adventures.

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Crutch Alternatives, Entertainment after surgery, Fun After Surgery, knee scooter, Knee Walkers, Mobility Options, Non Weight Bearing Products | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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What is a Non Weight Bearing Scooter?

Admit it: when you first read the title of this article, you had visions of unattended children zipping around you on those annoying little scooters. And hey, it’s understandable. But when it comes to recovering from your foot or ankle surgery, non weight bearing scooters completely change your mobility options during your recovery period. In fact, knee walkers even make it possible to forgo the awkwardness and inconvenience of crutches.

It’s enough to make you disassociate scooters with the terrifying image of children barreling towards you in a crowded mall!

If you’ve never heard of or seen a non weight bearing scooter, get ready to meet the mobility device that’s going to change the way you look at your foot or ankle recovery.

A non weight bearing scooter is also known as a knee walker or a knee scooter. This is because a non weight bearing scooter combines the sleek mobility of a scooter with the balancing powers of a walker. The combination of these two devices ends up creating something that looks like a 4-wheeled scooter with a very low seat. You can see what we mean by this in the picture above.

Speaking of seats, the reason why the non weight bearing scooter is so excellent for foot and ankle recovery is because it completely removes any pressure from your injured leg. Instead, you simply kneel your injured weight on the padded seat and propel yourself forward with your good leg. It sure beats the disaster-potential of crutches, which can often cause pain and discomfort – not to mention the chances of slipping and crashing to the ground.

Insurance companies often cover a non weight bearing scooter, so you may not have to shell out for yours. If you’re wondering if your non weight bearing scooter will be covered, simply contact your insurance company and ask how your coverage extends to knee walkers. Knee Walker Central can even verify your benefits and explain coverage, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle.

Non weight bearing scooters are perfect for patients who are recovering from foot or ankle injuries – and who want to avoid the sheer discomfort of using wooden crutches.

 

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Ankle Surgery Recovery, Crutch Alternatives, Foot Surgery, knee scooter, Knee Walkers, Mobility Options | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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Non Weight Bearing Workouts You Can Perform During Your Recovery Period

When your foot is locked up within the ironclad grip of a cast, you might feel like there’s no chance of getting the exercise you need. Gone are the days when you could walk around whenever you pleased. Gone are the days when you could hop in your car, drive to the gym, and log in a six-mile run on the treadmill (or six minutes…but honestly, who’s counting?). And even the days when you could walk around the mall and shop to your heart’s content are temporarily gone (hey, shopping counts as cardio).

While it’s important for you to get plenty of rest and relaxation during your recovery period, it’s also just as important for you to get your fair share of exercise. But this might seem impossible, especially when you’re lugging around a massive cast.

Fortunately, there is a wide range of non weight bearing workouts you can perform during your recovery period. You’ll just need to get a little creative to do them!

Take a Walk with Your Knee Scooter

A knee scooter, or a knee walker, is a unique mobility device that’s designed to help you move around without the awkwardness or embarrassment of crutches (not to mention the chances of bumping or hurting your injured foot). A knee walker looks like a special bike where you rest your injured leg on the special pad; the other leg is used to propel yourself forward. It represents a fantastic way to get the exercise you need, as you’ll be able to move around, open doors, and engage in activities that may have been previously off-limits with your crutches.

Check out our knee scooters at Knee Walker Central, and you’ll discover why more people are turning to us when they need high-quality mobility devices!

Focus on Your Upper Body

You don’t always have to work out your legs in order to get exercise; in fact, some of the best non weight bearing workouts you can perform during your recovery period involve arm workouts.

If you’re consigned to your bed or couch, considering investing in a pair of light handheld dumbbells. These will allow you to perform bicep curls, tricep extensions, and other fantastic non weight bearing workouts that can increase your heart rate without putting pressure on your foot or ankle.

Get the Blood Pumping

If you’re intent on working out your legs, you can perform a myriad of activities without actually placing any weight on your feet. Simply sit on your couch or bed, lift up the injured leg, and rotate it in small circles. This simple activity can get the blood pumping and help you get the cardio you need to stay healthy. You may also just want to elevate each leg for about thirty seconds, then switch and elevate the other. Remember, the key here is to get in a good workout, not train to become an Olympic athlete.

That can come after your recovery period is over!

As you can see, there are plenty of non weight bearing workouts you can perform during your recovery period. By engaging in these tips, you’ll be able to get the exercise you need without placing any additional strain on your recovering foot or ankle.

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Ankle Surgery Recovery, Entertainment after surgery, Exercises after surgey, Fun After Surgery, Mobility Options | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Your Ultimate Non-Weight Bearing Nutrition Checklist

Whether you’re about to endure an ankle fusion or you’re going to have surgery to repair a persistent foot problem, you want to ensure that you’re fully prepared for your recovery time. You’ve made sure that you’ve rolled up any loose carpets in the house. You’ve let your family members and friends know that your mobility will be limited for some time. You’ve even order a bunch of DVDs and TV shows that you can watch while you’re recovering…

So you’ve covered all your bases, correct?

Not exactly. You see, when you’re recovering from a foot or ankle surgery, your body needs more than physical therapy – it also needs nutrition to help your bones and ligaments heal faster. By following a non-weight bearing nutrition diet, you can ensure that you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

So what foods should you stockpile in your fridge? Take a look!

Get loads of fiber in your diet. Constipation is a common experience after any surgery that requires anesthesia, so you’ll want to get as much fiber to ensure that things are, er, running smoothly. Get your hands on fruits and whole grain breads. Can’t stand fruit? Even your favorite breakfast cereal may supply you with the fiber you need.

Get as much calcium into your diet as possible. Calcium is critical to your bone health, which is exactly what you need after a foot or ankle surgery. Drink three glasses of milk a day or take a calcium supplement. You can even request that your partner make your favorite cheesy, gooey dish (hey, calories don’t count when you’re recovering!).

Avoid processed foods like chips and cookies. They may taste delicious, but they’re not exactly stocked with the nutrition you need to recover from a foot or ankle surgery.

Now that you have this non-weight bearing nutrition checklist in hand, head out to your local grocery store and stock up on tons of healthy foods. After all, the last thing you’ll want to do after your surgery is battle through a crowded grocery store and lug those heavy bags into your home!

Category: After Surgery diet, After Surgery Recovery, Ankle Surgery Recovery, Nutrition After Surgery | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
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Entertainment Options While Using Your Rolling Knee Walker

Let’s face it: when you’re stuck on the couch waiting for your broken ankle or foot to heal, you might feel like you’re coming down with a severe case of cabin fever. Luckily, a rolling knee walker offers you plenty of mobility freedom that you might not have with crutches. A rolling knee walker makes it easier for you to head outside and enjoy what the world has to offer…

Without feeling like a robot with a massive wingspan.

If you’re looking for ways to liven up your recovery time, here are some excellent entertainment options while using your rolling knee walker:

If you’re located in a city, it’s time to truly explore what it’s like in your neighborhood. Pretend you’re a tourist for the day and go see local attractions. Roll around in a famous park, head to the best restaurant in the city or walk along the esplanade for a deliciously breezy experience.

Make the most of the handicap access in local museums. A rolling knee walker makes it easier for you to get around, which means you can head to your favorite museum and check out a new exhibit. Better still, go to a museum that you haven’t been to yet but have always wanted to go. You may discover a new favorite spot, all thanks to your rolling knee walker.

Do you have a dog? Get some gentle exercise by taking him or her for a walk. If you don’t have a dog, ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone needs a dog walker. It’s a great way to get out of the house, and you’ll get some much-needed exercise. Be careful not to walk any huge breeds that don’t know how to obey orders, as you don’t want to turn into a human sled.

Head to the movies to catch up on what’s out in cinemas. Many movie theaters have handicap access, which means you’ll get the best seat in the house without even having to try.

Use these entertainment options for a fun day out with your rolling knee walker!

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Entertainment after surgery | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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4 Helpful Tips to Keep the Rest of Your Body Active While Recovering From Foot Surgery

Experts at The Mobility Resource know how pressing it can be for those that have just undergone foot surgery, to remain as active as possible. This can go beyond a mere physical desire to heal, but involves emotional needs as well. The fact of the matter is, that despite some of the pains that come from surgery, you just want to break free of crutches and get back to your old self. We are here to tell you, there are other options. A knee walker is a great option to get you up and mobile without aggravating your foot injury, they can give you the independence and mobility that you may be longing for. Of course you can also take the route of a wheelchair, which will give you some mobility as well, and a little bit of an arm work out too.

You need to take it easy and follow your doctor’s orders. Still, there are several other ways that you can stay in shape without putting your foot at risk. Try some of these options and see what works for you.

Pay extra attention to nutrition.

Because some of your exercise routines will be hindered, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle are very important. Proper nutrition plays a huge part not only for regular benefits but also because some foods contain certain nutrients that help injuries heal. These include fresh juices not from concentrate and as many as eight servings of whole fruit a day.

Alternatively, stay away from foods that promote inflammation—foods such as potatoes, hot peppers, processed white flower and foods high in omega 3 fatty acids.

Exercise your mind.

When you’re done with surgery, take your mind off of the burning desire to get active again. Instead, stock up on some movies and books, and relax. If you are determined to somehow keep improving your body during this time, get books that focus on your physical goals, dieting or other self-improvement topics that are relevant to your goals.

Ride with your arms.

The use of an upper-body ergometer—otherwise known as an arm bike—can come in extremely handy. Many physical therapists are raving about them, particularly for those that can’t use their legs. They provide a stellar cardio workout and are a great way to relieve some of that pent up stress that might still be lingering from the surgery.

Get preoccupied.

Find an upper-body exercise that does not require the use of your foot or leg, for that matter. Pull ups can be great for this, so long as you keep your injured foot inactive. Some rehabilitation centers will also rig up a rowing exercise that keeps your injured foot safe from harm. Whichever exercise you choose, use your competitive spirit and challenge yourself. See how many reps you can do and constantly try to one-up yourself. This sort of focus will help you forget about the fact that your leg is hindered at all.

You can also get creative with other exercises. Speak to a trainer or your physical therapist to make sure anything you come up with is safe before trying them out, though. The last thing you want to do is push yourself too hard, re-injuring your foot and enduring the recovery process all over again.

Category: After Surgery diet, After Surgery Recovery, Crutch Alternatives, Foot Surgery, knee scooter, Knee Walkers, Mobility Options | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,