Do you have an elderly person in your home, or someone recovering from surgery? The doctor may have recommended a walker to help them walk. This device, which provides stability and balance while walking, is a great help for many people. However, if you don't know how to use it properly, you can fall. So today, let's talk about what a walker is, how to get it right for you, and how to use it safely.
What types of walkers are there?
A walker is a frame that you can hold onto while you walk, giving you stability. Some come with wheels, while others have rubber feet. Your doctor will recommend the best type for you based on your needs. Let's take a look at the main types of walkers.
| Walker Type | Description and who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|
| Four-point walker | This one has rubber on all four feet. When walking, you have to lift it completely and put it forward. This type provides the most stability for those with balance problems. |
| Two-wheeled walker | There are two wheels on the front and two rubber ones on the back. You can push it forward without lifting it. This helps you get used to a more natural walking pattern. |
| Rollator | It has four wheels and a brake system. It is very convenient for going out of the house and on uneven roads. It usually has a small bag for storing things and a seat to sit on if you get tired. |
| Forearm support walker | This can be used by those who have difficulty putting weight on their wrists . Here, your weight is put on your forehead. There is a padded support for that. |
| Reverse walker | This is a pull that is placed behind your body instead of pushing from the front. This helps maintain posture and balance for those who lean back. |
| Knee walker | This is used when one leg cannot be supported at all (e.g., a leg injury). There is a platform-like part where one knee can be placed. You can push off with the other leg. |
Who needs a walker?
You may need a walker temporarily, such as while you recover from an accident or surgery, or you may need to use one for the rest of your life due to a long-term condition that makes it difficult to walk.
Imagine your mother or father has just returned home from hip surgery. At a time like this, a walker is essential to help them start walking safely again.
Here are some other situations where a walker may be needed:
- When recovering from an injury to the leg, ankle, foot, hip, or back.
- When training to walk again after surgery or illness (rehabilitation).
- When learning to walk again after a temporary paralysis.
- In bone and joint conditions that affect posture and movement, such as arthritis.
- When the body's coordination and muscle strength are weakened due to nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
- When it is difficult to bear the weight of the body.
- When you need help maintaining balance and standing upright.
How do you prepare before using a walker?
Once you've chosen the walker that's right for you, it's important to adjust it to suit your body and environment.
Getting the right fit for your height
Most walkers can be adjusted in height by 5-10 inches. Put on your walking shoes and stand comfortably upright. Now check to see if the handles of the walker are at hip level. Ideally, when you hold the handle with your arms slightly bent and your hands together, your elbows should be bent about 15-25 degrees . If the handle of the walker is at the same height as your wrist , that's the right height.
Walker accessories
If the rubber feet on your walker feel like they're getting stuck on the tile floor at home, or if you're worried that the floor will get wet, you can use things like this:
- Tennis Balls: Take an old tennis ball, cut it into an 'X' shape, and place it between the two feet at the back of the walker. This will make it easier to slide and won't scratch the floor.
- Ski glides: Plastic covers that can be replaced with rubber feet.
- Felt pads: Similar to chair legs, they can also be attached to the feet of a walker.
How do you walk with a walker?
Okay, now let's look at the most important thing: how exactly to use this to walk.
1. How to get up from a sitting position
First, place the walker slightly in front of your chair or bed. Never try to stand up by hanging from the walker. This can cause the walker to tip over and you to fall. Stand up by supporting yourself with the arms of the chair. Stand up, balance for a moment, then grab the handles of the walker and step into the frame.
2. Posture while walking
You should stand straight inside the walker frame. Don't hunch your back. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Your feet should be close to the two posts at the back of the frame. If you lean too far forward, you will hit the front bar, and if you lean too far back, you will lose support from the walker.
3. The correct way to walk
Remember this order exactly.
1. Look ahead: Check for obstacles in your path. A dropped rug, a wire, a drop of water, or even your pet could be an obstacle.
2. First the walker: Pick up (or push) the walker and take a comfortable step forward. It could be a foot or a few inches.
3. Next, the weak leg: Place your disabled or weak leg in the walker. At this point, transfer some of your weight to the walker.
4. Finally, the good leg: Now bring your strong leg closer to the other leg.
5. Look ahead: Never look at your feet while walking. It can make you lose your balance. Take slow, careful steps.
Remember, the simplest order is: 1. Walker, 2. Weak leg, 3. Good leg. Do this slowly until you get used to it.
How do you go up and down something like a ladder?
If you have to go up or down a small staircase, the rule to remember is "Up with the good, down with the bad."
- When climbing stairs: First place the walker on the step. Then place your strong (good) leg on top. Then lift your weak leg.
- When going down: First put the walker down. Then put your weak (bad) leg down. Then take your strong leg down.
Don't do these things with a walker!
For your safety, never make these mistakes.
| Don'ts |
|---|
| Do not pull on the walker to get up while sitting. |
| Don't lean on the walker and bend your back. Stand straight. |
| Do not take a step before placing all four feet of the walker firmly on the ground. |
| Do not try to push (slide) a walker with rubber feet or lift a walker with wheels. |
| Don't look at your feet while walking. |
| Do not try to carry heavy items on the walker. |
Using a walker may feel a little strange at first, but after a while you will get used to it. The most important thing is to learn the correct technique. This will give you the freedom to work safely and independently. If you still have questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or a physiotherapist.
Take-Home Message
- Always adjust your walker to your height. The correct measurement is a slight bend in your elbows.
- When getting up from a sitting position, never pull yourself up by hanging on to the walker. Stand up by holding onto a chair or bed, then grab the walker.
- When walking, follow the step pattern of "walker -> weak leg -> good leg."
- Before walking, always check your path for obstacles such as rugs and wires.
- If you are unsure about anything or feel pain, talk to your doctor. Getting the right advice can help prevent accidents.
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