How to help patients choose the correct cane or walker?

Update:09-02-2022

Summary: For medical workers, the needs of patients are the first, and medical staff should help patients find suitable mobility aids and teach them how to us...

For medical workers, the needs of patients are the first, and medical staff should help patients find suitable mobility aids and teach them how to use them correctly. Canes and walkers provide support and balance to prevent falls. However, there are many types of canes, walkers, crutches, and other assistive devices, some of which are simple in structure, while others have added wheels or even baskets for ease of use, so it is important to choose the right mobility aid.

What factors should be considered when choosing a cane or walker?

When patients choose crutches or walking aids, they should communicate with professional medical staff to ensure that they choose the most suitable walking aids for them. When choosing to use crutches or a walker, the following questions should be discussed with the patient: Problem cane, walker, how much weight can this device support? 25% of body weight can be supported with a cane. Some walkers can be used to support 50% of your body weight. What are the common reasons patients use this device?

Reasons for using a cane may include:

1. Arthritis (especially knees and hips).

2. Mild balance problems.

3. Injuries to the feet or legs

Reasons for using a walker may include:

1. Arthritis (especially knees and hips).

2. Moderately severe balance and gait problems.

3. Weakness of the buttocks and legs.

How is the device constructed?

The walking stick can be made of wood or aluminum.

1. All walking sticks must have rubber tips.

2. Some have curved, rounded or gripped handles.