How to Choose a Walking Aid

Canes

Lots of people become unsteady on their feet, or suffer from problems with their balance due to either medical issues or the side effects of medications. Perhaps a painful joint makes weight bearing and walking difficult. If this sounds familiar then a cane might be a great first step to safer mobility.

Straight, single point canes can provide just enough assistance to ease your unsteadiness, they are lightweight and inexpensive. For a bit more support, consider a Quad (four prong) cane. The wider base feels less “wobbly” and will stand up on its own when you are not walking, which is handy.

Walkers

For more support, provided equally on both sides, a walker will be the most helpful to you. The feeling of security that comes from having a grip on the walker with both hands is important when keeping your balance and avoiding falls. The most basic and least expensive is the standard folding walker, with or without wheels on the front. They will have either rubber tips on the back or can be fitted with “glide caps” so you can push it along in front of you. They fold flat, are very lightweight, and accessories like walker trays, baskets and tote bags are available to carry personal items.

Rollators

If you need the stability of a walker, combined with a need to be able to sit down and take a rest periodically, choose a rolling walker or rollator. There are lots of advantages, since rollators have seats on them so you can sit down and rest if you need to, four wheels with locking brakes, and most are designed with baskets or pouches built right in. Rollators are made in lots of sizes and colors, so you are sure to find one perfect for your individual needs.

Crutches

If you need to be non-weight bearing on one side, then crutches are the best solution. Standard crutches are typically height adjustable, lightweight and inexpensive, but most appropriate for short term use. For longer term use, the Millennnial crutch is ergonomically designed to reduce carpal tunnel problems, and has a spring assist system to help absorb impact. For the most support, forearm crutches allow you to bear weight on your hands, but also extend up the forearm for additional steadiness and to help distribute your weight. They also incorporate ergonomic design to help prevent damage to the wrists and hands over time.