Health

What is a Walking Aid and Do You Need One?

Walking Aid

It can, perfectly understandably, be somewhat of a back and forth struggle when considering whether yourself, or a loved one, have reached the point where assistance is needed in walking—either around the home, outdoors, or even both.

There is a myriad of different walking aids available on the market, both in store and from reputable suppliers online, so to help you work out whether or not a walking aid is necessary in your situation, and for an overview on the most popular types of walking aids and how they can benefit you, continue reading. 

Walking Aid: A Definition

Essentially, the definition of a walking aid is one of several different devices which can either be issued by a medical professional, or else invested in privately, to help you maintain your balance, prevent trips and falls, and generally improve the quality and safety of your walking pattern. 

There are several different types of walking aids, all of which have different benefits and having decided that you may well need one, it is important to spend time researching the best type of walking aid for you.

The most popular walking aids available nationwide include the following:

Canes

Walking canes are the most basic of walking aids and similar to crutches, help to support the weight of the body and reduce the level of pressure and stress on the legs. There are three main types of canes, which include quad canes, forearm canes and white canes—the latter being specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. 

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Walkers

Walkers, or as they are often referred to, Zimmer frames, are a basic metal frame with a comfortable rest for the forearms set onto a wide, horizontal platform. In the United States alone, approximately 4.6% of all adults have at some point used a walker—some with attached wheels or glides for extra assistance.

Crutches

Similar to canes, crutches help transfer the weight and pressure on the legs from walking to the upper part of the body and help to keep the body’s posture as central as possible. Crutches come in all shapes, sizes, heights and thicknesses, the most popular types including platform crutches, forearm crutches and underarm crutches. 

Should You Consider A Walking Aid?

When wondering whether you yourself could benefit from at least trying one kind of walking aid from a renowned supplier such as Mobility Solutions, and when weighing up the pros and cons, ask yourself the following questions and the more affirmative answers you give, the more likely it is that a walking aid could be good for you@

  1. Do you take prescription medicine which often makes you feel dizzy?
  2. Do you feel as if you have limited strength in your lower body?
  3. On a day when you walk some distance, do you start to feel weak and unsteady?
  4. Have you experienced one or more trips or falls whilst either walking or standing?
  5. Have you recently been injured and this is impeding your strength when walking?

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