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Improved Mobility with Walking Aids? Check out these 5 Types! |
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Walking supports are helpful for patients with severe disabilities, including hip and knee arthritis, as well as individuals with injuries, for example, ankle injuries or leg fractures.
Knowing what sort of walking aid, you need will help you find the one that's right for you. In fact, you need a physical therapist's recommendation as to which type is best, depending on your particular condition. They will assess your gait, balance, cognition, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal well-being, and any neurological symptoms. You might need a special walking aid depending on your body weight following an injury.
You could also benefit from an occupational therapy assessment of your living quarters and work environment. Different types of walking aids may be needed if there are stairs you must navigate, in addition to your means of transport (car, public transportation, etc.). A combination of various components may be recommended for different purposes.
Some people typically don't consider walking aids as an option because they think this is a private matter tied to their physical condition. However, these medical devices have been shown to reduce the occurrence of falls.
Single-Point Cane
A cane is one possible method to provide your legs with some support, but this is not the right choice when you will need to get rid of all of the weight. A cane is among the simplest ways to provide a leg with additional support, but it's contraindicated unless you have had your weight completely removed. A single-handled cane is a good choice if the problem is arthritis.
You should be mindful of which hand to hold the cane with. The general rule is you hold the cane with the hand on the dominant side and move the cane apart from your weaker leg.
Typically, walking sticks come in several different styles. But they have to be in proportion to the user and feature a grip they are comfortable using.
Quad Cane
Quad canes are a good option if you require extra stability than a single-point cane can provide, but don't need regular support for a leg. They are a good choice if you have difficulty wriggling, significant weakness, or balance problems.
Crutches
Crutches allow you to completely remove weight from the extremity. Crutches require good stability and upper body strength, so they are often less useful to elderly patients. However, crutches can offer excellent support and freedom of movement for those with sufficient strength.
Getting used to crutches involves practice, but when performing a few easy steps, you can get around. If you haven't fully recovered from an injury or if you received surgery, be sure to receive recommendations about your sessions or plan on receiving a training session before you leave. Using your crutches should be fitted to the desired height, and there are several efficient methods for doing so.
Walker
The walker is the most effective walking assistance, but it is also the most inconvenient. It's an excellent choice for those with poor balance or low upper body strength. Newer types of walkers have numerous features and adjustments that can make them a lot more user-friendly. Factors to consider when choosing a walker include foldability, weight capacity, handle height, weight, width, and immobility of the walker itself.
A walker needs to be lifted and moved by every step for those struggling with limited upper body strength. Walkers can have wheels or glides on two or all sides of some versions to facilitate the process of sliding between steps rather than being forced to be picked up. A walker with four wheels is called a rollator and often has a brake of some kind for safety, as well as a seat to allow you to rest when you are tired.
Knee Walker
The knee walker is basic to use, and one of the simplest ways to get around without needing to be stumbling while putting weight on your leg. Many people who would have issues using crutches, and wouldn't want to be slowed by a foot assistance device, will discover the knee walker a worthwhile investment.
Here at Pro Therapy Supplies, we offer all the types of walkers you need. You can just simply visit our website or call us at 770-441-9808and we will be more than happy to assist you.
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