A walker is a frame-like mobility aid designed to increase stability and reduce the load placed on the lower extremities during movement. It is a device commonly prescribed to individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions that affect balance and endurance. Using a walker incorrectly can hinder recovery and increase the risk of a fall, which is the opposite of its intended purpose. This guide provides clear, sequential instructions on the correct methods for selecting, adjusting, and safely maneuvering a walker in various daily situations.
Selecting and Adjusting Your Walker
Walkers come in three styles, each suited for different levels of support and mobility. The standard walker, often called a pickup walker, has four rubber-tipped legs and offers maximum stability, ideal for those needing to bear minimal weight. Two-wheeled walkers have wheels on the front and glides on the back, allowing the user to slide the device forward without lifting it, which conserves energy. Four-wheeled walkers, known as rollators, feature wheels on all four legs, a braking system, and often a seat, providing continuous support for those who need less weight-bearing assistance but more help with balance.
Proper adjustment is necessary for safe use and for avoiding strain on the back or shoulders. To determine the correct height, stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides while wearing your typical walking shoes. The top of the walker’s hand grips should align precisely with the crease in your wrist. When you grasp the handles, your elbows should have a slight bend, ideally between 15 and 25 degrees. Incorrect height compromises balance and increases fall risk.
Proper Technique for Level Surfaces
The method for walking depends on the type of walker used, but the core principle is maintaining a steady base of support. When using a standard walker, the movement is a three-part sequence requiring lifting. First, lift the walker and place it about one arm’s length ahead, ensuring all four tips are firmly on the ground before shifting weight. Next, step forward with your weaker or injured leg, placing your foot just inside the frame. Finally, bring your stronger leg forward to step past the weaker leg, completing the gait cycle.
For a wheeled rollator, the process promotes a more continuous walking pattern. Instead of lifting, push the walker steadily forward for a comfortable distance, keeping it close to your body. The sequence of foot movement remains the same: move the weaker leg first, followed by the stronger leg, stepping into the walker frame with each stride. This gliding motion requires less upper body strength but demands constant control.
Regardless of the type, always maintain an upright posture with your shoulders relaxed, avoiding the urge to look down at your feet. Looking forward helps you anticipate obstacles and maintain a balanced center of gravity. Before stepping, confirm that all four points of the walker are stable and in full contact with the floor.
Safe Maneuvers for Stairs and Curbs
Navigating vertical changes like stairs or curbs requires specific techniques to ensure safety, and standard walkers are not designed for use on full flights of stairs. When approaching a single step or curb, the general rule to remember is “Up with the Good, Down with the Bad,” referring to the stronger and weaker legs, respectively. This mnemonic ensures that the stronger leg is always supporting the body’s weight during the most strenuous part of the movement.
To ascend a curb, first lift the walker and place all four tips or wheels securely onto the higher surface. Next, step up with your stronger leg, using the walker to help push your body weight upward. Once the stronger leg is planted, bring the weaker leg up to meet it on the new level.
Descending a curb reverses this sequence. Begin by moving the walker down onto the lower surface, ensuring all points are stable and firmly planted. Lead the movement by stepping down with the weaker leg, which is supported by the walker and the stable position of the stronger leg above. Finally, bring the stronger leg down to join the weaker leg. It is recommended to have a person spot you when first attempting these vertical maneuvers, as they carry a higher risk of losing balance.
Sitting Down and Standing Up Safely
Transferring between standing and sitting is a high-risk activity that must be done without relying on the walker for support. To sit down, approach the chair and back up slowly until the backs of your legs make contact with the seat edge. This ensures the chair is directly behind you and minimizes the distance traveled.
Once you have located the chair, move both hands from the walker handles and reach back for the stable armrests or the seat itself. Never attempt to lower yourself by gripping the walker, as it may tip over. Lower yourself slowly and with control, distributing your weight evenly between your arms and your stable leg until you are fully seated.
When preparing to stand up, slide forward to the edge of the chair with both feet flat on the floor for leverage. Place both hands firmly on the armrests or seat, and lean your trunk slightly forward to shift your body weight. Push straight up using the strength in your arms and legs, making sure not to pull on the walker, which should be positioned slightly in front of you. Once standing and balanced, you can safely move your hands to the walker grips and begin walking.