A platform walker is a specialized mobility aid designed for individuals who cannot use a standard walker due to limitations in their hands or wrists. Unlike traditional walkers, which require the user to grip a horizontal bar, the platform design shifts the support to the forearms. This modification is crucial for maintaining independence and mobility when hand grip strength or wrist stability is compromised. It addresses specific physical needs that conventional walking aids cannot accommodate.
Defining the Platform Walker
The core structure of a platform walker is defined by its unique upper body support system. This system includes a padded, horizontal platform where the user rests their forearm, distributing the weight between the elbow and the wrist. This feature is attached to the walker frame by vertical uprights, which can be adjusted in height and sometimes in angle. The platform typically has a slight curvature or raised edges to cradle the forearm and prevent it from slipping off during ambulation.
Adjustable hand grips are located forward of the platform, which the user grasps primarily for steering and stability, not for bearing the majority of their body weight. The design aims to transfer the user’s weight from the small, often painful joints of the hands and wrists to the larger, more robust structures of the forearms and shoulders. This reduces strain on the upper extremities, allowing individuals with specific limitations to safely use a walker.
Conditions Requiring a Platform Walker
This device is recommended for individuals whose medical conditions make the pressure of a standard walker too painful or impossible to manage. A primary indication is severe arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoarthritis, where the joints of the hands and wrists are inflamed, deformed, or lack the necessary strength to grip firmly. The platform allows the user to mobilize without causing undue stress on these sensitive areas.
The walker is also appropriate following specific surgeries or injuries to the upper limbs, such as a wrist fracture, sprain, or carpal tunnel release, where the hand or wrist must be kept non-weight-bearing. Neurological conditions that affect fine motor control and grip strength, like a stroke resulting in paralysis or weakness, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also necessitate the platform attachment.
Adjusting and Using the Device Safely
Proper fitting is necessary for maximizing the benefit and ensuring safe use of a platform walker. The platform height must be adjusted so the user’s forearms rest comfortably with their elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. This positioning allows weight to be transferred effectively through the forearms and shoulders, promoting an upright posture rather than leaning forward, which can strain the back. The adjustable hand grips should be positioned where the user can comfortably grasp them for steering and balance without straining their wrist.
During ambulation, the walker is moved forward a short distance, and the user then steps forward while maintaining their forearms securely on the platforms. It is important to step up into the walker frame, rather than pushing it too far ahead, which could lead to a loss of balance. Professional fitting by a physical therapist is recommended to ensure all components, including the height and the angle of the hand grips, are correctly customized for the individual’s body mechanics. Safety requires checking that the platform locks are secure and never using the platform to pull oneself up from a seated position, as this can cause instability.
Variations and Features
Platform walkers come in several configurations to suit different mobility needs. Some models are non-wheeled, or standard walkers, which offer the greatest stability but require the user to lift the device to move it forward. Other variations are rolling platform walkers, often called rollators, which feature three or four wheels for smoother movement and greater maneuverability. Rolling models are equipped with hand brakes to secure the walker when standing still or sitting down.
Key features across different models include adjustable height mechanisms for the overall frame and the platform uprights, allowing for precise customization. Many platforms are padded for user comfort and may include straps to gently secure the forearm, which is helpful for users with poor motor control. Specialized models offer features like electrical power-rise functionality for assistance when standing up or an electrically driven frame widening feature for greater stability. Platform attachments can also be purchased separately to convert a standard walker into a platform walker.