By Christian Puls OTR/L

As we age, it is common for our ability to walk or move safely to decline for a variety of reasons. This could be related to pre-existing conditions, acute illnesses or injuries, or general functional decline.

As such, doctors or other medical professionals may recommend a variety of devices to promote increased safety and independence with walking or functional mobility. Below is a summary of common devices, as well as their purpose to promote safety. They are listed in order from lowest support to greatest support.

SINGLE POINT CANE

Single point canes are primarily used for minor corrections of balance or stability. The cane is typically held in the hand opposite of the impacted limb. For instance, if you are using a cane after a right ankle injury, the cane should be held in the left hand. In addition, the cane should be held at your side and not in front of you. If you feel you still remain unsteady with the single point cane, you should not use two canes at once as this forces your balance to be distributed between two separate points. Instead, you may need to consider moving to one of the following devices.

QUAD CANE/WIDE BASED QUAD CANE

Quad canes are utilized in the same way as single point canes; however, due to the multiple points of contact on the surface, it tends to offer increased stability. To utilize a quad cane correctly however, all four points should be on the ground at the same time, and you should not rock from the back two to the front two as you move as this negates the purpose of having the increased surface area.

FOUR-WHEELED WALKER/ROLLATOR

Four-wheeled walkers offer increased support during mobility while also having the strength of high maneuverability through the four separate wheels with the front two being castor wheels. Another benefit of a four-wheeled walker is that many are equipped with a seat. This seat can be handy for the transport of items such as clothing or a snack. This seat also can be useful by allowing the user to take seated rest breaks as necessary. When sitting on the four-wheeled walker DO NOT sit and move the walker or have somebody else move you as this presents risks for tipping the walker and slipping off. Many four-wheeled walkers are also equipped with brakes, and although they hold, because the walkers are not heavy they still may shift easily. Whenever sitting on the walker you should always lock your brakes first prior to turning and sitting on the walker. For increased stability during sit to stand and stand to sit transfers, park the walker against a wall or stable surface.

TWO-WHEELED WALKER

The two-wheeled walker offers the highest level of stability with walking as there are four points of contact during mobility while still having wheels to promote smooth mobility. When walking with this walker, you should be walking inside of the walker itself and not behind it to have appropriate arm support to reduce pressure and fatigue on the legs.