Walking Aids

According to market research, walking aids are being used more frequently as technology and design improve. Walking aids come in a variety of flavors, depending on the degree of mobility still possessed by the user, the permanence of the need for a walking device, and the type and level of activity expected from the individual in question. Ranging from a simple cane or a pair of crutches to a walker, walking aids come in all shapes and sizes for different ailments.

If the individual in need of a walk aid is simply injured and in need of something temporary, take into account the degree of the injury. If it is minor, like a sprained ankle or a single broken toe, then walking aids like a single cane may do the trick. A cane is designed to use in one hand to help take the brunt of the body weight when stepping with the opposing foot. This takes pressure off the healing injury until it is again strong enough to support the body weight on its own.

For a more serious injury – a broken leg or a fractured foot – crutches may be the answer. Used under both arms to support full body weight and “swing” forward without placing any weight on the injured limb, crutches are usually prescribed anytime casting of the broken part is involved and sometimes even if a fractured limb cannot be set with a cast.

Other times, walking aids are needed for more permanent use. Often, aging individuals or those with disabilities can still get around alone but need some assistance. Wheeled walking aids like walkers are excellent for this purpose. New walkers have four wheels, and many have baskets for personal items or goods that the person intends to purchase and cannot carry by any other means, as well as a seat so that the walker can double as a chair if the person becomes too tired to go on or is simply waiting to check out or meet another individual. These are also excellent for rehabilitation after joint replacement surgeries.

Because arthritis acts up in winter due to the cold weather; walking aids can be especially helpful to elderly and individuals who have old war wounds or joint injuries that act up and become stiff or painful in the winter. Any one of these devices can be of assistance, depending on the seriousness of the pain and stiffness.