Walker

A walker is an aid for people who have difficulty walking independently. A walker is very stable and provides a lot of support. However, the frame must be lifted and moved forward each time. Therefore, this walking aid is less suitable for longer distances.

Who is a walker suitable for?

A walker is especially useful for people who cannot walk independently. This may be the case if:

• They are missing a leg due to an amputation.
• There are balance problems.
• There is a higher risk of falling.
• There are weak leg muscles.
• They cannot or should not bear weight on one or both legs due to a severe injury or surgery.
• They cannot walk well with a rollator due to a disease such as Parkinson's, because they push it too far ahead of them.

It is quite heavy and tiring to walk with a walker, because it has to be lifted every time. The walker is therefore only suitable for walking small distances in and around the house. In addition, you cannot move quickly and you are not very maneuverable. The walker is increasingly making way for a rollator which, in general, is easier to use.

What does a walker look like?

A walker is a lightweight frame with four non-slip feet. The frame is usually made of aluminum. The legs are height-adjustable and can be adapted to the user's height. There are also walkers that have 2 wheels on the front legs. As a result, the entire walker does not have to be lifted every time.

On top of the frame, there are two handles to hold on to and lean on. Some walkers are foldable to make them easier to store or take with you in the car.

How do you use a walker correctly?

Place the frame a little forward and then step with one leg between the rear feet. Put as much weight as needed on the walker. If one leg can or should bear less weight, place that leg forward first. Then put the other leg next to or just past the first leg. Then place the walker forward again.

If you have only one leg, or if a leg may not bear weight at all, walking goes roughly the same way. Instead of stepping to the walker, you hop.

Pay attention to the following when walking with a walker:

• Make sure the frame is adjusted to the correct height. Do this by letting the arms hang relaxed next to the body. The handles must be at the same height as the wrists. Adjust the legs by pressing in the pin and sliding the legs in or out. Make sure the legs are properly locked after adjustment.
• Lift the walker well so that it does not get caught.
• Do not place the frame too far forward.
• Try to walk as upright as possible.