How to Use Walkers

A walker is required when people with significant balance and walking problems, such as those with major orthopedic injuries to the legs or hips or total joint replacement, need more stability than just a cane or crutches.



Using a walker for the first time is a daunting experience, and knowing some tips beforehand can save some frustration and waylay some of the novice mistakes that can lead to injury.

Things You'll Need

• Shoes with non-skid soles
• Item with pockets
• Assistant
• Pickup walker with solid prongs on the leg

Instructions

Prepare Surroundings

1. Remove anything on the floor that may cause you to fall or obstruct the walker.

2. Store any unneeded items.

3. Place needed items within reach.

4. Supply the bathroom with nonslip essentials and conveniences, such as bath mats, rugs, grab bars, a raised toilet seat, and shower tub seat.

Prepare Self/Others

1. Put on comfortable non-skid shoes or slippers and tie or fasten them securely.

2. Attach an item such as an apron, backpack or fanny pack to yourself in order to carry objects such as eye glasses, forks and spoons, wallets or tissue.

3. Ask another person to help you get acclimated to the walker by standing close-by as you navigate the first few times.

Stabilization

1. Place the walker one step in front of you.

2. Position the aide to stand in front of the walker to stabilize it as you rise from your sitting position and gain your balance.

3. Make sure all four legs of the walker are on the ground.

4. Grab the grips on the top of both sides of the walker and rise slowly until you are standing over the walker.

Ambulation

1. Advance the walker about one step ahead, making sure all four legs of the walker are on the ground.

2. Grip the top of the walker with both hands while leading with the injured leg, and walk into the walker touching the heel to the floor first.

3. Flatten your foot.

4. Lift the toes of that foot off the ground as you bring your good leg forward.

Sitting

1. Back up until you can feel the chair with your legs and reach back to touch the chair behind you.

2. Set the walker firmly in front of you, and slide the weaker leg slightly toward the walker.

3. Put all of your weight on the good leg and grasp the armrest of the chair firmly with one hand. Release the other hand from the walker, and ease it onto the other armrest.

4. Sit down slowly and slide back into the seat.

Tips & Warnings

• To check for size, stand up straight. The top of the walker should be at the crease in your wrist.

• Take small steps when walking, especially when turning.

• Use your arms to support yourself.

• When using your walker, look straight ahead to avoid tripping or running into something.

• Check the rubber tips on the legs of the walker often to be sure they remain in good shape.

• Don't step completely to the front of the walker as you and it will fall forward.

• Don't hurry.

• Never use an escalator or climb stairs when using your walker.

• Do not tilt or pull on the walker when standing from a seated position.

References

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: How to Use Crutches, Canes, and Walkers
• Drugs Information Online: How to Choose and Use a Walker

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Healthy Aging
• "Preventing Patient Falls," Janice M. Morse; 2008