What is a walker?
A walker is a mobility aid that helps provide stability and balance while you walk. In general, a walker is a body-sized frame with handles for you to hold onto and wheeled or rubber feet that “walk” with you.
You might need to use a walker for a short time or a long time. There are also different types of walkers you might use. It’s important to know how to use a walker the right way to reduce your risk of falling.
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Types of walkers
The standard walker (also called a Zimmer frame or pulpit frame) comes in two variations. These are the walkers that healthcare facilities typically provide. They’re generally intended for limited, indoor use.
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There are also several specialized types of walkers designed for more specific uses. Your healthcare provider might recommend a more specialized walker for you based on your condition and needs.
Four-point walker
The standard “four-point” walker has four rubber-tipped feet. You lift the walker and step forward with it, following with your feet. This model provides the most stability for people with balance issues.
Two-wheeled walker
The two-wheeled walker has wheels on the front two feet and rubber tips on the back two feet. Instead of lifting this walker to take a step, you slide it forward. This allows for a more natural walking pattern.
Specialized walkers
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Beyond the basic models, there are some specialized types of walkers, including:
- Rollators: An all-wheeled walker, also called a mobile walker or rollator, is an alternative mobility aid that you can use outdoors or to go shopping. It has three or four larger wheels with brakes for traversing uneven terrain. They often have storage and a seat for rest breaks.
- Forearm support walker: Also called a platform walker, upright walker or gutter frame, this walker allows you to bear weight on your forearms instead of your wrists. A padded “gutter” supports your forearms, positioned at 90 degrees. The walker may have two or four wheels.
- Reverse walker: A reverse or posterior walker is a four-wheeled frame that you pull behind you rather than pushing in front of you. You hold the frame at the sides of your hips rather than in front. This option provides more posture support and stability if you tend to tip backward.
- Knee walker: A knee walker is a specialized walker that you use when you can’t walk on one foot. It’s usually a short-term solution. The walker has four wheels and a platform that you rest your knee on. You push yourself along with the other foot while holding onto the handlebars.
Who needs to use a walker?
You might need to use a walker temporarily if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery. You might need long-term use of a walker if you have a long-term condition that affects your ability to walk safely.
Some reasons you might use a walker include:
- Recovering from an injury to your leg, ankle, foot, hip or back.
- Rehabilitation after surgery or an illness that immobilized you.
- Relearning to walk after temporary or partial paralysis.
- Musculoskeletal conditions that affect your posture and mobility, like arthritis or scoliosis.
- Neurological conditions that affect your coordination and muscle strength, like Parkinson’s or MS.
- Cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) conditions that affect your tolerance for exercise.
- Needing help bearing your own weight.
- Needing help with balance and staying upright.
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