According to TodayinPT.com: “The United States Census Bureau report
issued in 2008 indicates that more than 10 million adults used a cane, crutches
or a walker to assist with ambulation.”
Assistive devices for walking can help people stay active in their homes
and community, with a better quality of life, and keep them from falling. However, that depends on if these devices
are being used appropriately and efficiently.
As a Physical Therapist for over 20
years, I have come across many instances of people using the wrong assistive
device for them, or using the appropriate assistive device for them but
incorrectly. I’ve witnessed
it both in my practice as well as out in public (because I can’t help but
analyze people’s walking pattern when out in public). Many people don’t realize that not all assistive
devices are appropriate for everyone.
I often have a client come in with a “hand me down” cane from a relative
or friend that is too short or too tall for them, it’s the wrong device for
them, or they are not using it safely because they weren’t trained how to use
it correctly. When someone is
thinking about using an assistive device to help with their mobility, it’s
important that the correct device is chosen specifically for them, it is adjusted
for their height accordingly, and they are taught to use it appropriately. That’s what Physical Therapists do.
Canes: A single point cane is meant for light support and is
appropriate for someone with increased speed of walking. The small based and large based quad
canes are more appropriate for people who need a little more support and don’t
walk as quickly. If someone with a
quick pace tries to walk with a quad cane, it often gets tangled up in their
feet and could trip them, or it ends up behind them as they walk, which doesn’t
serve its intended purpose.
Walkers: A rolling walker versus a standard walker without wheels can
come in handy so that people can walk with a more continuous stride and not
have to lift the walker between steps.
However, if people have poor balance, that rolling walker may be harder
for them to control, and they end up walking with it way too far in front of
them. Again, that defeats its
purpose. Rollator walkers are 4
wheeled walkers with seats. These
come in handy for long distance walking if someone needs to rest. However, again, the walker can get away
from people easily if their balance is too poor.
It’s very important for any
assistive device to be fitted for each person’s height. If it’s too tall, it interferes with a
person’s stride. If it’s too
short, it will cause the person to bend over too far when walking.
Many times people begin using a walker
or cane on the advice of their doctor, family or friends. However, if they have not been trained
in the appropriate technique of walking with the device, it can be more
dangerous than helpful. There is a
specific sequence when walking with a cane and appropriate ways to use either canes or walkers to
step up on a curb or negotiate regular steps.
So, if you are considering using a
cane or walker to help with your mobility, ask your doctor if you can see a
therapist to determine the appropriate device for you. It should only take a few visits and
could make a big difference for you to keep moving safely.
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