A walker is a mobility product that helps people who have difficulties in moving as well as those who get tired easily. This device can become essential to some people starting from a certain age. Walkers help with maintaining stability and preventing falling. People can still move autonomously and when using such a product.
Which medical walker is better?
There’s no better or worse walker. It depends on the needs of the person. There are different kinds of walkers with a different range of characteristics. We must ask ourselves a set of questions before making our choice of the medical walker to buy.
- The first question to ask is whether the walker is for daily or occasional use. Does the person who will be using it need it only for some occasions for long walks for instance? Or will they use it on daily basis for daily needs?
- Do you or does the person who will be using the product want it for indoor or outdoor use. Characteristics of the walker differ depending on the environment of use.
- What is your body type and which walker is best suited for you?
- Will you use the walker on flat or non-flat surfaces? Wheels differ from one medical walker to another. That is why it is better to take into consideration the state of the streets in your town/city.
- Would you prefer walking frame or wheels? These depends on your needs and what be best for your difficulty level.
What are the characteristics of the walker to consider?
The first thing to consider is the width of the walker. You need to make sure it can fit inside your home doors if you’re planning to use it indoors.
You have also to examine the foldable walker option. If you don’t have enough storage space or a little one, it would be better to go for a foldable one. But be careful to check if you can manipulate it on your own.
The weight that the walker supports is also important to think of especially if you prefer a one with a seat. For safety matters, check the maximum weight supported. Consider your weight as well.
The adaptability of the walker is also important. You need to check whether it is possible to add extra accessories or not.
What are the different types of walkers??
The most known type is the standard walker. It is the most common and called the walking frame. Its structure is fixed and the user would lift it with their hands and then set it a bit forward. So it basically serves as a support to walk.
Another type is the articulated walker. It provides the user with the capacity to move forward without lifting with each step. The user is capable of moving their walking aid further side to side. Such a model fits people in need of permanent support.
There’s as well the walker with wheels.
It exists in several types itself. The 2-wheel walker is light and flexible. The user wouldn’t need to lift it to move forward. The 3-wheel walker has an extra wheel on the front for extra support. It offers the possibility of circulating in smaller spaces. And there is the 4-wheel walker. This type is equipped with a quite practical braking system. It offers full autonomy to its user.
Among the wheeled types there is another model called the walker with arms set. This type has a specific device embedded on which the user can place his forearms. This feature helps relieve the hands as well as the wrist joints.