Walkers come in a variety of configurations these days, most fold for storage and transporting and all help keep people who are unsteady on their feet safe while walking and standing by providing a stable device to put their weight on. Where they will differ is in their design. The information below is an overview of the different types of mobility walkers available.
As with any other walker style, I feel the user should actually try the walker, or have previous experience with the style, they are purchasing for safety.
Standard walkers are not very commonly purchased these days but are still available. They generally consist of metal frame, usually aluminum but I've seen them made of steel, with four legs and two hand grips.
Originally, standard walkers didn't fold but over time manufacturers decided to offer folding versions and also began producing wheels that could for those had trouble lifting the walker during use. You can buy either two or four non-swivelling wheels for a standard walker or you can purchase two swivelling and two non-swivelling wheels to make the walker easier to use. When installing swivel wheels on a walker they are always located on the front legs while the non-swivel wheels are located on the back legs.
For more information on standard walkers Click Here.
Wheeled walkers are usually called rollators and differ from standard walkers with wheels in that they always have wheels and the user should never have to lift them during use. Rollators are the most common walkers sold today because of their stability, ease of use and the features available as either standard equipment or as options.
Rollators most commonly come with four wheels (the front two swivelling), hand brakes, a seat and often a basket. There are a couple of three wheeled models on the market that can be easier to use in tight spaces but can be a little less stable and don't offer a seat for the user.
Various sized wheels are available on rollators depending on the expected use of the model. The larger the wheels, the easier they will roll over rough terrain and obstacles making the larger wheeled models the best choice for out door use. Regardless of the size of the wheels, the vast majority of walker wheels will be solid and not subject to flats or low pressure like air tires can be.
For more information on indoor rollator walkers Click Here.
For more information on outdoor rollator walkers Click Here.
Platform walkers, sometimes referred to as table walkers, are basically four wheeled walkers that have flat platforms mounted at chest height for people whose arms and/or hands are not able to support their weight when using more conventional walkers. The user rests their upper arms on the platform of the walker and walks around pushing the walker ahead of them. The more elaborate of the platform walkers may also have handles to grip and some type of braking system.
Gait trainers are walking aids for severely affected people without good enough trunk, arm or leg control to use any other walking device. When using gait trainers, the user is harnessed into the trainer and has their entire body supported by the device while enabling them to move their feet without having to support their own weight or balance themselves. Gait trainers are usually used by people who have to relearn walking following an accident or young people who have never been able to walk but have the ability to move their feet and may with time be able to develop some independent mobility.
Knee walkers are designed for people who don't normally have trouble walking but for one reason or another are not able to put weight on one of their feet. The knee walker will normally have four wheels, a handhold of some type, brakes and a knee pad.
When using a knee walker the user bends their afflicted leg at the knee, rests that knee on the knee walker's knee pad and pushes themselves along using their good leg while holding onto the knee walker handle. Some models of knee walker also have a small basket for carrying items from place to place.
Notice: Information on this web site is for informational purposes only and not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by physicians, therapists or other medical professionals. All information is general in nature and may not necessarily apply to everyone as individual needs may vary.
Related Sites:
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AccessRamps.ca |
Ceilinglift.ca |
Liftchairs.ca |
Patientlift.ca |
Porchlift.ca |
Scooterlifts.ca |
Stairlift.ca |
VanRamp.ca |
Wheelchair.ca |
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