A mobility aid is a device that improves the ability of people to move around freely and independently. They allow a person with mobility limitations to walk without causing much fatigue or pain.
There are a variety of mobility aids available to meet one's needs. From canes, crutches to stairlifts and wheelchairs.
To help you pick a suitable mobility aid, it is important to understand some of the main types and how they might be useful.
Canes
Canes support your body's weight and help in transferring the load from the legs to the upper body. In this sense, they are similar to crutches. However, they take less weight off the lower body compared to crutches and place greater pressure on the hands and wrists.
If you have a balancing problem while walking, a cane may help you walk more steadily.
Types:
White canes: These assist people who are visually impaired. They are longer and thinner to help you detect objects coming in your path. Generally speaking, they are not strong enough to lean on.
Quad canes: These provide a wider base and greater stability. They have four feet at the end of the cane.
Forearm canes: They offer extra support to your forearm by distributing most of the weight from the wrist to the arm.
Crutches
You can use crutches individually or in pairs. They transfer weight from the legs to the upper body, helping the user maintain an upright posture. You can use this type of mobility walking aid for short-term injuries or in some cases on a permanent basis.
Types:
Axillary (underarm) crutches: Suitable for short-term injuries, you can place one part of it against the ribcage under the armpits while holding onto the handgrip.
Lofstrand (forearm) crutches: A user can place the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and hold a handgrip. This style is more common for long-term users.
Platform crutches: The user's hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. These are suitable for people with a weak hand grip due to arthritis or cerebral palsy.
Walkers
Also known as Zimmer frames, these mobility walking aids contain a metal framework with four legs to provide stability to the user. Basic walkers have a 3-sided frame that surrounds the user. When a user lifts the frame and places it further in front of them, they can step forward to meet it before repeating the process.
Some types of walkers have wheels or gliders on the base of the legs which allows the user to slide the walker forward. This helps people with limited arm strength.
Different types:
Rollators: These devices consist of a frame with four wheels, handlebars with a seat to provide rest to the user when needed. They also have hand brakes as a safety measure.
Knee walkers: These devices allow the user to rest their knee on a padded cushion and propel themselves forward with their stronger leg.
Walker-cane hybrids: This type of mobility walking aid has two legs rather than a full-frame. You can use it either with one or both hands for better support than a standard cane.
Wheelchairs
These can help people who can't put weight on their lower limbs or are unable to walk.
A user can manually propel the wheelchair themselves or have someone assisting them to push it. Then there are electrical wheelchairs too. Sports wheelchairs can assist a player in performing well in specific sports.
Mobility scooters
This mobility aid is increasingly popular in the UK and enables someone to get from A to B without having to walk.
They contain handlebars or steering wheels to control direction, footplates to let users rest their feet.
This can be beneficial for people facing issues using a manual wheelchair due to limited upper body strength or flexibility.
Before buying a mobility scooter, it is important to know the rules to use these devices on roads or pavements. If using one for the first time, training is a must.
Important to Note
While these mobility walking aids provide several benefits, using them incorrectly can be dangerous. Hence, before using mobility aids, book an appointment with a doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to learn how to use them properly.
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