Walking with a walker can be a game-changer for those who have difficulty with mobility. However, it’s essential to make sure the walker fits the patient properly to avoid any discomfort or injury. In this article, we’ll discuss the characteristics of a walker that fit the patient and how to walk with it.

Assessing the Fit of a Walker

First things first, it’s crucial to adjust the walker’s height before use. Most walkers have four adjustable legs at the bottom, and each leg should be adjusted to the appropriate height. To ensure the walker fits the patient, have them hold onto the hand grips while standing with the walker. Check the elbow bend, which should be between fifteen to thirty degrees, and ensure that the patient’s wrist crease lines up with the hand grips. These two factors indicate that the walker fits the patient.

Understanding the Patient’s Gait with a Walker

Once you’ve confirmed that the walker fits the patient, it’s essential to pay attention to their gait. Before the patient uses the walker, ensure that you’ve applied a gait belt for safety. Stand on the patient’s weak side and pay attention to what’s moving first, whether it’s the weak or strong side, and how the order goes. It’s also important to instruct the patient not to stare down at their feet while walking, but to look straight ahead, just like they would when walking normally.

Ambulating with a Walker:

To start walking with the walker, the patient should ensure that the back tips of the walker match up with the middle of their foot. They should then hold onto the handgrips, lift and move the walker forward, and make sure all four points of the walker are touching the ground. The patient should then move the weak side, put weight on the hand grips, move the strong side, lift the walker, and repeat.

When it’s time to sit down in a chair, the patient should hold onto the hand grips of the walker, slowly back up to the chair until they feel the chair with the back of their legs, and slightly extend the weak leg out. They should then position their hands behind them and bend their strong leg, feeling for the chair’s armrests and setting down.

Proper Technique for Sitting and Standing with a Walker

To get up from the chair, the patient should make sure the walker is out in front of them, lean forward out of the chair, put weight on their hands by pushing up on the armrests of the chair, and use their strong leg to stand up. Once standing, they can put their hands on the handgrip of the walker and start walking.

In conclusion, using a walker can be a game-changer for those who struggle with mobility. However, it’s crucial to ensure the walker fits the patient properly and to pay attention to their gait to avoid any discomfort or injury. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help your patients walk confidently with a walker.