Almost everyone has used a walking aid at some point, even if it was just to play with crutches that belonged to someone else. As a result, most people think they know how to use these devices. However, there are some simple principles that make using a walking aid easier and safer.
A walking aid - a rollator, crutches or a cane - helps to compensate for a decrease in strength, range of motion, joint stability, coordination or endurance. It can also reduce the strain on a painful joint or limb. Using a walking aid can help make you safer and more independent in your daily activities.
Use of crutches, canes etc.
Always pay attention to safety when using crutches, sticks, etc.
- Look straight ahead, not down at your feet.
- Remove small rugs, cords or other objects that could cause you to trip, slip or fall.
- Be very careful around pets and small children. They can be unpredictable and get in your way when you least expect it.
- Make sure that the rubber tips of your walking aid are clean and in good condition to prevent slipping. You can buy replacement tips from medical supply stores. There are also ice tips for outdoor use in winter weather.
- Avoid slippery conditions such as wet floors and snow-covered or icy driveways. Be particularly careful on kerbs and steps in bad weather.
- Never use your walking aid to stand up or sit down. Even if you still have one hand on the walking aid, place the other hand on the surface you are sitting on or on the armrest of your chair. Use this hand to guide you when you sit down and to push you when you stand up. If you are not as steady on your feet, place your walking aid safely nearby so that it does not fall and you can reach it easily. Use both hands on the seat to help you sit down or stand up.
- When going up stairs or curbs, always use the strong or uninjured leg to take the first step (see instructions for curbs and stairs below). When going back down, go with the weak or injured leg first. Remember to walk up with the good leg and down with the bad leg so that you are leading with the right leg. Ask for help if you feel unsteady going up and especially down stairs.
Use of a walking aid
A walking aid with four legs is the most stable walking aid. Your doctor will recommend a walking aid if you need to take the weight off one leg completely or almost completely, if your general strength or stamina has decreased or if your balance is not always good.
Make sure that your walking aid fits you. When you stand up in a normal posture and relax your arms at your sides, the handles of the walking aid should be at the same height as your wrists. When you rest your hands on the handles, your elbows should be slightly bent.
How to walk with a walking aid
Place the walking aid at arm's length in front of you so that all four legs are on the ground. If your walker has wheels on the front legs, simply take the weight off your hands and push the walker forward.
Use the handles of the walker to keep your balance while pushing your weak or injured leg into the middle section of the walker. Do not step all the way forward.
Push the handles of the walker straight down while bringing your good leg up so that it is level with the injured leg.
Repeat this.
Walking up or down a curb with a walking aid
Try it first with another person close to you who can support you if necessary.
Stand as close as possible to the edge and keep all four legs of the walking aid on the surface on which you are standing.
If you lose your balance move the rollator up or down to the surface you want to move to.
Push the handles straight down to keep your balance and take the strain off your injured leg.
When walking upwards, step up with the stronger leg first, then pull the weaker or injured leg up. When going down, go down with the weaker leg first, then bring the stronger leg down to meet it. Remember to go up with the good leg and down with the bad leg so that you lead with the right leg.
Regain your balance before you start walking.
How to use your walking aid on stairs
Most people should not use a walking aid on stairs. Talk to your physiotherapist to find out whether you are allowed to use your walking aid on the stairs. If so, ask your physiotherapist to show you how to do this correctly.
Use of a rollator
If you need more support when walking, standing up or sitting down, a rollator offers many advantages for people of all ages.
In particular, rollators offer support for people with poor balance and limited strength. They are also ideal for sitting on when you are out and about and get tired and need to rest.
Before you buy a rollator, you should know a few important things about using a rollator to improve your safety when sitting, standing, walking and turning around. You may also need guidance on how to integrate the rollator into your everyday life, e.g. on the lawn, in the kitchen, etc.
The correct posture for using a rollator
One of the first things you need to do when you get a rollator is to adjust the height for correct posture. In particular, you should pay attention to the height of the handles in order to achieve the correct posture when walking.
There are a few factors to consider at this stage, e.g. the handles should not be set too high. This can make walking uncomfortable and strain your neck. Not to mention that your elbows will be at an uncomfortable angle or stretched out. The latter can cause your shoulders to be pulled up and put unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. On the other hand, setting the handles too low can also lead to injuries and pain and pain. In addition, you will not be adequately supported when walking, which can lead to poor posture and back pain.
To understand how to use a rollator at the correct height, it should be at hip height when your arms are relaxed. This should be the case if you are wearing suitable footwear, as shoes add height.
Below you will find a guide for adjusting the height of a rollator:
- First stand close to the rollator so that it is in front of you.
- Let your arms hang relaxed.
- Adjust the handles so that they are at your hip height and make sure that your weight is evenly distributed over both feet.
Standing with a rollator
One of the biggest challenges a rollator user can face is standing and maintaining balance safely. Before standing up, make sure the rollator handles are dry as rain can create a slippery surface. Below are some tips on how to use a rollator for standing:
- Apply the brakes to bring the rollator to a standstill.
- Sit at the edge of the seat with your feet pointing forward and firmly on the floor.
- Support yourself with both hands on the chair without putting all your weight on the rollator, as this could push it forward and cause you to fall over.
- Lean forward and shift most of your body weight onto your feet and legs.
- Press down on the floor with your heels to push your body weight upwards.
- Only move forward when you are balanced and safe.
Walking with a rollator
Walking with a rollator can seem difficult at first. For most people at this stage, a certain amount of practice indoors is required before venturing outdoors. Take a short time to build up your confidence when you are ready to go outside.
When you are ready to use the rollator outdoors, try it out in different weather conditions and on different surfaces and inclines.
Below you will find some tips on how to walk safely with a rollator:
- Place the walking aid in front of you
- Grip the handles loosely and keep your fingers close to the brake levers so that you can access them if you need to stop the rollator.
- Place your body weight in the middle of the rollator: this is important to maintain balance and stability before walking with the rollator.
- Take a step forward while moving the rollator forwards.
- Transfer the weight to your legs and only use the rollator as additional support and for safety.
- Try to move your feet the same distance forward with each step.
Sitting with a rollator
There may be times when you want to sit on the rollator, e.g. in a supermarket or after a long walk. Follow these instructions to sit safely on the integrated seat.
- Apply the brakes to keep the walking aid in a stable position and prevent accidents.
- For additional stability, push the rollator against a wall or piece of furniture with the open seat facing you.
- Turn with your back to the chair.
- Bend down slowly and point your buttocks towards the chair.
- Hold on to the seat or handles of the walking aid to keep your balance and make sure that your weight is evenly distributed.
- Bend your knees and use the muscles in your legs to lower yourself gently and in a controlled manner, keeping your hands on the handles at all times.
Turning with the rollator
There may be situations where you need to turn around, which requires some preparation and patience. Start by moving the walker with you as you turn and make sure that your body is parallel to the front handles of the walker. It is important that you never twist your back, as this can lead to muscle strain. Always stay in front when moving the walking aid to avoid injury.
