What Are Different Types of Adult Walking Aids Available?

Anyone who has some problems in walking freely and cannot enjoy the freedom of walking around independently, they need to buy a walking aid. People with disability or injury and those who are aged and unable to walk steadily and carry their own weight, a mobility aid is a must for them. When it comes to choosing an adult walking aid, there are several options available with their own set of advantages. In general, adult walking aids bring back the confidence in the users to be independent again, reduce the pain of injury and increase self-esteem.

Different Types Of Walking Aids –

Crutches – Crutches are quite common and they transfer the weight of the body from the legs to the upper body. They can be used individually or in pairs. People with injuries use it often for a short period of time. There are three types of crutches available in the market.

• Axillary crutches are placed under the armpit and support is given against the ribcage and a user holds on to it with their hands.
• Forearm crutches are those where the users put their forearm through a cuff made out of plastic or metal and use the hand for the grip. They are used for by people with certain disabilities.
• Platform crutches are those where the users have to rest their forearms on a horizontal platform and then hold on to the grip with hands. These are specially designed for people with weak hand grip such as the ones with arthritis.

Walkers – Walkers are made up of four metal legs and they are extremely stable and provide greater support to the users. People with age-related weakness use them very often like the ones who are weak with age, cannot stand erect, has back problem and likewise. There are three types of walkers available as adult walking aids.

• Rollators are the most common walkers and they have four wheels, handlebars, and even a seat. This one is having versatile usage due to its construction and there are hand brakes for greater safety.
• Knee walkers are the ones having a padded cushion where the users are supposed to keep their weaker leg and use the other leg to propel them forward. The user does not have to walk as they can glide through.
• Walker-cane hybrids have two legs and one full frame and the users can use both their hands or a single hand and let the body weight fall on it to move forward.

Wheelchairs – This is the last and the best option for people with severe injury or disability. Wheelchairs can be driven by the users sitting on them as well as by a third person. These are required when a person cannot walk by any means and the lower limbs are disabled or unable to carry any weight. There are advanced wheelchairs that are propelled by neural impulses and these are for people who cannot use their hands to drive the chair. Apart from these, there are standing wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs.