Quick Guide To Walking Aids
Written by Xiao Hui Teo - UPG Senior Physiotherapist
If your client is looking wobbly on their feet, is not as confident of getting out and about, or just even having a little difficulty getting out of a chair; it might be time to refer to a Physio to assess their mobility and provide advice on suitability for a walking aid.
A walking aid can provide stability and support without compromising day-to-day mobility requirements and lifestyle, improving their balance and safety while mobilising independently. Another benefit of including the correct aid is that it can also assist in managing pain associated with arthritis by offloading sore joints.
As we age, gait disturbances or a decline in a person's mobility are very common. Muscle weakness, joint problems, neurological conditions or even cognitive impairments such as dementia can contribute to mobility issues. Hence, choosing the right walking aid is essential to helping an aging adult remain independent and safe in the community.
With a variety of options and specifications, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose the best walking aid, but don't worry; here are the different types of walking aids that your client can be redirected to use:
Canes or Walking sticks are suitable for people with mild gait disturbance due to sensory or coordination deficits.
Crutches are used more commonly for short-term rehabilitation to offload a joint.
Rollators or Wheely Frames will provide a broader support base, suitable for people with poor balance and lower limb impairments.
Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs are meant to be used for long-distance travel and to manage fatigue.
Sometimes no gait aid may be the recommendation, especially where there is a good capacity for improvement in the client's strength and balance through a progressive reablement program. This is why it is so essential an assessment is completed by a suitable qualified physiotherapist that will provide the client with the best recommendation suited to their needs.
How do our Physiotherapists assess, and what do they consider?
Subjective assessment:
Client's lifestyle and goals
Day-to-day mobility needs
Long-term comorbidities that can affect mobility
Mobility assessment:
What impairments does the client have - strength, range or balance deficits etc
What type of aid is most suitable
What is the client's capacity to use the aid safely
Short-term or long term use, ie. post fracture vs post-stroke
Home assessment:
Steps/stairs
Are there any hazards around the house that can cause injury
Ease of storage and transport
Once our Physiotherapist has determined the appropriate type of walking aid based on the assessment, we will ensure that it is fitted correctly for the client's height and weight. We will also provide education to family members or carers, including the general maintenance or repair of the device, how to walk efficiently with the aid or how to adjust the height.
Having the correctly fitted and recommended gait aid is an important strategy in a client's overall Falls Prevention plan. It will give more independence, will reduce pain, and, more importantly, will increased confidence and self-esteem.