Slide show: How to choose and use a walker

Using a walker

Your doctor might recommend a walker if you're at risk of falling or if you have an injury or disability. A walker can provide a wider base of support to help you balance. But how do you choose from all the available types of walkers?

A properly fitted walker will keep you upright and make it easier for you to get around. A poorly fitted walker can be difficult to use, cause back pain or, worse, put you at a greater risk of falling.

Take the time to learn the differences between the two common types of walkers, how to fit your walker and how to use it. This slide show covers the basics. Also consult your doctor or a physical therapist for help with your walker.

Types of walkers

The most common types of walkers include the two-wheel and four-wheel walkers. Both provide stability if you have some difficulty balancing or if you're at risk of falling.

Two-wheel walkers are best if you need to place any weight on your walker as you move. The legs without wheels prevent the walker from rolling away from you. Two-wheel walkers can fold up to fit in your car.

If you don't need to lean on your walker for balance, you might be able to walk faster with a four-wheel walker. Four-wheel walkers have brakes, which you can use if you're walking down an incline.

Selecting a grip

Choose a grip that's comfortable for your hands. Most walkers come with plastic grips, but these can become slippery if your hands get sweaty. You might prefer other types of grips, such as foam grips or soft grip covers, which you can find at a medical supply store. If you have trouble grasping with your fingers, you might prefer a larger grip. Whichever grip you choose, it needs to be secure so that it — and your hands — won't slip while you're using your walker.

Fitting your walker

Adjust your walker so that it fits your arms comfortably. To tell if your walker is the correct height, step inside your walker and:

• Check your elbow bend. Place your hands on the grips. Your elbow should bend at a comfortable angle — about 30 degrees.
• Check your wrist height. Relax your arms at your sides. The top of your walker should line up with the crease on the inside of your wrist.

A properly fitted walker reduces the stress on your shoulders and back as you move the walker in front of you.

Taking your first step

If you have a leg injury or disability, begin moving with your walker by pushing your walker forward. Keep your back upright.

Stepping into the walker

Next, place one leg inside the walker. Keep your walker still as you step in.

Stepping with your other foot

Finally, step forward with your other leg into the walker. The walker remains still. Repeat the process by moving your walker forward. As you continue using your walker, this three-step process becomes smoother.

If you use your walker for balance, but you don't have an injury or disability that affects your legs, you can simply walk as you normally would, guiding your walker in front of you. Stand inside, not behind, your walker as you push it.

Don't lean over your walker

Pushing your walker out too far in front of you is a common mistake. Always step into your walker, rather than walking behind it, so you'll stay upright as you move. Another common mistake is to set your walker at too great a height. Both of these errors can make using your walker less comfortable and make it more likely that you'll fall.

Walker accessories

Accessories can make it easier to use your walker. Trays can help you carry your dinner or a glass to a table. A pouch attached to the side can carry books or magazines. You can fit some walkers with a seat or a basket.

Choose a walker that fits your needs, but also pick one that's comfortable for you to use. Talk to your doctor, a physical therapist or a knowledgeable salesperson at a medical supply store to help you decide what's best for you. Try out several styles before making your purchase.