Walking Aids Selection: Guidelines on Employing Walkers and Canes
Title: Balancing Mobility: Canes vs Walkers - When and How to Choose
Hey there! In this laid-back guide, we'll take a spin through the world of support systems for older adults and those with disabilities. We'll be discussing walkers and canes and helping you figure out which setup is perfect for you.
Let's dig in!
When it comes to assistive devices, selecting the appropriate aid depends on the level of support you need, your lifestyle, and buckle up, your budget. Since you asked, we're here to cover that too!
As we age, certain health issues may impede our mobility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that older adults have a high fall rate each year, and such falls can lead to serious injuries to muscles and bones. Thankfully, assistive mobility devices are around to keep us moving and independent.
Wheelchairs are best reserved for individuals with no or limited mobility, while canes and walkers are for those with some mobility. This article will discuss the differences between canes and walkers, their usage, and some tips on choosing the best option for you.
-helps with balance-adjustable
Peruse the table below to get a general run-down of walkers vs. canes:
-for minimal weight bearing only-some have a curved handle that some may find difficult to grasp and cause pain, especially for people with joint or muscle conditions
| Device | Pros | Cons | Conditions | Cost || --- | --- | --- | --- | --- || 1-legged cane | -Helps with balance, adjustable -Enhances adjustable for some| -Suitable for minimal weight bearing only -Some curved handles might cause discomfort for people with joint or muscle conditions| -Mild balance issues -Mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs| $10-$40|| 3-4 legged cane | -Greater balance assistance compared to standard cane -Can bear more weight -Adjustable| -Heavier -Bulkier -More challenging to use on stairs| -One-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant balance issues| $15-$40|| Standard walker | -Stable -Foldable| -No wheels -Requires lifting with each step | -Conditions affecting the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures | $20-$60|| 2-4 wheeled walker | -Easier to move -May feature a seat and basket for comfort| -Less stable than standard -Not foldable| -Issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions slowing down mobility like heart or lung diseases| $35-$100|
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
Medical conditions that warrant a cane or a walker?
$10-$40
Assistive devices can be lifesavers for maintaining independence and decreasing fall risk. A cane can help individuals with minor balance issues, weakness in legs or trunk, or pain from conditions like arthritis.
Typically, a cane is gripped with one hand and can have one to four legs. The more legs and the wider the base, the more stability a cane offers. For those living through total knee or hip replacement surgery or facing more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker could serve as a better fit. A walker is a three-to-four-legged device that requires both hands; it's most appropriate for those in need of greater support.
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
For comfort, accessories like wrist or arm supports, wheels, or brakes can be added to walkers.
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
Types of canes and walkers
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
Standard canes are commonly made of wood or aluminum, accompanied by a rubber tip and a hook-shaped or flat handle. While they're great for minimal assistance, they aren't suitable for those needing more support.
$15-$40
Multi-legged canes are more stable and can stand independently, making them a better choice for individuals who experience pain on one side. "Sit-to-stand" canes have a secondary grip, offering additional aid when standing or sitting down.
There are three primary walker types:
-stable-foldable
- The standard walker, featuring four rubber-tipped legs, provides superior stability but requires lifting with each step.
- The two-wheeled walker has front wheels and back sliders, making it easier to maneuver, but less stable and requiring more cognitive effort.
- The four-wheeled walker, also known as a rollator, allows a more natural walking style and offers features like brakes, a seat, and a basket. However, it's heavier to maneuver and requires more coordination.
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
The best walker or cane for you depends on your specific needs and abilities.
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
Better to opt for a walker or cane?
$20-$60
Effective cane usage requires an individual to walk consistently and securely, maintaining balance. While canes can help with minor balance troubles, they may not suffice for more significant balance issues. If that's the case, walkers become the handier choice.
Walkers allow users to shift some or all of their body weight away from their lower body while moving, making them suitable for those with more substantial balance impairments.
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
Whether to employ a walker with or without wheels will depend on whether use is restricted to home or the outdoors and the terrain to navigate.
-less stable than standard-not foldable
Time to switch from a walker to a cane?
-issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases
Deciding to swap a walker for a cane or vice versa depends on various factors:
$35-$100
- Has your or your loved one's balance/strength improved or worsened?
- Has your or your loved one's daily routine changed to be more fitting for a cane or walker?
- Does your doctor recommend it?
Acquiring a cane or walker
Canes and walkers can be sourced from direct suppliers, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, or non-profit organizations for older adults and people with disabilities.
Cost comparison: Cane vs. Walker
According to the American Family Physician, canes usually cost between $10 and $40, while walkers can range from $20 to $100.
Medicare and Assistive Devices
Medicare classifies assistive devices, including canes and walkers, as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). A person can rent or buy a cane or walker through Medicare Part B if it is medically necessary and needed for home use, provided they secure a doctor's prescription and make the purchase from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Safe Use of Assistive Devices: Cane & Walker
No matter what device you opt for, safety should always be a top priority:
Cane Safety:
- Ensure the handle is at wrist level with relaxed arms.
- Maintain slight arm bend and an upright posture.
- Hold the cane with the opposite hand of the injured or painful side when standing and alternate hands while walking.
- When ascending or descending stairs, hold the handrail and step up or down with the stronger leg first.
Walker Safety:
- Place the walker one step ahead, transfer the injured or painful leg to the middle, and follow with the stronger leg taking small, slow steps.
- Sit down carefully by backing up to a chair, feeling for the seat, and lowering yourself slowly. Stand up using your arms and the walker's handgrip – do not use the walker to help stand up as it may give way.
And that's a wrap! With assistive devices, you're one step closer to maintaining independence and remaining mobile – while lightening the load on those bones and muscles. Happy walking (or caning!), and stay safe out there!
- Assistive devices are crucial for maintaining independence and decreasing fall risk in older adults.
- A cane can help individuals with minor balance issues, weakness in legs or trunk, or pain from conditions like arthritis.
- Canes are more suitable for individuals who require minimal support, while walkers offer greater stability.
- The more legs and the wider the base, the more stability a cane offers.
- For those living through total knee or hip replacement surgery or facing more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker could serve as a better fit.
- Walkers are three-to-four-legged devices that require both hands and are most appropriate for those in need of greater support.
- For comfort, accessories like wrist or arm supports, wheels, or brakes can be added to walkers.
- Standard canes are commonly made of wood or aluminum, accompanied by a rubber tip and a hook-shaped or flat handle.
- Multi-legged canes are more stable and can stand independently, making them a better choice for individuals who experience pain on one side.
- The standard walker, featuring four rubber-tipped legs, provides superior stability but requires lifting with each step.
- The two-wheeled walker has front wheels and back sliders, making it easier to maneuver, but less stable and requiring more cognitive effort.
- The four-wheeled walker, also known as a rollator, allows a more natural walking style and offers features like brakes, a seat, and a basket.
- Effective cane usage requires an individual to walk consistently and securely, maintaining balance.
- Walkers allow users to shift some or all of their body weight away from their lower body while moving, making them suitable for those with more substantial balance impairments.
- Whether to employ a walker with or without wheels will depend on whether use is restricted to home or the outdoors and the terrain to navigate.
- Deciding to swap a walker for a cane or vice versa depends on various factors such as balance, strength, and daily routine.
- Canes and walkers can be sourced from direct suppliers, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, or non-profit organizations for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Canes usually cost between $10 and $40, while walkers can range from $20 to $100 according to the American Family Physician.
- Medicare classifies assistive devices, including canes and walkers, as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
- A person can rent or buy a cane or walker through Medicare Part B if it is medically necessary and needed for home use, provided they secure a doctor's prescription and make the purchase from a Medicare-approved supplier.
- No matter what device you opt for, safety should always be a top priority when using assistive devices like canes and walkers.
