Choosing Mobility Aids

After your knee or hip replacement surgery, walking around is a good exercise to bring you back to your feet once again. However, you cannot just walk on your own immediately. There are devises that you can use to assist you in your walking to prevent you from falling. Ask your doctor about the right walking devices that you can use.

In selecting a walker, consider your specific conditions. Do you need a standard walker or a rolling one? Do you have to buy the foldable ones for easy transport?

Walkers should be adjusted based on your height. Correct height is important since walkers support the upper half of your body. Handles should be of the same height as your wrists and when used, walkers should enable your elbows to slightly bend.

Discuss with your doctor about the right measurements of your crutches since they are made based on your height. Properly sized crutches are those that allow you to extend your elbows fully everytime you move forward. Adjust the crutch until the top portion is only 1 inches to 2 inches away from your armpits.

Aluminium or wooden crutches? Aluminium ones are lighter and easier to use but wooden ones are less expensive. Also take note that contoured handles makes gripping easier than the round ones.

For canes, adjustable ones are recommended especially if you wear different shoes. Properly-fitted canes are those that are of same level as the crease in your wrist's backside, while wearing your shoes. Canes should allow elbows to bend at an angle of 15 or 20 degrees when standing.

Canes and crutches should have rubber tips at their bottom to prevent you from falling and slipping. Make sure they function well before buying them. Replace them as soon as they wear off.

In choosing your walking aid device, the basic rule is you should feel comfortable using it when walking. Otherwise, make the proper adjustments or choose another device.