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What is a Medical Walker?
A medical walker is a device which features a metal frame and solid base, with or without wheels, and a large sturdy handle at about waist level. It is used for patients who have trouble walking without assistance. These patients hold on to the handle and use the device to balance and carry some of their weight. Some patients may use one temporarily during physical therapy, while others may need to use one on a more permanent basis.
There are a variety of reasons one may need to use a medical walker. Patients who have trouble walking because of an injury may move from a wheelchair to a walker during the course of rehabilitation. The walker allows them to practice, slowly putting more weight on their legs and to regain muscle strength without the risk of falling. They are typically sturdier and able to withstand more weight than crutches but are less restricting than a wheelchair.
Other patients may use a medical walker long-term due to physical limitations caused by injury, arthritis, or illness. Some individuals suffer from conditions which make walking unassisted hazardous due to the threat of falling. Others find it too painful to place full pressure on the legs. Walkers are often used by the elderly, but people of all ages my require their use at some point.
One may find a medical walker at professional pharmacies or medical supply stores. Prices vary based on the size and construction of the item. Some have wheels on the back for smoother use while others stand on a wide base of four legs. These are often lifted slightly off the ground with each step.
There are alternatives to the medical walker, including wheelchairs, crutches, and scooters. Patients should discuss their options with a physician to determine which choice is best for them. Some may implement more than one of these options depending on the day and severity of their condition. Crutches are typically reserved for those with a temporary illness or injury rather than those with long-term mobility challenges.
Insurance may cover the cost of a medical walker, but this depends on the policy. Some elderly or disabled patients may receive government assistance if a doctor advocates that the walker is needed. Most walkers are not overly expensive with many models falling well below $100 US Dollars and some higher end models ranging just above that.
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![Many elderly and disabled people need walkers to help them get around.]()
By: nancy dresselMany elderly and disabled people need walkers to help them get around. -
![Four-wheeled walkers are a type of medical walker that are considered the most stable type of walker.]()
By: Glenda PowersFour-wheeled walkers are a type of medical walker that are considered the most stable type of walker. -
![People who need help with their balance may use a walker.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungPeople who need help with their balance may use a walker. -
![Those who rely on a medical walker may also need other mobility aids, such as a stair lift to access upper floors of their home.]()
By: babi00Those who rely on a medical walker may also need other mobility aids, such as a stair lift to access upper floors of their home. -
![Mobility walkers may be use by people who find it too painful to put pressure on the legs.]()
By: Robert HoetinkMobility walkers may be use by people who find it too painful to put pressure on the legs.
Discussion Comments
@Laotionne - There have been a lot of changes in the design of walkers over the years. Have you seen the pictures of the medical walker with wheels and the walker with the seat? The image of the old person slowly moving along with tennis balls attached to the feet of the walker is really out of date for the most part.
By the way, the walker is really much better than a cane if your grandmother has significant balance issues. There is much less chance of falling with a walker since it will stand on its own. You should definitely get her to try a walker and she what she thinks.
@Laotionne - When my mother was in an assisted living facility I would go to visit her at least once a week. The residents at the facility were in various conditions of health. Many of them, because of their ages, had lower body weakness that make walking difficult for them. Walkers were commonly used in the facility. Without the walkers, many of the residents would have had to depend on staff members to help them walk from place to place.
My grandmother gets dizzy sometimes. This is probably related to a couple medical problems she has and then her reaction to the medicines she takes. She has several canes that she uses when she feels shaky on her feet. She keeps the canes throughout the house, so they are close at hand when she needs them.
However, sometimes even a cane is not enough to help her keep her balance. She has been resisting using a wheelchair because she says using a chair would take away too much of her independence. I'm thinking that one of these medical walkers might really be what she needs to keep her active and safe at the same time.
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