Walking Frames: Types, Benefits, and Use
A walking frame is a tool for people who find difficulty while walking and need additional support for walking and maintaining stability. If you don’t know much about this tool then keep reading. This article will cover all things you need to know about walkers.
Who Should Use Walking Frames
Walking frames are used by persons who are unsteady on their feet and are at risk of falling. Mostly aged people, people recovering from accidents, and people with disability use it. A walking frame will increase their stability and safety. It is also used by people with limited lower body strength. This frame lessens the weight on lower limbs.
If an individual is unable to lift their feet far off the ground, the risk of falling or tripping increases. This can happen not when outside but also inside their own homes. For elderly people, trapping or falling can increase more difficulties. Their broken bones can take much longer to heal. So having such additional support saves them from such risks.
Types of Walking Frames
There are a lot of mobility aids available in the market. If you need help while walking, you can choose from various walker.
Simple Walking Frames
Walking frames come with three and four legs. These frames’ leg has rubber grips at the end to have a hold on the ground and prevent it from slipping. To move, you have to pick up the frame and place it ahead as you walk. For this, you will need some strength to pick up and move it ahead. Mostly, people with leg injuries use it while recovering. Most of the body weight is transferred through arms to the frame.
Customers usually think of Zimmer frames as a type. There is no difference between walker and Zimmer frames. Zimmer is the brand name and not a type. Zimmer frames are famous because of their lightweight and adjustable frames. They come in both types, with wheels, and without wheels.
Walking Frames With Wheels
Walker with wheels are also available in the market. Anyone who finds it difficult to use simple walking frames can use it. These frames have two wheels at the front legs and a rubber grip at the back. You don’t have to lift the frame and move it forward. You just have to tilt the frame forward and lift the back a little to walk.
The frames with four wheels are generally called walkers. They are easy to move around. Individuals with balance issues will find difficulty in using it. The wheels can increase the risk of tripping or falling. These frames also come with storage space and a temporary seat if you need regular breaks while moving.
Rollators
Rollators are similar to walker with three and four wheels. These are sturdier, more durable, and come with brakes for control. They come with a seat so that users may take a rest while mobilizing. They also have a storage space that can be useful while shopping.
Rollators can be considered by those who need more support while they walk but are not considering using a wheelchair at this point in time.
Benefits of Walking Frames
Walking frames helps in maintaining balance while walking and standing. So the physical safety of the user is ensured upto a great extent.
For those who can’t walk alone, walker will give them the independence to walk. It will let them do stuff by themselves. They don’t need to depend on some else to get things done.
For some, standing up and walking can be a form of exercise. These frames will help them to walk around the house or nearby place easily.
Conclusion
Usually, a walking frame would be recommended to a person with less stable feet by either a doctor, nurse, or other health professional. Depending on the patient’s need, they suggest a walker to maintain safety when mobilizing independently. We hope this article helps you understand the types of walking frames well and why you should use them.
