Using aids for mobility: Discernment between walkers and canes
Struggling with mobility? Canes and walkers could be your ticket to staying independent and active! Here's the lowdown on these assistive devices and when to choose which one.
As we age, certain chronic conditions can crop up, making everyday activities tougher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults face falls each year, and these mishaps can lead to serious injuries to muscles and bones when we get older. But fear not - assistive devices, like canes and walkers, can help bolster your stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Let's dive into the differences between these two helpful tools, their strengths, their pitfalls, and how to select the best option for you.
| Device | Pros | Cons | Conditions | Cost ||----------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------|| 1-legged cane | Balance enhancer | Minimal weight bearing | Mild balance issues, mild arthritis | $10-$40 || 3-4 legged cane | Greater balance support | Heavier, more cumbersome | Hemiparesis, more significant balance issues | $15-$40 || Standard walker | Stable, foldable | No wheels, requires lifting | Fractures, conditions affecting muscles/nerves | $20-$60 || 2-4 wheeled walker | Easier to move, may have seat/basket | Less stable, not foldable | Issues affecting spinal cord, heart/lung diseases | $35-$100 |
Medical conditions for canes vs. walkers
Canes and walkers provide stability while moving around. Canes can be a boon for individuals with minor balance or stability issues, lower limb arthritis, or a touch of leg or trunk weakness. However, persons recovering from total knee or hip replacement surgery or those with more substantial balance and mobility challenges might prefer a walker, a three-to-four-legged device that demands the use of both hands.
-helps with balance-adjustable
For your comfort, you can add wrist or arm support and a variety of accessories, such as wheels or brakes, as needed.
-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
Types of canes and walkers
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
Ultimately, the best type of cane or walker for you depends on your individual requirements. Here's a quick rundown of the options:
$10-$40
- Standard Canes: These wooden or aluminum canes work best for those needing minimal assistance, as they have a rubber tip and a hooked or flat handle.
- Multi-legged Canes: Canes with three or four legs can stand independently, providing superior support for those experiencing pain on one side. Some multi-legged canes, also called "sit-to-stand" canes, even feature a secondary grip, which can be helpful for getting up or sitting down.
- Standard Walkers: These four-rubber-tipped walkers offer greater stability but require lifting with each step.
- Two-wheeled Walkers: With front wheels and backsliders, these walkers are easier to maneuver but are less stable and need more cognitive effort to handle.
- Four-wheeled Walkers: Also called rollators, these walkers boast features like brakes, a seat, and a basket, allowing for a more natural gait. However, they are heavier to maneuver and less stable than two-wheeled versions.
Is a walker or cane better for you?
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
Using a cane effectively calls for an individual to have enough strength to walk with it consistently while maintaining their balance without tipping over. While canes can be helpful for those with minor balance problems, they require good coordination between the cane and the arm movements.
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
On the other hand, walkers are a better choice for individuals with a more significant balance impairment, as they provide more stability by enabling users to shift their body weight away from the lower body during movement. Users can also utilize their arms to help support their body weight, with the aim of eventually putting more weight on their legs as they regain strength and endurance.
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
Choosing between a walker with or without wheels depends on whether you'll use it only at home or outdoors and the terrain you need to navigate.
$15-$40
Switching from walker to cane (or vice versa)
The decision to switch from a walker to a cane or vice versa involves some key factors:* Has your balance or strength improved or worsened?* What does your doctor recommend?* Is your daily routine more appropriate for a walker or cane?
-stable-foldable
Buying a cane or walker
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
You can purchase your preferred mobility aid directly from a supplier, or you might be able to obtain them from a clinic, hospital, or non-profit organization for older adults or people with disabilities.
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
Cost considerations
$20-$60
Generally, canes cost between $10 and $40, while walkers can range from $20 to $100.
Medicare coverage
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
Medicare considers walkers and canes as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You can rent or buy a cane or walker through Medicare Part B if it is medically necessary and needed for home use, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare and you purchase the device from a Medicare-approved supplier.
-less stable than standard-not foldable
Safety precautions
-issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases
Whether you choose a cane or a walker, always ensure it is the right size and weight, and the handles are at wrist level. Maintain an upright posture without leaning forward, and keep your arms slightly bent while using it.
$35-$100
Cane safety tips
When standing, hold the cane with the opposite hand from the injured or painful side. While walking, place the cane ahead, step forward with the painful or injured leg, and follow with the other leg. Use the handrail while ascending and descending stairs, placing the stronger leg first while going up and the cane down first while going down.
Walker safety tips
When using a walker, place it one step ahead, move the injured or painful leg to the middle, and then bring the stronger leg to meet it, taking small, slow steps. Always sit down and stand up using proper techniques to avoid falls.
In conclusion, choosing between a cane and a walker depends on your specific medical condition, levels of balance and strength, and need for support. Consult healthcare professionals to determine the best mobility aid for you, and prioritize user confidence and safety.
- Canes and walkers serve as essential tools for enhancing stability and reducing fall risks, especially for older adults dealing with chronic health conditions.
- Canes may be a suitable option for individuals facing minor balance issues, lower limb arthritis, or mild leg or trunk weakness; however, those recovering from surgery or dealing with substantial balance and mobility challenges might prefer walkers.
- The selection of a cane or walker depends on individual requirements, with options including standard canes, multi-legged canes, standard walkers, two-wheeled walkers, four-wheeled walkers, and sit-to-stand canes.
- For seniors with significant balance impairments or issues affecting muscles/nerves, walkers are generally a better choice than canes due to their increased stability and support.
- Modifying the usage of a cane or walker may be warranted based on improvements or worsening of balance, doctor’s recommendations, and daily routine suitability.
- Choosing between Medicare coverage for a cane or walker, ensuring proper size, weight, and positioning, and adhering to safety precautions are crucial considerations to facilitate a stable and injury-free experience.
