Using a 4 Wheeled Walker Safely – Part 1

Using a 4 Wheeled Walker Safely – Part 1

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Using a 4 Wheeled Walker Safely – Part 1

Using a 4 Wheeled Walker Safely – Part 1
Jun 8, 2023
Senior Wellness, Physiotherapy

Finding the best fit for you.

It can be challenging to find the best fit for 4-wheeled walkers for you. So here it goes some tips that can help you through this search

Find the Right Fit

A 4-wheeled walker must be measured to fit the user. The purpose of a walker is to help maintain balance and ambulation. If the walker does not fit the user it will not help.

  • A walker that is too tall or too short for the user will result in poor joint alignment and poor posture. 
  • Poor alignment and poor posture will make it difficult for the user to maintain balance and a safe walking gait. 
  • Without good balance and a proper walking gait, falls can occur. 
  • Measure before you buy.  Ask your product provider, Physiotherapist or Rehabilitation Assistant to help.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR A WALKER

  • Have the user wear their walking walking shoes.
  • Ask the user to stand tall with arms hanging down at their sides.
  • Using a measuring tape, measure from the wrist crease (where the hand meets the arm) all the way to the floor (bottom of the shoe).  Record the measurement. 
  • If the walker has a seat have the user sit down with the knees bent at 90 degrees.  Measure from the back of knee (at the bend) all the way to the floor (bottom of the shoe).  Record the measurement. 
  • Arms should bend 20-30 degrees at the elbow when holding the handles.
  • Legs should bend 90 degrees at the knees when seated on the walker. 

How to move with a 4 Wheeled Walker

     IDEALLY THE USER SHOULD NOT LEAN ON THE WALKER. THIS IS A HABIT THAT IS EASY TO FALL INTO. 

  • Maintain Good Posture habits while using your walker. 
  • Keep your chest up and your shoulders back.
  • Do not let the walker get away from you: keep it close your body and walk with it, not after it. 
  • Keep your feet between the rear wheels when walking and turning.
  • Keep a 20 to 30 degree bend in your elbows at all times.
  • Walk naturally with your normal stride, do not take smaller steps. 
  • Keep your head up. Look straight ahead into the horizon as you would when driving a car.

You CAN use a walker AND have good posture

Senior Wellness, Physiotherapy