If you break a bone in your leg or foot, have a procedure on your knee or lower leg, or suffer a stroke, your doctor may recommend that you use a walking aid while you are healing or recovering. Using crutches, a cane, or a walker can help keep your weight off your injured or weak leg, assist with balance, and enable you to perform your daily activities more safely. When you are first learning to use your walking aid, you may wish to have a friend or family
member nearby to help steady you and give you support. In the beginning, everything you do may seem more difficult. With just a few tips and a little practice, though, most people are able to quickly gain confidence and learn how to use a walking aid safely. Making some simple safety modifications to your home can help prevent slips and falls when using your walking aid:
If your injury or surgery requires you to get around without putting any weight on your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches. Proper Positioning
Walking
SittingTo sit:
To stand up:
StairsTo walk up and down stairs with crutches, you need to be both strong and flexible. You may want someone to help you, at least at first.
If you feel unsteady, it may be easier to sit on each step and move up or down on your bottom.
A cane can be helpful if you have minor problems with balance or stability, some weakness in your leg or trunk, an injury, or a pain. If you are elderly, using a single point cane may help you to walk more comfortably and safely and, in some cases, may make it easier for you to continue living independently. If you need more stability, a quad cane, which has 4 points, can be useful. Proper Positioning
Walking
StairsTo climb stairs:
To come down stairs:
If you have had total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery, or you have another significant problem, you may need more help with balance and walking than you can get with crutches or a cane. A pickup walker with four legs will give you the most stability. A walker lets you keep all or some of your weight off of your lower body as you take steps. With a walker, you use your arms to support some of your body weight. As your strength and endurance get better, you may gradually be able to carry more weight in your legs. Positioning
Walking
SittingTo sit:
To stand up:
StairsNever climb stairs or use an escalator with your walker. What is the correct way to assist a patient to ambulate with a cane?How to walk with a cane. Place the cane in the hand opposite to your weakest leg.. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on each leg, using the cane for balance.. Move the cane forward.. Place most of your weight on your good leg.. Move your sore leg forward even with the cane.. How should the nurse teach the client who is ambulating with a cane quizlet?How should the nurse teach the client who is ambulating with a cane? Instruct the client to advance the cane 4 to 12 in (10 to 30 cm) and then, while supporting weight on the stronger leg and the cane, advance the weaker foot forward, parallel with the cane.
Which type of mobility aid would be most appropriate?If you only have minor problems standing/walking, then a cane might be best for you. If walking/standing is a greater issue, then walkers, rollators, or wheelchairs may be the right choice.
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