Your healthcare provider has prescribed a walker for you. To use your walker, you need to learn a new way to walk (gait). Your healthcare provider may tell you to use a non-weight-bearing gait. This means putting no weight on one leg and foot. Or you may be told to use a weight-bearing gait. This means putting weight on both legs and feet.
Here are some general tips:
Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and anything else that may cause you to fall.
Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way.
Use a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things so you keep your hands free.
To walk with this method:
Hold your injured (weaker) foot off the floor.
Lift the walker (roll it if you’re using a wheeled walker).
Move the walker one step or a few inches ahead of you.
Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.
Swing your good (stronger) foot forward to the center or middle of the walker.
Repeat the process.
Lift the walker (roll it if you're using a wheeled walker).
Step forward to the center or middle of the walker with your injured leg, new joint, or weaker side first. When taking a step, don't step all the way to the front of the walker.
Use the walker to help you keep your balance as you take the step.
Bring your other foot forward to the center of the walker.
For more information call (269) 429-7100 or (800) 717-3811