There are different situations that will require getting the best walking aid for balance and it is vital to understand the types of walking aid that will be suitable for you before buying.
Not all injuries are non-weight bearing and selecting a walking aid for non-weight bearing should not be confused with balancing. People need help with balancing for different reasons and old age is top of that list.
Here, we review some walking aid equipment that is suitable to help with poor balance. It is vital to select the correct walking equipment that helps you balance and ensure safety.
Who Needs a Walking Aid for Balance?
Older Adults
As people grow old, they tend to lose their balance thereby making it necessary to need help with walking aid. There are many reasons older people lose their balance and most are attributed to their body being susceptible to some health condition which affects their nervous system.
People with Balance Disorder
A balance disorder is caused by many things which include ear infection, injury to the head, low blood pressure and other medical-related issues. This is not peculiar to elders alone as it can affect young people too.
A person recovering from an Injury
Not all injuries are non-weight bearing and if such is your case, you may need a walking aid to help you balance while you recuperate completely.
4 Types of Walking Aids for Poor Balance
#1. Canes
Canes are very common among elders and one of the best and simplest to use to support balance. As people grow old and find balancing a challenge, canes are great choices to help keep stability and balance.
Canes are portable and light in weight which makes them easy to keep around. They are also strong and sturdy enough to offer the stability needed to the user.
Also referred to as walking sticks, canes can come in handy to relieve stress and strain from painful legs. They provide that little extra help and support for the weak foot.
Types of Canes
- Quad Canes: These types have four points or more in contact with the ground surface. They are heavier than other types of canes and are more employed where the user needs extremely much support for balance. The quad cane should be considered when the user suffers extreme balance and stability issues.
- Single Point Canes: These type offers lesser support compared to quad canes and is mostly employed when the user only needs little extra support to alleviate pain or discomfort from the affected foot. They are also referred to as forearm canes and are for non-extreme imbalance issues. Single Point canes do not offer much stability; therefore it is essential to correctly use them. The cane should be held with the hand on your strong side and should be moved at the same time with the weaker foot.
#2. Forearm Crutches
This type of crutch can be used for balance and non-weight bearing. Although the best crutches come in pairs, the two can be used for non-weight bearing and as you recover, it can in turn help with balancing.
#3. Walkers
Walkers come in different types and each has its own specific functions. They are used for non-weight bearing and can also be used for balance. They have four legs and may have wheels on all four, two wheels in the front alone and no wheels.
Walkers with no-wheels are usable for non-weight bearing and balance. They are always strong and sturdy with the frame made with aluminium, steel or other strong materials.
#4. Rollators
Rollators are also walkers but have wheels around the four legs. They are only used for balance for people with balance issues. It is easy to move them around due to their wheels and ergonomic handgrips.
