After an artificial hip or knee replacement, your doctor will recommend a walker. The walker provides a stronger support so that you can walk and balance.
Using a walker correctly will keep your body upright and make it easier for you to walk. Conversely, the wrong way to use a walker can cause back pain and even make a person more likely to fall.
Choose a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Most walker handles are made of plastic, but they can easily become slippery if your hands get sweaty. You may choose other kinds of handles, such as foam or soft grips. But no matter which one you choose, make sure these handles are safe enough so that your hands don’t get loose and slippery while you’re using them.
Adjust your walker
To make your arms feel comfortable, you must adjust your walker. See if the height of your walker fits, you have to walk into the walker and
1. Check the bend in your elbow joint. Place your hand on the handle. The angle of your elbow bend should make your hand feel comfortable DD about 30 degrees
2.Check the height of your wrists. Both arms are relaxed. The top of the walker must be flush with the joint of your wrist inward.
A well-adjusted walker can reduce the stress on your shoulders and back when the walker is in front of you during walking.
How to use the walker.
1. Start your first step
If you have a leg injury or disability, you will first need to push the walker forward one step, while keeping your body straight.
2.Step into the walker
Then you have to put one foot in the walker, when you walk to keep the walker still.
3.Step out the other foot
Finally, put your other foot into the walker, and keep the walker still. Keep moving your walker forward and repeat the process. When used continuously, these three steps become smoother.
If you are not injured or disabled and only need the walker for balance, you can simply walk as you normally would, just placing it in front of you. Once you have placed your walker in front, stand inside the walker, not behind it.
Note: Do not lean toward the walker
One of the common mistakes in use is to put the walker too far forward. Keep walking into the walker, not walking behind it, so you must keep your body straight while walking. Another common mistake is to set your walker too high. Both of these mistakes will make you less comfortable to walk with and more likely to fall.
Accessories for walkers
Accessories for walkers can make it easier for you to use. The compartment allows you to take your meals or cups to the table. And the pouches attached to the sides can help you take books or magazines. You can also install cushions or baskets on some walkers.
Choosing a walker must meet your needs and also make you feel comfortable. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or an experienced salesperson at a medical store about which one is best for you, and try as many different walkers as you can before you decide to buy one.