Walker Use

Walker height

Adjust your walker so that the top of the walker (where you hold on) is level with the crease in your wrist when you stand up straight. With your hands on the walker, your elbow should bend about 20 to 30 degrees.

Walker use

The following are general use guidelines:

• First, put your walker about one step or a few inches ahead of you.

• Make sure that all 4 prongs or wheels are on the ground before taking a step forward or backward.

• Look where you are going, not at your feet.

• Grip the top of the walker with both hands for support.

• Lift your injured or weakest leg and step into the walker frame. Don’t step all the way to the front bar of your walker.

• Complete your step by bringing your good leg forward.

• Take small steps when you turn.

• To sit, back up until your legs touch the chair. Reach back to feel the seat before you sit.

• To get up from a chair, place the walker in front of you. Push yourself up by pressing down on the arms of the chair. As you shift your weight onto your feet, move one hand at a time to your walker. Don't use a walker to climb stairs or to use an escalator.

Safety tips

These tips will help you safely use your walker:

• Make sure that all 4 prongs or wheels are on the ground before moving yourself forward or backward.

• In the home, remove scatter rugs, electrical cords, spills, and anything else that might cause you to fall.

• In the bathroom, use nonslip bathmats, grab bars, a raised toilet seat, and a shower or tub seat.

• Use a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or briefcase to help you carry things around. To carry lightweight items, you may attach a small pack to the crossbar of the walker.

• Be sure your shoes fit properly, have nonslip bottoms, and are in good condition.

• Be cautious when going up and down curbs and walking on uneven sidewalks.