Do You Need a Cane or a Walker?

As we age, our bodies become more fragile and normal daily tasks like walking become difficult or painful to accomplish. Luckily, there is a variety of different mobility equipment out there today that makes these tasks not only easier but more comfortable as well. Let’s take a look at the differences between canes and walkers to determine which is better for you:

Canes: Simple Support for Mild Instability

This walking support device is one of the simplest and most basic on the market today. Canes are lightweight, portable, and are relatively easy for the user to adjust to using on a daily basis. This support device is most beneficial to those who have mild stability and balance issues. If you can answer all of the following questions with a “Yes”, then a cane is likely the best piece of mobility equipment for you:

• Do you feel slightly unsteady while walking?
• Do you periodically have feelings of being off-balanced?
• Would you classify your stability issues as minor or mild?
• Do you need to use the stairs to get around inside or outside your home?
• Are you comfortable with mobility equipment that does not fully support your entire weight?
• Will your mobility needs be satisfied with equipment that only supports one side of the body?

For mild mobility issues, a cane can be a great help to walking and other daily tasks that require balance and stability. If you experience sciatica in one leg, for example, a cane would likely give you the support and relief you require when walking. 

If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, or believe that your mobility needs go beyond a one-sided support system, a walker might be more beneficial to giving you the mobility assistance you need.

Walkers: The Ultimate Stability Solution

Walkers are more suited to those who have weakness in both legs or who have stability issues that prevent them from walking without a high risk of falling or injuring themselves. Though they take a bit more time to become comfortable walking with, they provide a high level of support and come in different varieties:

1. Standard Walkers: Your basic walker will have four legs, each with a rubber stopper that allows them to grip the ground. These walkers need to be lifted in order to walk with them, so they are best for those with mild to moderate stability issues.
2. Two-Wheeled Walkers: This variety of walkers is equipped with two wheels in the front and two rubber-ended stoppers at the back. Two-wheeled walkers do not need to be lifted as you walk forward and require less energy to use than the standard walker.
3. Four-Wheeled Walkers: These walkers are the smoothest and easiest to walk with, as they move with you at whichever pace you are comfortable with and there is little lifting involved. However, the wheels can snag on rugs or uneven ground, so it’s important to prepare your home properly for using a walker before purchasing or renting this mobility equipment.

Looking for a Mobility Aid Store in Maryland?

At Freedom Mobility, we have a wide variety of walkers and rollators that can be customized with different features and options in order to make you feel both stable and comfortable in your daily life. Come visit our mobility aid store in Hanover, MD or give us a call at (443) 251-3053 to learn more about the solutions we have for you.