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Types of walkers

If you have difficulty balancing or you're at risk of falling, a walker can make it easier for you to get around — whether you use the walker temporarily or as a permanent aid.

If stability is a significant concern, you may choose a standard walker without wheels. Many people, however, choose between two-wheel and four-wheel walkers.

A two-wheel walker allows you to place weight on the walker as you move. The legs with wheels allow you to easily push the walker forward, and the legs without wheels prevent the walker from rolling away while you're stepping forward. If you don't need to lean on the walker for balance, you might be able to walk faster with a four-wheel walker.

1. How can I choose the right kind of walker if I need one? National Institute on Aging. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/faq/faq29a.html. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
2. Preventing falls and fractures - Helpful devices. National Institute on Aging. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/helpfuldevices/05.html. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
3. How to use crutches, canes, and walkers. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00181. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
4. Van Hook FW, et al. Ambulatory devices for chronic gait disorders in the elderly. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2003;67:1717.