What Is the Best Walking Aid: A Cane, Walker, or Crutches?
Key takeaways:
Falls and their associated injuries pose a major risk to a person’s independence.
Walking aids — like a cane, walker, and crutches — not only prevent falls, but also alleviate joint and muscle pain, increase physical exercise, and help with daily activities.
Choosing the right device for the problem will maximize the benefits.
Most people want to maintain their independence as they grow older. And one of the biggest threats to that independence is falling. It is normal to fall from time to time, but falls become especially common and more dangerous as we grow older. In fact, the CDC reports that more than 1 in 4 adults 65 years of age and older fall each year, and that about 20% of falls result in a serious injury.
Preventing falls becomes more important as we age. And using a walking aid, also known as a support device or walking device, may mean the difference between keeping or losing your independence.
In this article, we’ll discuss some different types of devices that aid with walking, including how to choose between them and how each one helps.
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How can you tell if you need a walking aid?
There are many reasons why you may be at an increased risk of falling, and may benefit from a walking aid. Health issues that affect your balance, coordination, or strength can put you at risk. These issues range from temporary conditions to more long-term issues:
Injuries: Many injuries, such as sprains and fractures, can affect your ability to put weight on one leg. In these cases, using a walking aid will allow you to move around without putting weight on the injured area. This is also true if you are recovering from a surgery that affects your mobility.
Pain: Even in the absence of injury, walking and balance can be difficult for those with chronic pain. A walking aid can help to off-load weight from the painful area. The right device can make it so that people with chronic pain can walk faster and farther.
Sensory changes: Changes in normal sensation can make it harder to stay balanced. This can be the case with conditions like neuropathy, which often causes a person’s feet to go numb. People with neuropathy can be very prone to tripping and falling.
Vision impairment: Vision problems are another major cause of falling. Many common eye conditions can cause impaired vision, including retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. In these cases, walking aids can help with safe navigation.
Neurological conditions: There are many neurological conditions that can affect someone’s coordination, muscle strength, and ability to respond quickly to changes in position or balance. Some common examples include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and dementia.
Other conditions: There are many other conditions that affect balance and increase a person’s risk for falls. Any condition that causes weakness or dizziness can also make using a walking aid to help with balance a smart idea.
What types of walking aids are available?
There are a few basic options for walking aids. And each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Canes
Canes are the simplest type of walking aid. In essence, they provide a third point of contact with the ground that improves balance. Canes range in style from the traditional candy-cane shape to modified versions with wider bases that enhance stability.
Crutches
Crutches can be used as a single device or as a pair. They are an effective way to temporarily keep weight off of one leg. But they have some disadvantages. Crutches require a fair amount of upper-body strength, and they are less stable than other walking aids. Also, prolonged use of crutches can also cause pressure injury to the nerve bundle in the armpit. Because of this, crutches are not ideal for long-term use.
Walkers
These are the most stable walking aids because they have four legs. Walkers can be especially helpful for those with back and joint pain, because they shift weight off of joints. Walkers come with or without wheels, depending on what is easier and more comfortable for the user.
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Generally, walking aids come with a number of modifications that can make them easier or more convenient to use, depending on a person’s needs. For example, canes and walkers can be collapsible, making it easier to carry and transport them. Or a walker can come with a seat, to give the user a place to rest when needed.
What should you do if you or someone you know needs a walking aid?
When you or someone you know is having trouble with balance or is afraid of falling, it is best to act quickly. Remember that even one fall can have major consequences. These walking aids are widely available for purchase at medical supply stores and online.
If you are not sure what walking aid to use, talk to your medical provider, who can help you decide. They can also help you coordinate insurance coverage, which often pays for the partial or full cost of the device.
Some people feel hesitant to use a walking aid. They worry about what it means for their independence or that they’ll appear old or weak. But most people quickly realize how much these devices make their day-to-day life easier and safer — and that they even enjoy how they look. A walker or cane, for instance, can be decorated to accent your personal style!
The bottom line
Fall prevention is an important topic, especially for older adults. And while many people see a walking aid as a sign of weakness, it is actually one of the most effective ways to maintain independence. It can help a person increase physical activity, feel less pain, and carry out daily activities safely. If you or someone you love is at an increased risk of falling, it’s important to address the issue head on.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Facts about falls.
