Assistive devices can be prescribed to broaden a patient's base of support, improve balance and stability, or redistribute weight from the lower limbs to help alleviate joint pain or compensate for weakness or injury. The goals of assistive device use are to improve independent mobility, reduce disability, and delay functional decline.”
-American Academy of Family Practice /
Sources
fp/2011/0815/p405.html
Up To Date / Walk the Walk
Explore different walkers and canes and discover the best fit for you or your loved one.
Four Point Cane (“Quad Walking Cane”)
Cost
-Without insurance: Quad Walking Canes are available at Walgreens, Walmart, other drug stores, and medical supply stores. The cost for quad canes without insurance typically costs $15 to $20.
-With Insurance:
All patients with part B are covered. Medicare will cover your durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. You will pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount and the Part B deductible applies.
Who is a good candidate for a quad walking cane?
-Four point or “quad” canes are often used for pain in the hips or knees and for gait imbalance. Specific conditions may include weakness after having a stroke, rehabilitation after knee or hip replacement surgery, or pain from arthritis.
-Quad canes add even more support than a single point cane. These canes can improve stability in patients with mild to moderate balance problems without requiring a walker.
-Quad canes are also good choices for people who walk on uneven surfaces like stairs, carpet, or outdoor ground.
How do you properly use quad canes?
-Stand next to the cane with your hand at your side. The handle at the top of the cane should be at the level of the wrist.
-When you grip the handle, your elbow should be slightly bent.
-To adjust the height, press the spring button and slide the cane leg to the desired position.
/Straight Cane and Offset Cane
Cost
-Same as Four Point Cane
Who is a good candidate for a straight or offset walking cane?
-Straight canes are effective for most patients, and can be less unwieldy to use compared to quad canes.
-Offset walking canes distribute weight along the cane to offer more stability
How do you properly use straight cane canes?
-Same as Four Point Cane
Follow these steps when walking with your quad cane, straight cane, and offset cane:
-First: Hold the quad cane in the hand opposite of your injured or weaker leg.
-Second: Place all four legs of the quad cane on the ground when you move it forward. Your quad cane should be about one step length ahead of you. Keep it close to your body for support and balance.
-Third: Step forward with your weaker leg while supporting your weight with both the quad cane and your injured leg.
-Last: Step through with your stronger leg. /
Wheeled Walker
Cost
-Without Insurance: Prices range from $30 up to $130 depending on the model.
-With Insurance: Walkers are also covered under Medicare part B when prescribed by your doctor. You will pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount and the Part B deductible applies.
How do you properly use a walker?
-Make sure your walker has been adjusted to your height. The handles should be at the level of your hips. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handles.-Make sure all 4 tips or wheels of your walker are touching the ground before taking a step.
-Step forward with your weak leg first. If you had surgery or have weakness in both legs, start with the leg that feels weakest.
-Next, step forward with your other leg, placing it in front of the weaker leg.
Safety precautions for using a walker
- All four tips or wheels on your walker need to be on the ground before you put weight on it.-Look forward when you are walking, not down at your feet.
- Push or lift your walker an arm's length in front of you.
-Make sure any loose rugs, rug corners that stick up, or cords are secured to the ground and keep floors clear of clutter
-Wear shoes or slippers with rubber or other non-skid soles. DO NOT wear shoes with heels or leather soles
-Use a chair with armrests to make sitting and standing easier