Discharge Instructions: Using a Walker
To use your walker, you need to learn a new way to walk (gait). Read on for helpful tips and illustrations.
Your health care provider has prescribed a walker for you. To use your walker, you need to learn a new way to walk. The way you walk is called your gait. Your health care provider may tell you to use a non-weight-bearing gait. This means putting no weight on the affected leg and foot. Or they may tell you to use a weight-bearing gait. This means putting weight on both legs and feet.
Guidelines for use
Here are some general tips:
Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and anything else that may cause you to fall.
Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way.
Use a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things so you keep your hands free.
Non-weight-bearing gait
To walk with this method:
Hold your affected (weaker) foot off the floor.
Lift the walker and move it one step or a few inches ahead of you. If you're using a wheeled walker, roll it.
Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.
Swing your good (stronger) foot forward to the center or middle of the walker.
Repeat the process.
Weight-bearing gait
To walk with this method:
Lift the walker and move it one step or a few inches ahead of you. If you're using a wheeled walker, roll it.
Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.
Step forward to the center or middle of the walker with your affected (weaker) leg first. When taking a step, don't step all the way to the front of the walker.
Use the walker to help you keep your balance as you take the step.
Bring your other foot forward to the center of the walker.
Repeat the process.