Choosing A Walking Aid

Who uses walking aids?

Many people use walking aids, whether it’s for an ongoing condition or you’re recovering from an injury. They are designed to make your life easier, allow more freedom and confidence. They may help you with walking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, going on walks with your family, browsing the local high street shops or simply enjoying your garden.

Getting the Right Size & Equipment 

It is important to get the right size, fit and equipment to make sure you’re not causing further difficulty. It is wise to seek advice from an expert when you are in need of anything more than a simple stick. Local GPs will provide guidelines and advice to assist you and retail staff in mobility stores can usually provide good recommendations. You may find that you need more than one aid for different purposes. 

Walking sticks

Walking sticks are the most simple and cost effective walking aid. Two sticks can be used if needed. They can assist with:

  • Helping improve balance & stability
  • Make you feel more safe in public places
  • Improve the distance you can walk in comfort 

If you’re worried about storage of your walking stick when out and about or if it won’t go with your outfit then check out our folding walking sticks and bags page: https://www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/out-and-about/walking-sticks-and-accessories.html.

Crutches

Crutches allow more stability than sticks and focus on using your arm strength to take stress off your legs or leg. They can assist with:

  • Helpful for leg injuries – better suited for temporary use or short periods of time
  • Allow you to carry weight on one leg
  • Help with balance

Walking Frames 

Provides more stability than crutches. Walking frames come with or without wheels. Many people would favour the one with wheels because you don’t have to lift it up every time you want to move. Taking into consideration your intended destinations are important for example the wheels would struggle on a gravel path. They assist with:

  • Stability and balance when moving or standing
  • Make you feel more safe in public places
  • Suitable for everyday use and a more permanent solution
  • Relieve back and leg pain when walking 

Wheelchair & Scooters

If you simply can’t manage with the above suggested walking aids or some of the trips you intend you make would be too long to manage then you should consider a wheelchair or scooter (make sure you check out the rules and regulations of using powered wheelchairs or scooters) link below.

Useful Links:

https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules (powered wheelchair or scooter rules)

https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/equipment (disability equipment and transport

https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/benefits (financial support)