Moving Safely  >  Correct Use of Walkers

What to Do

Recognizing Problems

A walker provides needed support and stability to allow a person with a weakness or injury to walk and move about safely. However, at times a person has difficulty using a walker. This may be due to fear of falling, pain, upper body muscles are too weak to use the walker, or the legs are too weak to support the body.

When a person tells you they are having trouble using a walker or if you observe them having difficulty, check the following:

  • Are there obstacles in their walking path making it hard to move about? (eg. Furniture, piles of newspapers, children’s toys)
  • Is the person using the walker incorrectly as they walk, sit, or stand from a chair?
  • Are they showing signs of fatigue or unsteadiness as they walk?
  • Does the person have difficulty lifting the walker?

If the person continues to have difficulty, call the physical therapist or responsible doctor.


Keep a Walker in Good Condition

Routinely check the condition of a walker to be sure it is safe to use.

  • Look closely at the frame each day.
  • Look for any signs of bending or deformation of the frame.
    • Are there any loose or missing screws that will weaken the joints of the frame?
    • Are there screws that stick out?
  • Take a close look at the handgrips.
    • Handgrips are plastic, foam or soft grip.
    • Look for signs of cracked or loose grips.
    • You want a grip to be secure so that it fits the hands and won’t slip during use.
    • If a person has trouble grasping a grip with the fingers, it might help to have a larger grip.