What You Need to Know

Types of Walkers

There are two types of walkers, a pickup walker and a roller walker.

The pickup walker has four solid legs, offers the most stability, and is the best choice when the person cannot place full weight on a leg. Some pickup walkers fold for easy storage. When using a folding walker, make sure the legs click into place before use.
Roller walkers have wheels on the front two legs (most common) or all four legs. Wheeled walkers work best for persons who need assistance but have trouble picking up the walker and moving it. You can place tennis balls on the back legs of the walker with two wheels so that movement of the walker is smooth and easy. Some wheeled walkers can fold for easy storage. When using a folding walker, make sure the legs click into place before use.

When you care for someone who uses a walker, know what is the correct way to use it to move about.

The person’s elbow should bend comfortably, about 15 to 30 degrees, while holding on to the grips.
When the person relaxes the arms at the side of their body, the top of the walker should line up with the crease on the inside of the wrist.

Knowing how to use a walker correctly will help you to watch the person you care for and help prevent injury or falls.