Assistive Aids for Mobility: Distinguishing Between Walkers and Canes
Navigating life with age or mobility challenges can be a hurdle, but assistive devices like canes and walkers can help us get back on our feet. These tools can lend a hand when balance and mobility become a struggle, but deciding between a cane or a walker comes down to the individual's needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Growing older frequently brings about chronic conditions that complicate mobility, and falls — common among seniors — can lead to serious injuries to muscles and bones. Fortunately, assistive devices can help us maintain our independence and guard against those unfortunate mishaps.
Both canes and walkers cater to individuals with some degree of mobility, providing stability and support. So, the choice depends on the degree of assistance required, daily habits, and the cost of the device.
Take a moment to review the chart below for a quick comparison of walkers and canes:
| Device | Advantages | Drawbacks | Suitable for | Cost ||-------------|-----------|----------|--------------|--------|| One-legged cane|-Aids balance
-Adjustable|-For minimal weight bearing
-Some users may find curved handle uncomfortable|Mild balance issues
Mild-moderate arthritis of the lower limbs|$10-$40|| Three-four legged cane |-Extra balance support
-Can bear more weight
-Adjustable|-Heavier
-More cumbersome
-Harder to use on stairs|One-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or significant balance issues|$15-$40|| Standard walker |-Stable
-Foldable|-No wheels
-Needs lifting with each step|Conditions affecting muscles or nerves
Fractures|$20-$60|| Two-four wheeled walker |-Easier to move
-May have a seat and basket|-Less stable
-Not foldable|Issues affecting the spinal cord
Slow-moving conditions like heart or lung diseases| $35-$100|
Medical Conditions Requiring a Walker or Cane?
-helps with balance-adjustable
Canes and walkers provide additional support during movement, benefitting those with minor balance issues, leg or trunk weakness, or injuries stemming from conditions like arthritis.
-for minimal weight bearing only-some have a curved handle that some may find difficult to grasp and cause pain, especially for people with joint or muscle conditions
Individuals who have experienced total knee or hip replacement or have more significant balance and mobility issues may prefer to use a walker, as it requires both hands and offers greater stability.
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
For those needing added comfort, accessories like wrist or arm supports can be added to walkers, tailoring the device to the user's needs.
$10-$40
Types of Canes and Walkers
Standard canes, typically made of wood or aluminum, have a rubber tip, a hook-shaped or flat handle, and a single leg. While suitable for those needing minimal assistance, they aren't ideal for those requiring more substantial support.
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
Multi-legged canes with three or four legs can stand independently, offering better stability for users who experience pain on one side. Some multi-legged canes, also known as "sit-to-stand" canes, offer a secondary grip, providing extra help for getting up or sitting down.
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
Walkers come in three types, each tailored to various needs:
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
- The standard walker has four rubber-tipped legs, providing more stability but necessitating lifting with each step.
- The two-wheeled walker, with front wheels and back sliders, is easier to maneuver but less stable and demands greater cognitive effort.
- The four-wheeled walker, or rollator, allows a more natural gait and boasts additional features like brakes, a seat, and a basket. However, it requires more coordination and can be heavier to maneuver.
$15-$40
Each walker type has its advantages and drawbacks based on the user's specific needs and abilities.
Is it Better to Use a Walker or a Cane?
-stable-foldable
Effective cane use requires an individual with the strength and ability to walk consistently and securely with the cane while maintaining balance. A cane can help manage minor balance problems but necessitates the user being able to steady themselves if they slip. Using a cane also involves coordinating the device with the arm while walking.
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
Walkers, on the other hand, are more appropriate when dealing with more significant balance impairment. Walkers enable users to shift some or all of their body weight away from their lower body while moving, providing greater stability.
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
When to Switch from a Walker to a Cane or Vice Versa?
$20-$60
Deciding when to transition from a walker to a cane or the reverse involves considering factors such as improved or worsened balance, endurance, strength, the doctor's recommendations, and adjusting the device to the user's daily routine.
Acquiring a Cane or a Walker
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
A person can purchase a preferred mobility aid directly from a supplier or obtain it from a clinic, hospital, insurance company, or non-profit organization catering to older adults or people with disabilities.
-less stable than standard-not foldable
Cost of a Cane vs. a Walker
-issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases
Canes generally cost between $10 and $40, while walkers range from $20 to $100. Medicare considers both walkers and canes durable medical equipment and covers their rental or purchase if medically necessary and intended for home use.
$35-$100
Safety Tips for Using a Walker or Cane
Regardless of the device chosen, safety should always be a priority. When using a cane or a walker, ensure the handle is at a comfortable wrist level, arms are slightly bent, and an upright posture is maintained without leaning forward. Users should also remember these tips for safe cane and walker use:
Cane Safety
When standing, the user should hold the cane with the hand opposite their injured or painful side. While walking, they should place the cane ahead, step forward with the painful or injured leg, and follow with the other leg.
When going upstairs, the user should step up using the stronger leg first, while holding on to the handrail. Conversely, when going down, they should place the cane down first, then the weaker leg, followed by the stronger one.
Walker Safety
When using a walker, the user should place the walker one step ahead, move the injured or painful leg to the middle, and then bring the stronger leg to meet it, taking small, slow steps.
The safest way for a user to sit down is to back up to the chair, feel for the seat, and lower themselves slowly down. To stand, they should push up with their arms and grasp the walker's handgrips. Avoid using the walker to help stand up, as it might give way, and it is generally advisable not to use a walker on stairs or escalators.
Takeaway
Aging brings about chronic conditions that can complicate mobility, and falls can cause significant injuries. However, with assistive devices like canes and walkers, older adults and individuals with disabilities can maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls.
Understanding when to opt for a cane or a walker depends on balancing the level of support needed, daily habits, and cost considerations. With the right assistive device, mobility challenges can become a thing of the past.
-Seniors with chronic medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, heart diseases, or lung diseases may find walkers more beneficial due to their increased stability and ability to shift weight away from lower body parts.-Choosing a cane over a walker can be suitable for seniors with mild balance issues or arthritis in the lower limbs, but a three-legged cane might be preferable for those experiencing one-sided muscle weakness or significant balance issues.-Upgrading to a walker might be necessary for seniors who have undergone total knee or hip replacement or have more pronounced balance and mobility problems. For such individuals, a four-wheeled walker, or rollator, could provide an advantage due to its additional features like a seat and basket.-Health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and various therapies and treatments can help manage and potentially prevent some chronic diseases, consequently reducing the need for assistive devices like canes and walkers.-Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, especially for seniors, as a balanced diet can help manage chronic diseases and improve mobility. CBD is a popular alternative treatment option for seniors with chronic pain, but further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential drawbacks.-Individuals on Medicare may be eligible for financial assistance to purchase or rent canes and walkers, as they are considered durable medical equipment.-To avoid accidents and ensure safety when using a cane or a walker, it's essential to maintain proper posture, adjust the device to a comfortable wrist level, and follow specific guidelines for cane and walker usage, such as properly positioning the device while going up and down stairs.-Seniors can acquire assistive devices like canes and walkers from various sources like suppliers, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, or non-profit organizations catering to older adults or people with disabilities.-Consulting a healthcare professional, understanding one's needs, and considering the drawbacks and benefits of each device can help seniors make informed decisions when choosing between a cane or a walker.
