Every body is different. Some are short, some are tall, and some need help walking. The type of assistance you need depends on many factors, such as your balance, what types of joint problems or conditions you have (such as arthritis) that affect your ability to walk, and how many legs you can stand on.
Health in Aging has a great chart to help you measure walking assistance and also how to determine what works best for you. Here’s a short, practical guide that lets you know if you need a walker or cane.
First of all, a cane is for people who:
1) You have only one “bad” knee or hip, or you only have pain in one knee or one side of the hip (this could be for many reasons, one of the most common being arthritis). They can stand on their “good leg” with a little support.
2) They have mild balance problems and only need a “third leg” to balance.
3) You have injured a foot or leg and need the cane for balance.
A walker is for people:
-Who have weak hips and knees, but can still walk with help
-Who have pain in the hips and knees, but can still walk.
-Who have moderate to severe problems with balance and need more support than a cane to avoid falling
4) Remember that if you need a walker, you may need to take the elevator as most walkers will not fit or will not help you balance on the stairs. If you have a multi-level home, you may need to accommodate your space with multiple walkers and grab bars along the stairs, or consider moving to a one-story home.
To assess what you need, you can talk to your doctor and they can help you decide what you need. They can also help you measure your proper cane or walker. Remember, your walking aid will depend on your situation, not just your health, but your height as well. Not all canes and walkers can accommodate your height, and while some are adjustable, we recommend that you get one that fits your size.
Also remember that there is no shame in needing a new tool to help you walk. As we’ve said, every body is different, and a cane or walker can help you maintain your independence and prevent serious injury from a fall.