Rolling Walkers
Rolling walkers are a very common and helpful type of walking aid used by many people with weak legs or those who don't always require a wheelchair. Rolling walkers are also often used by the elderly. The rolling walker is designed to provide support so the person using it can maintain their balance and relieve their legs from some of their weight. Rolling walkers are also ideal for people who are recuperating from leg or back injuries and are still a little unsteady on their feet.
A rolling walker is basically a frame that is about waist high and has wheels on its legs. Rollers with smaller wheels are built for indoor use; while those with larger wheels are ideal for outdoor travel. A walker is usually slightly wider than the person using it and it is about a foot deep.
A person walks with the rolling walker in front of them with the frame of the walker surrounding their front and sides. Some walkers also have padded seats built into them. A rolling walker will enable you to keep your balance along with improving your posture at the same time. The walker will give you adequate support to help you from tiring quickly. If you do get tired while using your walker you can rest by sitting on the seat. You can also carry items with you while using a rolling walker by getting one with a front basket attached. Other accessories for rolling walkers include drink holders and plastic trays.
Make sure your rolling walker is the right size for you. You shouldn't have to reach or bend too far to use one. Your wrists should line up with the top of the walker's handles. You should also make sure the seat is the right height for you. If your knees are bent 90 degrees or more when sitting down, the seat is too low and you may have difficulty when you try to stand up.
Rolling walkers are designed to hold a specific amount of weight so make sure your walker can handle your body weight. The walkers themselves are relatively lightweight and generally range in weight from about 10 to 30 lbs. Heavier walkers are more stable and lighter models are easier to pack, store and transport. Rollers come in various sizes, styles, designs, shapes and materials. They can be found in rigid models and foldable models.
When selecting a walker, keep the following in mind:
Size - Your wrists should meet the top of the handles of the walker, you shouldn't have to reach for them.
Seat Height - If your knees are bent 90 degrees or more when seated, the seat is too low and you will have difficulty standing up.
Wheel Size - Rollators generally have four wheels. Larger wheels will allow smooth outdoor travel, while small wheels are suited for indoors.
Accessories - Can include baskets, removable plastic trays, cup holders and more.
Weight Support - Should support a little more than the user's weight in order to transport items in the basket. Lightweight models will support up to 200 pounds, and heavy-duty models up to 400 pounds.
Walkers Weight - Range from 10 to 30 pounds. Heavier means more stable, but light means easy to pack and transport.
