Essential Guide to Orthopaedic Walking Frames ✔

• What is a walking frame?
• When do you need a walking frame?
• Benefits of using anatomical walkers

Typically, mobile walkers have four support points and are placed in front of the user so they can lean on it comfortably and with confidence. They also feature anatomical grips or handlebars for excellent grip, preventing falls and ensuring safe movement at all times.

When do you need a walking frame?

In general, there are  two types of supports for when there is a limitation in the lower limbs while walking. Axillary supports, known as orthopaedic crutches, mainly support the body through the armpits, and  forearm supports distribute the body weight between the wrists and forearms, as in the case of walkers.

For older adults who have difficulty moving, the walker becomes an essential tool for navigating daily life.

You will know that using a walker is the  solution to your limitations when other technical supports like canes and crutches are insufficient to ensure balance.

Benefits of using anatomical walkers:

Now that you have the basic knowledge about walking aids, here are the great advantages they offer, whether used indoors or outdoors.

• Provides  support and security in your walking, to prevent falls.
• Helps you stay active, there’s no excuse to stay in bed, with your mobility walker you will strengthen your muscles and improve blood circulation.
• Allows you to live with  greater autonomy by ensuring safe mobility regardless of any musculoskeletal issues or age-related conditions.
• Improves your psychomotor skills, with continuous use you’ll have better balance and stability, gaining more confidence and strengthening your self-esteem. Don’t let any limitation stop you from living life to the fullest every day.
• Using a walking frame encourages physical movement, which has excellent effects both for your body and your overall wellbeing.

Foldable Aluminium Walker

Walker with Wheels

Aluminium Walker with Seat

Padded Foldable Walker

Adjustable Walker with Seat

Adjustable Walker with Seat

Walker with Pressure Brakes

Two-Wheel Walking Frame:  These are the most commonly used, especially for older adults, their operation is simple, just drag the walker slowly with the wheels and the caps to move forward. They are typically designed for indoor use and for  people with moderate mobility who can maintain their balance. They require  less effort and you move faster and  more comfortably during your walks.

Extra Manoeuvrable Walker

Three-Wheel Walking Frame: These are less known in the market, but they provide  good stability and security when leaning on them to walk, they are recommended for outdoor use. One of their most important features is that they are narrower thanks to their three-wheel design. They are indicated for people with moderate mobility who can maintain their balance.

Rollator with Four Wheels and Handle Brake

Rollator with Four Wheels and Load Brake

Basic Foldable Walker

All-Terrain Rollator

Classic Aluminium Walker

Four-Wheel Walker Rollator: These are known as outdoor walkers, as their wheels provide smooth and secure movement over any surface. However, they are not suitable for everyone, especially if you have significant balance problems. External walkers have brakes for extra stability, and some even have a “parking brake” to lock the wheels when needed.

Premium Adult Walker

Anatomical and Modern Walker

State-of-the-Art Adjustable Walker with Seat

Adjustable Walker Height: In addition to the walking frame we’ve mentioned, there is an important feature to consider when choosing your walker, which is whether it is  adjustable in height , because this allows you to  adapt it to your body for secure and comfortable walking support. Don’t adapt to your walker, let your walker adapt to you.

Mobility Walker Accessories:

In addition to  facilitating your daily life by providing walking support, adult walkers come with a  wide variety of accessories that enhance  comfort, wellbeing, and safety in your daily life. Below are the accessories included in multi-use walkers:

• Seat with Backrest: for added comfort, allowing you to rest when needed. This accessory provides a comfortable seat on your walking frame, so you can stop and rest at your convenience.
• Shopping Bag: To make everyday shopping easier and avoid carrying multiple bags, most walking frames come with a spacious bag beneath the seat to store personal items and daily purchases, increasing your independence when you go out.
• Cane Holder: If your mobility is reduced or you always need additional support for walking, adult walkers incorporate a base in their structure to place your cane, making it accessible when you need it.
• Wheels: If you bought a two-wheel walker and now need one with four wheels, some walkers allow you to install new wheels, just ensure this option is available when purchasing.

Essential Features for Choosing the Right Walker:

Now that you have the  basic knowledge about support walkers, it’s always important to know what minimum features a walker should have to ensure it’s the right one, so you can walk with confidence. Here are the key features:

The  first point you should consider is,  YOUR NEEDS

The first question you should ask yourself is what needs you want to address with the mobility walker. You can ask yourself:  What is the extent of my limitation?, Do I need a mobility walker?, Can I substitute it with crutches?, so you have a clear idea of  why and what you need your walker for.

The  second point to consider is,  YOUR WEIGHT

When choosing a mobility walker, you should  know your weight or have an estimate to ensure that the walker can safely support your weight while walking.

The  third point to consider is  WALKER HEIGHT adjustment

To determine the proper height for your walker,  stand with your arms naturally extended and measure the distance from the fold of your wrist to the ground. That distance is the height you should choose.

The  fourth point to consider is  WIDTH of the walker

This is an important factor to ensure you can move around your usual spaces, for example, it’s advisable to  measure the width of your doors, hallways, and other places where you move around.

The fifth point to consider is  USAGE of the walker

As we mentioned in the types of orthopaedic walkers, it’s ideal to know whether you want the walker for  indoor or outdoor use , as this will determine whether you buy one with or without wheels. Walkers without wheels come with  rubber caps that are not durable on uneven surfaces, sharp edges, or large differences in height, but are ideal for indoor use. On the other hand,  walkers with wheels are perfect for any surface.

Basic Maintenance of Your Walker:

In addition to providing the best performance for walking with  firm and safe steps, adult walkers are easy to maintain, and at OrtoPrime, we provide basic tips to keep your walker in perfect condition:

• Ease of Cleaning: Thanks to their simple and ergonomic structures, adult walkers allow for quick and effective cleaning, with minimal hassle. You can clean them with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution, typically used for household cleaning.
• Wheels: If your walker has been in use for some time, the wheel screws may loosen. In such cases, simply tighten them to restore functionality. If you hear noise from the wheels, it may be due to accumulated dirt in the bearings. You should remove the wheels, clean them, and use a lubricant.
• Rubber Caps: They can be washed with mild detergent and water, and should be dried thoroughly before use to avoid accidents. When they become excessively worn, it’s important to replace them to prevent slipping.
• Brakes: If the brakes begin to fail or don't stop the walker sufficiently, it may be necessary to adjust them. This is likely due to loosening cables from frequent use, so tightening the screw that tensions the cable will ensure proper and safe braking.

Where to Buy your Walking Frame?

At OrtoPrime, we assist you in overcoming any challenges by finding the product that best suits your needs. We are a company with great experience in the orthopaedic field and technical aids for people with disabilities, special needs, or elderly individuals.

Through our online orthopaedic shop , we ensure maximum dedication to provide the best service, always striving to find the most suitable solution for you.

Visit our website OrtoPrime to discover all the products we offer in the Health and Orthopaedic section to ease your daily life. Contact us and we will solve your doubts.

Professional Contact:

• Email: support@ortoprime.com