Utilizing Mobility Aids: Understanding the Differences Between Walkers and Canes for Optimal Support
Choosing between a cane and a walker for older adults or those with disabilities can be dependent on the degree of support required. These mobility aids serve to alleviate balance and mobility issues, enabling individuals to maintain their independence and lessen the risk of falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a common concern for older adults, as they can result in serious muscle and bone injuries. Assistive devices can help mitigate these risks and promote mobility.
Table 1 provides a comparison of canes and walkers, categorizing their advantages, drawbacks, common conditions, and costs:
| Device | Pros | Cons | Conditions | Cost ||-------------|--------------------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------|| 1-legged Cane| -Enhanced balance support| -Designed for minimal weight bearing| -Mild balance issues, mild to moderate arthritis| $10-$40 || 3-4 legged Cane | -Extra balance support| -Weight and size may be cumbersome| -One-sided muscle weakness, more significant issues with balance| $15-$40 || Standard Walker | -High stability | -No wheels | -Conditions affecting muscles or nerves, fractures | $20-$60 || 2-4 wheeled Walker | -Easy to move | -Less stability | -Issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions slowing mobility like heart or lung diseases | $35-$100 |
Choosing an Assistive Aid: Canes vs. Walkers
For individuals with minor balance or stability issues, or experiencing weakness in their legs or trunk, a cane can provide adequate support. These devices are adjusted to accommodate the user and can have one to four legs for added strength.
-helps with balance-adjustable
In cases of total knee or hip replacement surgery or more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker might be more appropriate. Walkers offer four-legged support and require the use of both hands.
-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
Users may also attach additional features, such as wrist or arm supports, to canes and walkers to increase comfort during usage.
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
Types of Mobility Aids
$10-$40
Standard canes are typically made of wood or aluminum, with a rubber tip and a hook-shaped or flat handle. They tend to be best suited for users requiring minimal assistance.
Canes with three or four legs can stand independently and provide greater stability for someone experiencing pain on one side. Some multi-legged canes, known as "sit-to-stand" canes, also offer an additional grip, assisting with getting up or sitting down.
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
There are also three types of walkers available to cater to different needs:
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
- A standard walker has four rubber-tipped legs, providing greater stability but requiring a person to lift it for each step.
- A two-wheeled walker has front wheels and back sliders, making it easier to maneuver albeit with less stability.
- A four-wheeled walker, or rollator, offers more natural movement, comes equipped with features such as brakes, a seat, and a basket, though it may require more coordination and be heavier to handle.
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
Is a Walker Better Than a Cane?
$15-$40
Effective cane usage necessitates an individual possessing sufficient strength to walk with it consistently and securely while maintaining balance. Although a cane can assist with minor balance problems, it requires a person to maintain their balance by themselves. They must also coordinate the cane with their arm while walking.
Walkers, however, are more appropriate when an individual experiences a more substantial balance impairment. While using a walker, a person can distribute some or all of their body weight away from their lower body while moving, using their arms to help support their body weight as their strength and endurance improve.
-stable-foldable
Determining whether to employ a walker or cane depends on factors like balance improvement, endurance, strength, the doctor's recommendation, and an individual's daily activities.
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
Where to Acquire Mobility Aids
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
Individuals can purchase mobility aids directly from suppliers or acquire them through a clinic, hospital, insurance company, or a non-profit organization for older adults or those with disabilities.
$20-$60
Cost Comparison
Canes generally cost between $10 and $40, while walkers can be a little more expensive, ranging from $20 to $100. Medicare considers walkers and canes as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and enables individuals to rent or buy these devices if they are medically necessary and are used at home. The service provider must be Medicare-approved, and a doctor accepting Medicare must write the prescription.
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
Safe Cane and Walker Usage
-less stable than standard-not foldable
Regardless of the chosen mobility aid, safety is paramount. When using a cane or a walker:
-issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases
- Ensuring the handle is at wrist level and keeping arms relaxed.
- Maintaining an upright posture without leaning forward and aiming to keep arms slightly bent.
$35-$100
Cane Safety Tips
- Holding the cane on the opposite side of the injured or painful leg while standing and placing the cane ahead when walking.
- When using stairs, placing the stronger leg first while holding the handrail when going up, and placing the weaker leg and the cane down first when going down.
Walker Safety Guidelines
- When using a walker, placing it ahead, moving the injured or painful leg to the middle, and then bringing the stronger leg to meet it while taking slow, small steps.
- Sitting down safely by backing up to a chair while feeling for the seat and lowering oneself slowly down. To stand, pushing up with arms while grasping the walker's handgrips is recommended, as using the walker to help stand up may cause it to give way. Avoid using a walker on stairs or escalators.
The correct choice between a walker or a cane depends on the level of support required due to various medical conditions. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their mobility assistance needs and maintain their independence while lessening the risk of falls during old age.
- For those with mild balance or stability issues, or weak legs or trunk, a cane can offer adequate support, especially with its adjustable features.
- In cases of more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker might be more suitable as it offers four-legged support and requires both hands for use.
- Users might find additional comfort during usage by attaching wrist or arm supports to canes and walkers.
- Canes tend to be lightweight and inexpensive compared to walkers, making them a good option for individuals requiring minimal assistance.
- Besides standard canes, multi-legged canes, such as "sit-to-stand" canes, provide more balance support and can help with getting up or sitting down.
- Walkers, while more suitable for people with more substantial balance impairment, require an individual to have enough strength and coordination for use. They may come with added features like brakes, seats, and baskets for comfort and convenience.
