Aids For Wandering

Aid devices for ambulation.
Devices that assist ambulation are often needed to eliminate or reduce the load on a lower
extremity after an injury. The amount of weight that is reduced depends on the type of device and
the patient's training.
Canes.
Canes can be of various types including straight canes and with wide or narrow bases and have
various grip possibilities and accessories.
A cane with a wide base (tripod) allows weight bearing to be reduced after a lower extremity
fracture as the weight is transferred through the cane to the upper extremity. 30º of elbow flexion is
needed to push and bear weight on the cane. The proximal part of the stick should reach the height
of the greater trochanter. It will be used on the side contralateral to the fracture.
Crutches.
Crutches can be of an antebrachial (Canadian crutch or cane) or axillary design. Crutches can
completely eliminate weight bearing on the lower extremity during ambulation.
Crutches also reduce weight load.
Note: Avoid neuropathy due to axillary, antebrachial or median nerve compression in the carpal
tunnel.
Walkers.
A walker offers a large base of support (four legs) and the ability to reduce the load on the injured
lower extremity. It is the indicated element for elderly patients.
Walkers and crutches with platform.
This device is used when the patient cannot offload the upper extremity due to an associated injury.
The load is transferred through the elbow.
When it comes to helping a patient with mobility problems, we are presented with two types
of solutions. Some, for transfer and mobilization, such as the medley, the trapeze or the crane
. Others, which we will see below, for ambulation, such as canes, crutches or walkers.
The Canes
Canes serve to facilitate ambulation, since they increase the base of support and, therefore, stability
in walking. In addition, it helps distribute the weight of the person using it, reducing the load on the
legs.
They are usually made of wood or aluminum and must be adjustable in height , since the ideal one
is the one from the patient's hip to the floor. In addition to conventional canes, there are others with
several support points that increase the support base, thus providing greater stability.
The correct way to use a cane is to hold it with your dominant hand (the one with the greatest
strength). Starting from a standing position with feet together, the cane user must first advance the
cane, then the opposite leg and finish by advancing the other foot, remaining back in the initial
position.
The crutches
They have the same function as canes and are based on the same principle, although these are
used when functional deficits are greater, as they provide more stability.
If only one crutch is used, the use will be the same as that of the cane.
If two crutches are used, there are different types of walking :
• In four points : one of the crutches is advanced, then the opposite foot, followed by the other
crutch, and ending with the other foot (patients who have little strength in both legs).
• In three points : the two crutches are brought forward first, followed by the leg in which you
have less strength, and finally, the other foot (patients who have all the strength in one leg).
• In two points: one crutch and the opposite foot are raised simultaneously, and then the other
crutch and the opposite foot (patients with weakness in both legs, but strength in both arms).
The walkers
They are indicated for those patients who have little stability or are afraid of falls, since they provide
security and greatly increase stability.
There are two kinds :
• Walker with built-in wheels : they facilitate mobility, although they are less safe, since they can
cause falls due to the movement of the wheels not controlled by the user.
• Walkers without wheels. There are two kinds:
• Stationary : they have a fixed structure. Movement occurs in two stages, first advancing the
walker and then the legs.
• Reciprocals : They bend allowing one side to advance before the other.

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Aid devices for ambulation.

Walkers and crutches with platform.

If two crutches are used, there are different types of walking :

There are two kinds :

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