Walking Aids Guide: Choosing the Right Mobility Aid for You

Choosing the right walking aid can significantly improve your mobility, confidence, and independence. However, with so many options available, it can be confusing to know which is best for you. This guide will help you understand the different types and make an informed choice.

Why walking aids matter

The right walking aid provides:

• Improved balance and stability
• Reduced fall risk
• Decreased pain when walking
• Increased confidence
• Greater independence
• Ability to walk further distances

However, using the wrong type of aid, or using it incorrectly, can actually increase fall risk and cause other problems.

Types of walking aids

1. Walking sticks (canes)

Best for: Mild balance problems, slight weakness, or pain on one side

Support level: Low to moderate

Standard walking stick

• Single point of contact with ground
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Good for mild support needs
• Easy to use on stairs
• Can be folded for storage

Quad stick (four-point stick)

• Four feet provide more stability
• Better for moderate balance problems
• Stands upright when released
• Heavier than standard stick
• More difficult on stairs

Fischer stick

• Ergonomic handle reduces wrist strain
• Angled design for better weight distribution
• Good for arthritis in hands

2. Crutches

Best for: Temporary use after injury or surgery, when you cannot weight-bear on one leg

Support level: High

Elbow crutches (forearm crutches)

• Cuff around forearm for support
• More maneuverable than axillary crutches
• Require good upper body strength
• Commonly used in UK

Axillary crutches (underarm crutches)

• Support under armpit
• Better for people with weak arms
• Less common in UK
• Can cause nerve damage if used incorrectly

3. Walking frames (Zimmer frames)

Best for: Significant balance problems, weakness, or recovery from surgery

Support level: High

Standard walking frame (pick-up frame)

• Must be lifted with each step
• Very stable
• Good for severe balance problems
• Slow walking speed
• Requires good arm strength
• Difficult to use outdoors

Wheeled walking frame (rollator)

• Wheels on front legs (two-wheeled) or all legs (four-wheeled)
• Faster walking speed than pick-up frame
• Less stable than pick-up frame
• Easier to use, less tiring
• Can roll away if not controlled

4. Rollators (wheeled walkers)

Best for: Moderate balance problems, fatigue, or needing to walk longer distances

Support level: Moderate

Three-wheeled rollator

• More maneuverable indoors
• Lighter weight
• Less stable than four-wheeled
• No seat

Four-wheeled rollator

• Most popular type
• Includes seat for resting
• Storage basket
• Hand brakes
• Good for outdoor use
• Folds for transport

How to choose the right walking aid

Consider your needs

Ask yourself:

• Balance: How steady are you on your feet?
• Strength: Can you support your weight through your arms?
• Pain: Do you have pain in one or both legs?
• Fatigue: Do you get tired when walking?
• Distance: How far do you need to walk?
• Environment: Mainly indoors, outdoors, or both?
• Stairs: Do you need to manage stairs?
• Transport: Do you need to fit it in a car?

General guidelines

Correct height adjustment

Incorrect height is one of the most common problems with walking aids.

For walking sticks and crutches

1. Stand upright wearing your usual shoes
2. Let your arms hang naturally by your sides
3. The top of the stick/crutch should be level with your wrist crease
4. When holding the handle, your elbow should be slightly bent (about 15-20 degrees)

For walking frames and rollators

1. Stand upright inside the frame
2. The handles should be at wrist height
3. Your elbows should be slightly bent when holding the handles
4. You should not need to stoop or reach up

Signs of incorrect height

• Too high: Shoulders hunched, difficulty bearing weight through the aid
• Too low: Stooping, back pain, looking down at the ground

How to use walking aids correctly

Using a walking stick

• Hold the stick in the hand opposite to your weak or painful leg
• Move the stick forward at the same time as your weak leg
• Take equal-sized steps
• Look ahead, not down at your feet
• Keep the stick close to your body

Using a walking frame

• Stand upright inside the frame
• Lift and place the frame forward (about 30cm)
• Step forward with your weaker leg first
• Bring your stronger leg to meet it
• Do not step too far into the frame
• Do not lean heavily on the frame

Using a rollator

• Stand upright, not leaning forward
• Keep the rollator close to your body
• Walk inside the frame, not behind it
• Use the brakes when stopping or sitting
• Take regular breaks using the seat

Managing stairs with walking aids

With a walking stick

Going up: Good leg first, then stick and weak leg together

Going down: Stick and weak leg first, then good leg

Remember: "Up with the good, down with the bad"

With a walking frame

Walking frames cannot be used on stairs. You will need:

• A walking stick for stairs
• A second frame at the top of the stairs
• To use the handrail instead
• A stairlift if stairs are too difficult

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the wrong type: Too much or too little support
• Incorrect height: Causes poor posture and pain
• Wrong hand for stick: Should be opposite to weak leg
• Walking behind a rollator: Increases fall risk
• Not using brakes: Rollator can roll away
• Worn ferrules: Rubber tips must be replaced when worn
• Using when not needed: Can weaken muscles unnecessarily

Maintenance and safety checks

Check your walking aid regularly:

• Ferrules (rubber tips): Replace when worn or split
• Height adjustment: Ensure it has not slipped
• Brakes (rollators): Test they work properly
• Wheels: Check for wear and smooth rolling
• Frame: Look for cracks or damage
• Handles: Ensure they are secure

Where to get walking aids

NHS provision

• Available through physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Usually basic models
• May be second-hand
• Free of charge
• Can take time to arrange

Private purchase

• Pharmacies and mobility shops
• Online retailers
• More choice of styles and features
• Immediate availability
• Cost varies (£15-£200+)

Hire

• Good for short-term needs
• Try before buying
• British Red Cross offers loan service

Features to consider

For walking sticks

• Adjustable height
• Comfortable handle (foam or ergonomic)
• Folding mechanism for storage
• Wrist strap
• Weight (lighter is easier)

For rollators

• Seat height and comfort
• Brake type (easy to use)
• Basket size
• Weight (for lifting into car)
• Folding mechanism
• Indoor vs outdoor wheels

When to progress or change aids

Signs you need more support

• Feeling unsteady despite using your current aid
• Having falls or near-falls
• Avoiding activities due to feeling unsafe
• Pain or fatigue when using current aid

Signs you may need less support

• Feeling very stable with your current aid
• Not really needing to lean on it
• Improved balance and strength
• Confidence has increased

The role of professional assessment

A professional mobility and falls prevention assessment ensures:

• You get the right type of aid for your needs
• Correct height adjustment
• Proper technique training
• Regular review as your needs change
• Advice on progression

Many people use walking aids incorrectly or use the wrong type, which can do more harm than good. Professional guidance is invaluable.

The bottom line

Choosing the right walking aid involves considering:

• Your balance, strength, and mobility needs
• Where you will use it (indoors, outdoors, or both)
• Correct height adjustment
• Proper technique
• Regular maintenance and safety checks
• Reviewing your needs as they change

The right walking aid, properly adjusted and used correctly, can significantly improve your mobility, confidence, and quality of life. Do not hesitate to seek professional advice to ensure you have the best solution for your needs.

About the author

Lizzie Thornton is a specialist community physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience in falls prevention and mobility assessment. She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Lizzie has helped hundreds of people find the right walking aid and use it safely through home physiotherapy visits across Staffordshire Moorlands and Cheshire East.

View Lizzie's profile