Your guide to mobility walking aids
According to recent research, an estimated 14.6 million people in the UK had a disability in 2020/21: this represents 22% of the total population, with mobility being the most frequently reported impairment type (46%).
Many medical conditions can cause a reduction in mobility: some are age-related, and others result from surgeries, accidents or other physical and neurological impairments.
With mobility covering a diverse range of impairments, choosing a mobility walking aid can be difficult if you don’t know how each device works.
That’s where Millercare comes in! We’ve created the perfect guide to mobility walking aids. Today, we’ll help you get to grips with the five most widely-used mobility devices, how they can benefit the body and recommend top brands you should consider.
What should I consider when choosing a walking aid?
Before we break down the different types of mobility walking aids, we must ask ourselves: what factors are most important to consider before finalising a purchase? Below, we’ve some of the most crucial things to keep in mind:
Level of support required
Consider how much support you need while walking. If you need significant help, a walking frame or rollator may be a better choice. A walking stick or tri-walker may be sufficient if you need only minimal assistance from your mobility aid.
Mobility needs
Think about where you will be using your walking aid. If you need to navigate tight spaces or narrow doorways, a tri-walker may be the most appropriate aid for your situation. If you need to be able to sit down and rest while walking, a rollator with a padded seat may be a good choice.
User strength and mobility
Take your current body strength into consideration. Do you have sufficient upper body strength? You may be strong enough to control the movement of a walker, making a rollator an excellent stabiliser. If you feel off-balance when you walk, a walking frame will better fulfil your needs.
Adjustability
Ensure the walking aid can be adjusted to your height and comfort level. Most walking aids are adjustable, but it's good to check before completing your purchase.
Portability and storage
Are you always on the go? If you need to transport your walking aid frequently, consider how easy it is to fold up and store. Rollators and tri-walkers are usually the most portable, while walking frames may be harder to transport.
Cost
Lastly, consider your budget. Will you be relying on a mobility walking aid for long-term use? If you will likely use your next walking aid for several years, invest in a more costly model for increased durability. But if you’re facing more short-term mobility issues, such as recovering from surgery, you can still purchase a high-quality walking aid at a lower price.
Adjustability
Ensure the walking aid can be adjusted to your height and comfort level. Most walking aids are adjustable, but it's good to check before completing your purchase.
Portability and storage
Are you always on the go? If you need to transport your walking aid frequently, consider how easy it is to fold up and store. Rollators and tri-walkers are usually the most portable, while walking frames may be harder to transport.
Cost
Lastly, consider your budget. Will you be relying on a mobility walking aid for long-term use? If you will likely use your next walking aid for several years, invest in a more costly model for increased durability. But if you’re facing more short-term mobility issues, such as recovering from surgery, you can still purchase a high-quality walking aid at a lower price.
">5 main types of mobility walking aids
Rollators
Rollators, also known as wheeled walkers, are walking aids with wheels on all four legs. They also usually have a padded seat, backrest, and hand brakes!
Rollators are an excellent choice for people who need extra support and stability while walking but also need to take the occasional break. Rollators are easy to manoeuvre and provide a stable support base for outdoor and indoor walking.
Rollators are best suited for people with good upper body strength and can use the hand brakes to control the movement of the rollator. They are also a good choice for people who find it difficult to carry items while walking, as the padded seat can be a resting place for bags and other essentials.
Products like the Days 100 Series Lightweight Rollator have a built-in seat, encouraging rests during lengthier walks and ergonomic hand grips for optimal control.
Tri-Walkers
Tri-walkers, or ‘three-wheeled walkers’, are walking aids with three wheels and a single handlebar. They are easy to manoeuvre and can be used indoors and outdoors. Tri-Walkers can be fantastic for people who need support while walking but like to move quickly and easily.
Tri-Walkers are best suited for people with good balance and can control the walker's movement with one hand. They are also excellent for people who need to navigate tight spaces, as the narrow design of the walker allows it to fit through doorways and around corners.
The Uniscan Triumph is a terrific example of a first-class tri-walker, with a lightweight frame that folds flat, a rest seat, a caddy with cover and a walking stick holder.
Walking Frames
Commonly called Zimmer frames, walking frames have four legs and no wheels. Their handlebars help reduce the risk of falls by providing a stable base of support for the user.
Walking frames encourage better posture and balance while walking, which can help to reduce pain and improve overall bodily function. The adjustable height also ensures that the walking frame is at the correct level for the user, further aiding balance and posture.
Depending on your needs and the model you choose, walking frames have carrying compartments, like baskets or storage departments: this is particularly helpful for people who need to carry items such as groceries or medical supplies while out and about.
Models like the Drive DeVilbiss Folding Walking Frame are made from a foldable, lightweight aluminium frame for maximum convenience. If you’re always moving, you can choose an easy-to-operate frame that provides sturdy support and can be transported to suit your needs.
Walking Sticks
Walking sticks are one of the most common mobility aids that help with balance, stability and posture.
The stick provides an additional point of contact with the ground, reducing the risk of falls and improving your general sense of stability: this is particularly helpful for people with balance issues or weakness in one leg or side.
Walking sticks also encourage better posture and balance. They help to redistribute weight away from the weaker leg or side, reducing pain and discomfort in the lower limbs and back.
As a popular mobility aid, the walking stick market is full of versatile products. Countless handles and grips are available to suit different health requirements: this allows for greater comfort and functionality, as the user can choose a handle that best fits their grip and hand size.
Crutches
Crutches can significantly boost the mobility of people with lower limb injuries or disabilities. By taking weight off the affected leg, crutches allow users to move around safely without putting unnecessary strain on the injury or disability.
They are a type of mobility aid typically used in short-term rehabilitation scenarios, where they can bring increased independence to those recovering from a surgery or mobility-reducing incident.
Crutches help to reduce pain in the affected leg or limb by taking weight off it while walking. Their strength can be particularly helpful during the recovery phase, as it means the injury or disability can heal without being further aggravated by weight-bearing activity.
Choose Millercare for your Mobility Walking Aids!
Don't let mobility issues hold you back from enjoying your daily activities. Investing in a mobility walking aid can significantly improve your quality of life, so why not choose a trusted brand like Millercare to help you regain your independence?
Whether you're looking for a rollator, tri-walker, walking frame, walking stick, or crutches, Millercare has plenty of options to suit your needs. Our products will provide comfort and support so you can get back on your feet in no time.
