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Anyone May Need to Use a Walking Aid

By Tom Herrin

Most people have a time in which they have an injury that may be temporary in nature and requires the use of some kind of walking aid.  When they have those ankle turns or toe stubs, they may choose to avoid any kind of additional injury by walking on an injured part.  While there may be other reasons as well, it is a good idea for people to know how to use walking aids.  Many people have some kind around that house as well.  As a part of a preparedness plan, it is not a bad idea to have something.

Different Kinds of Walking Aids Serve Different Purposes

All walking aids are not created equal nor are they made for the same intended purpose.  Many people use walkers.  Others have relied on canes for years.  They are good for those who may either have minor problems with balance or be recovering from an injury and are working toward recovery with slight pressure.  The most common walking aid is probably crutches.  Most people are somewhat familiar with them and how they work.  Almost all children who have had the opportunity to try a pair have attempted to use them.  Using them correctly is another thing.

Walkers Come in a Lot of Varieties

"As seen on television" seems to be a phrase people hear about quite often.  There are all kinds of walkers available.  Some are very traditional, while some have rollers, and still others are designed with different shapes so that people may be able to stand upright.  It is better to stand upright rather than bend over.  This slumping may add to or cause additional problems.  When using any of these walkers, a person should make every effort to stand straight and have the arms slightly bent.  The point is to be able to support more of their weight over the walker and save wear on the lower part of the body.  As they improve, they may begin to shift more of their weight onto the lower part.

Be a Good Scout

Most of us know of the old scout motto of being prepared.  As we prepare better, it may help to have some of these walking aids.  Once when I was working in a small school, we had a teenage girl get injured on the playground area.  We couldn't find any crutches so I had to get a two-wheel dolly to bring her in.  We bought some crutches after that.  Another thing we can all do is make our homes safer by checking to see if we have any potentially hazardous things around.  It can also be a fun job for children to help with.  Let us all be better prepared to protect our health.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Redmond, Wash.

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