Walking Aids
A walking aid is one of several devices a patient may be issued in order to improve their walking pattern, balance or safety while mobilising independently. They can also be a means of transferring weight from the upper limb to the ground, in cases where reducing weightbearing through the lower limb is desired.
Walking aids fall into multiple categories (single- and multipoint, tripod or quadruped) and include the following:
The tip of each should have a rubber ferrule to prevent the walking aid from slipping, with some ferrules being depressed to form a vacuum when it comes into contact with the ground. The ferrule should not be worn or cracked and should fit well onto the point of the walking aid.
