Discharge Instructions: Using a Walker
Your healthcare provider has prescribed a walker for you. To use your walker, you need to learn a new way to walk (gait). Your healthcare provider may tell you to use a non-weight-bearing gait. This means putting no weight on one leg and foot. Or you may be told to use a weight-bearing gait. This means putting weight on both legs and feet.
Guidelines for use
Here are some general tips:
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Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and anything else that may cause you to fall.
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Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way.
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Use a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things so you keep your hands free.
Non-weight-bearing gait
To walk with this method:
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Hold your injured (weaker) foot off the floor.
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Lift the walker (roll it if you’re using a wheeled walker).
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Move the walker one step or a few inches ahead of you.
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Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.
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Swing your good (stronger) foot forward to the center or middle of the walker.
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Repeat the process.
Weight-bearing gait
To walk with this method:
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Lift the walker (roll it if you're using a wheeled walker).
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Move the walker one step or a few inches ahead of you.
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Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.
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Step forward to the center or middle of the walker with your injured leg, new joint, or weaker side first. When taking a step, don't step all the way to the front of the walker.
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Use the walker to help you keep your balance as you take the step.
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Bring your other foot forward to the center of the walker.
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Repeat the process.
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