Gait Aids

Abstract

Gait aids such as canes, crutches, and walkers can be used to increase a patient’s base of support, improve balance, and increase activities and independence. Selection of a suitable gait aid depends on the patient’s strength, endurance, balance, cognitive function, and environmental demands. Before choosing a gait aid, the patient should be evaluated to define whether one or both upper extremities are required to achieve balance or weight bearing. Patients requiring only one upper extremity can use a cane, while patients requiring both upper extremities are best served by crutches or walkers. Cane can help redistribute weight from a lower extremity that is weak or painful, improve stability by increasing the base of support, and provide tactile information about the ground to improve balance. Crutches are useful for patients who need to use their arms for weight bearing and propulsion and not just for balance. Walkers improve stability in those with lower extremity weakness or poor balance and facilitate improved mobility by increasing the patient’s base of support and supporting the patient’s weight. When measuring the gait aid, anatomic landmarks and the angle of elbow must be taken into consideration. Clinicians should routinely evaluate their patients’ gait aids to ensure proper height, fit, and maintenance, and also counsel patients on correct use of the device to achieve optimal benefit from proper gait aids.