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Walking Aids

 

Many people - who would in no way class themselves as disabled - have mobility problems when it comes to walking more than a few yards. Maybe it’s a bad knee from that old sport injury, or a hip twinge that just won’t go away. Even back problems can cause issues when walking; trapped nerves or sciatica can cause pretty painful times when walking that may well be alleviated by using a walking aid. These vary from simple walking sticks that are available in a plethora of lengths, weights and grips to more substantial arm-crutches for even greater support. A typical example of a modern arm-crutch is shown to the right.

Walking frames

 

Walking frames are also available in a huge variety of types but can be classified into two basic types - non-wheeled and wheeled. The classic ‘Zimmer frame’ is now used as a generic term for all walking frames, although the name ‘Zimmer’ is in fact a trade name. It’s just passed into generic term history along with the likes of Hoover and Biro. Since the first frames were invented things have changed a lot - frames are now even lighter, wheeled ones have brakes for safety, frames have seats incorporated so the user can have a sit down whnever they feel like it - and they come in different  colours!

 

I’m sure you have all seen cartoons about using Zimmer frames and they have long been an item to chuckle about. And yet, for literally millions of people the World over, this simple tool has often meant the difference between staying mobile and retaining at least some independence and being relegated to a chair bu a window, wistfully watching the rest of the world go by. So we say more power to its elbow and long may it go on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left: Wheeled walker with braked wheels. Above: simpler walker with braked wheels and integral seat.

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