How to Use a Walker
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Stand up and walk:
To stand up
- Push up from the armrest of the chair or from the bed to a standing position.
- Place a firm grip on both sides of the walker with your hands.
- Move the walker forward a short distance.
- Step forward with your injured or weaker leg first, putting weight on the palms of your hands. Then take a step with your stronger leg. Keep your feet within the boundaries of the walker.
You are allowed to put ___ % amount of body weight on your injured leg.
If you are NOT permitted to bear weight on one leg, use a hopping step.
Look up to see where you are going, not always down at the floor.
To turn:
Take small steps when you turn by moving the walker a short distance, then your legs. You may also turn by walking with a walker in a big circle. This will avoid twisting the new knee joint.
To walk
To sit in a chair:
- Back up until you feel the chair against your legs.
- Place both hands on the chair arms.
- Ease down into the chair.
To go up and down stairs:
You will not be able to go up and down the stairs with your walker. Have someone carry your walker up and down the stairs for you.
To prevent falls
- Be sure your walker is in good condition. Your walker should have grooved rubber tips covering the bottom of each leg.
- Avoid throw rugs and waxed floors.
- Be careful when walking on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Wear low-heeled, tie shoes for better support.
Follow your physician's orders regarding any limits on your activities.
Using a walker on a curb step
To step UP on a curb
- Walk up close to the curb.
- Place the walker up on curb.
- Push down on walker with your hands.
- Step up with the stronger leg.
- Then step up with the injured leg.
Alternative method to step UP on a curb
- Back up close to the curb.
- Push down on walker with your hands.
- Step up with the stronger leg.
- Then step up with the injured leg.
- Lift walker onto the curb.
To step DOWN off a curb
- Walk up close to the edge of the curb.
- Place walker down on the ground.
- Step down with the injured leg.
- Push down on the walker with your hands.
- Then step down with the stronger leg.
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