Treatments - Walking Aids

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

> Reduce weight bearing through lower limb
Re-educate gait
Improve balance + reduce risk of falling
Build Confidence
(Acute vs. Chronic conditions)

Question 2

Precautions

Answer 2

> Aid

• ferrules/feet - good grip/condition
• structure
• sized for patient (think about use with footwear)

Question 3

Sticks

Answer 3

> 1st choice

• high level balance (have higher stick to prevent leaning on stick - parkinsons disease especially)
• Relief of pain (ergonomic handle for arthritic pain)

> Opposite hand to affected leg
Use chair to sit/stand then pick up stick

Question 4

Elbow Crutches

Answer 4

> 2nd Choice
- high level balance
- pain relief
- post-op
Sit/ stand - H frame + one hand on chair
Stairs - Good leg to heaven/Bad leg to hell

2 point gait - leg + aids simultaneously
3 point gait - sticks then leg
4 point gait - crutch then opposite leg on both sides

Question 5

Frames

Answer 5

> Zimmer frame 
- mostly used post op (extra balance but hard to move)
> Wheeled Zimmer
- less picking up but still heavy 
> Pulpit/Gutter frame 
- take weight off upper limb 
- Poor trunk stability 
> Delta Frame 
- more manoeuvrable 
- brakes to aid stopping 
> Stroller 
- More stable than delta frame
- brakes for stopping 
- seat to rest on if tired 
(Zimmers aren't good for PD as require too much initiation)

Question 6

Measuring height

Answer 6

> Ulna styloid in 15-20 degrees elbow flexion
greater trochanter if person has long arms
(add little extra for crutches - don’t go straight down)
Gutter/pulpit frames - elbow height
Higher for PD - prevent flexed position

+ stood/lying straight
+ shoes
+ ferrules