Walking frame

A walking frame is an aid for people who have difficulty walking independently. A walking frame is very stable and provides a lot of support. However, the frame must be lifted and moved forward each time. Therefore this walking aid is less suitable for longer distances.

Who is a walking frame suitable for?

A walking frame is especially useful for people who cannot walk independently. This may be the case if:

• They are missing a leg due to an amputation.
• There are balance problems.
• There is a higher risk of falling.
• There are weak leg muscles.
• They cannot or may not load one or both legs due to a severe injury or operation.
• They cannot walk well with a rollator due to a disease such as Parkinson's, because they push it too far ahead of them.

It is quite heavy and tiring to walk with a walking frame, because it has to be lifted every time. The walking frame is therefore only suitable for walking small distances in and around the house. In addition, you cannot move quickly and you are not very manoeuvrable. The walking frame must increasingly make way for a rollator, which, in general, is easier to use.

What does a walking frame look like?

A walking frame is a lightweight frame with four anti-slip feet. The frame is usually made of aluminium. The legs are height-adjustable and can be adapted to the height of the user. There are also walking frames that have 2 wheels on the front. As a result, the entire walking frame does not have to be lifted every time.

On top of the frame, there are two handles to hold on to and lean on. Some walking frames are foldable to make them easier to store or take with you in the car.

How do you use a walking frame correctly?

Place the frame a little forward and then step with one leg between the rear feet. Lean on the walking frame as much as necessary. When there is one leg that can or may be less well loaded, first place this leg forward. Then put the other leg next to or just past the first leg. Then place the walking frame forward again.

If you only have one leg, or if a leg may not be loaded at all, then walking goes roughly the same way. Instead of stepping to the walking frame, you hop.

Pay attention to the following when walking with a walking frame:

• Make sure the frame is adjusted to the correct height. You do this by letting the arms hang relaxed next to the body. The handles must be at the same height as the wrists. You adjust the legs by pressing in the pin and sliding the legs in or out. Make sure the legs are properly locked after adjustment.
• Lift the walking frame well so that it does not get caught on anything.
• Do not place the frame too far forward.
• Try to walk as upright as possible.