Friday, February 15, 2008

Rolling Walker and Their Benefits (Thomas Howard)

Arthritis can cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain primarily in the joints, or in worse cases, may include the bones and muscles. Chronic arthritis is only one of the several causes of lost independence and mobility to certain individuals.

For these physically unfortunate people, mobility aids will somehow bring back the hopeful smiles on their faces. Mobility aids, such as rolling walkers, can offer supplemental support to make up for the person's lost strength, and thus helps him/her remain active despite the physical inadequacies.

Rolling walkers are beneficial in several ways. Aside from increasing one's autonomy and keeping him/her physically mobile, such mobility assistance devices are available in stylish designs and colors so you can nicely use them outdoors.

Walkers with rolling wheels work best on flat surfaces and living facilities. Because of their customized trendy designs, they make preferable mobility aids when strolling in the parks or shopping in the malls.

Some individuals opt for a three-wheeled lightweight and easily maneuvered walker. However for greater stability, rolling walkers generally feature four wheels (a.k.a. rollators) with hand brakes for stopping or slowing down the walker. More luxurious (and of course, much expensive) types of rolling walkers include baskets and padded seats.

Leading manufacturers of mobility assistance devices, such as Nova, Guardian, and Invacare, give you the option to have your rolling walker customized according to your preferences. You may have some additional accessories included in your walker, such as cup holder, tray, tote bag, dangling walker bag, or travel bag. Indeed, such features and its attractive design make a wheeled walker one chic mobility aid.

When finding for a wheeled walker, go for one that is steel-made or is made of another strong metal to withstand a relatively huge amount of weight. Comfort grips must also be carefully considered. At the base of the rolling walker, rubber grips are available to ensure a secure and easy use of walker on carpets and tiles. Certain walkers feature built-in folded seats that are useful when the person can no longer walk any farther. He may opt to sit on the walker and use it like that of a wheelchair.

Learning to move around with a wheeled walker may be difficult at first. But after some practice, one will be able to walk around pretty easily with the walker. With a wheeled walker as a mobility aid, the person gains more freedom, and his general health and mood will also be improved. The individual will no longer feel too dependent, adding more self-confidence, and allowing him to socialize more with other persons around and go out of the house more often than before.

Individuals who are steady on their feet and are still able to move about but have a little difficulty with balance are the ones who should especially consider using these mobility walkers with wheels. Whether a rolling or a standard traditional walker, choose one mobility aid that will most suit your lifestyle. Also, a healthcare professional should be consulted in using a walker, whether a conventional walker or a rolling walker.

Visit www.usmedicalsupplies.com for a complete selection of rolling walkers and other home medical equipment.

No comments: