Improving Abnormal Gait & an Occupational Therapist's Role: Walkers, Canes & Crutches

With age, we all experience complications associated with our inability to walk. Whether this complication is attributed to an injury or an illness, or simply due to abnormal gait associated with age, it is the decrease in mobility that can leave you feeling frustrated and full of anxiety.

When complications in walking and balancing occur, we often try creative ways to remedy the complication. Also known as an abnormal gait, we will rectify this complication in walking and balancing by holding onto the back of chairs, using walls to assist with balance and even, in the worse of scenarios, attempt to crawl.

As we age, the use of medical assistive devices becomes more common. With abnormal gait, we begin to rely upon crutches, walkers and even canes to aide in balancing and increasing our independence and mobility. Often, this use of assistive walking devices is long term.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from an abnormal gait, there are some points to consider before purchasing an assistive walking device. Simply heading out to your local medical supply company, purchasing a can, and returning home will not improve your abnormal gait. The reason? Because each assistive walking device is designed to fulfill a specific need.

For example, a cane, which is the most commonly used medical assistive walking device is best used in those individuals who have a relatively normal gait in terms of balance and may only need assistance with one extremity while walking.

In contrast, the individual who experiences a greater complication with both lower extremities, but still able to maintain balance, may want to use crutches; forearm crutches are most commonly seen.

For those who experience abnormal gait associated with not only complications of the lower extremities but also complications with balance, the walker is usually the best choice.