Mobility aids is no doubt considered to be one of the essential freedoms of a human being. However, it may so happen that this freedom of an individual is curtailed due to a variety of factors like disability to walk from birth or later developed in life, severe injuries which render one paralyzed and unable to walk as well as aging individuals who may need external support to move around in their day to day lives.
Under these circumstances, people often resort to using mobility aids, which support them in moving around. There are various types of mobility aids, and one must choose the correct device suitable for their body measurements as well as requirements.
Different types of mobility aids-
The type of mobility aid one requires can be selected as well as customized according to one’s bodily needs. It depends on the type of injury as well as mobility issues. The different types of mobility aids available in the market are mentioned below.
Electric Scooters
With the urbanization and development of technology, the range of mobility aids available in the market has also upgraded to being more self-sufficient and electricity-driven.
An electric mobility scooter is similar to that of a wheelchair, the only difference being that it is designed like a motored scooter, as the name goes. These come in countable sizes like mini, small, large, befitting all weathers as well as bariatric sized. These scooters are generally used for the following purpose-
i) Walking long distances.
ii) Frequent visits to their neighborhood and local community;
iii) Requiring an alternative to a car.
Choosing the right scooter is extremely important so that it meets all your needs. The most comfortable and commonly used are the 3-wheel and the 4-wheel scooters. There are a variety of implications that need to be kept in mind prior to purchasing the right electric mobility scooter, those being- one’s height, weight, the purpose for which it is required, seating arrangement, lights, tires, etc.
Canes
In simple words, canes are wooden sticks used for walking. It lifts off a person’s weight off themselves and transmits it onto the stack, thereby providing them with better support and making it easier for them to walk. However, even though it reduces the pressure on the legs and translates the same onto the arms and wrists as one needs to grab onto the cane at all times while walking. There are different types of canes a person can choose from as per their requirement-
i) Quad canes- four-legged, offers more excellent support
ii) White canes- for virtually impaired
iii) Forearm canes- it gives extra forearm support.
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Wheel Chairs
Wheelchairs are characterized by a comfortable chair, support for the neck, and four legs in order for it to move around/ be moved around and are generally used by people who are not supposed to put any weight or pressure onto their lower limbs. It offers tremendous support to severely injured people. A motor control wheelchair gives a feeling of self-sufficiency by enabling the individual to operate it themselves.
Crutches
Crutches are put to use when one of the limbs of an individual is immobile, hence transferring the weight from the limb to the upper half of the body. Various types of crutches available are- of strand & platform: the dividing of body weight between leg and crutches; underarm- transfer of body weight to stop using limbs completely.
Walkers
Walkers assist in walking. People generally opt for walkers because of their durability and firm grip. Its 3-way supportive frame takes off any pressure/pain from the limbs, thus making it easier to walk.
Conclusion
Keeping in mind all these different types of walking aid, make sure to choose the one which matches your requirement, suits your body type, and compliments your lifestyle!
