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The Purpose of Knee Aids and How to Choose the Best Ones for You

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There are two main purposes why people are using walking equipment. One is as a long-term solution for people who have difficulty with walking and the other is as a part of a rehabilitation programme for those who are recovering from some type of operation or injury. The process of rehabilitation is a gradual progression. You may need to start with one walking aid and after a while switch to another device. The main goal of this program is to help you walk independently again without using any type of walking equipment. However, sometimes this ain't possible. Also, you may have some type of disability or illness that permanently affects your coordination, balance and legs so these are all conditions and here is when you need walking equipment for long-term use.

Walking knee aids and other walking equipment offer greater balance and stability, help maintain the right body posture, increase your confidence and redistribute the weight. However, there are plenty of knee aids available so choosing one depends on your personal problem. Some of them are walking sticks, walking frames and wheeled walkers. Here is what you need to know about them.

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Walking sticks

These walking aids are available in few different types including wooden, metal, folding sticks, walking sticks with a seat and walking seats for blind users. Sticks made of wood are the most traditional ones. You can find them in a variety of strengths and diameters designed to take different loads. On the other hand, metal sticks are stronger and are available in both types: one with fixed length and others with adjustable height. Folding sticks are very lightweight and they can be folded up for storage so you can easily carry the device into your handbag. Walking sticks with the seat are prefered choice for disabled people who need to make some rest from walking. For example, someone with a heart condition or breathing difficulties can find them very useful. The last ones are sticks for blind users. They come in white colour acting like an indicator to the environment showing that the user is partially sighted or blind.

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Walking frames

These mobility aids are a better choice for people with greater balance problems or those with weak legs. A stick will load-off 25% of the user's weight while this percentage in the frame is 64%. As in any other range of walking aids, walking frames are also available in different types but generally, they are divided into two main categories: non-wheeled and wheeled. When buying a walking frame make sure you consider the size. Some frames may be too wide to be able to pass through small doorways. Also, frames with four legs offer more stability but may be difficult to get through doorways.

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Wheeled walkers

There are three-wheeled and four-wheeled walkers. Some people find three-wheeled walkers more manoeuvrable than the four-wheeled, although they do not offer less stability. Both types feature brakes on the handle which are important to be used once you stop walking. The height of the handle can also be adjusted so you can feel comfortable and maintain a good posture. On the other hand, four-wheeled walkers allow the user to adopt a more fluent walking pattern but only if it's used properly. They are perfect for outside use but in some more adequate spaces, you can use them inside as well. No matter what type you choose, it is essential to keep your walkers into a great working condition by making a regular inspection of their mechanism.

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