Occasionally after surgery, injury or illness, you or your loved one may have difficulty moving around or walking. Surgical weight-bearing restrictions, weakness or balance difficulty might require you to walk with assistance or with a device to enhance your safety. Walkers are the mobility device that can help you or your loved ones walk independently and safely. That brings us to ask, how wide is a standard walker?
Getting an adjustable walker is undeniably the way to go! In this case, a Standard Walker will be a perfect choice. A Standard Walker is made of aluminum, fitted with metal frames, designed to provide support and stability for individuals with mobility issues. The four adjustable legs and a metal framework enables the walker to get set to the optimal height for the user. The two hand grips at the top rail are either softer foam or hard rubber. However, they’re replaceable. They offer a tight and comfortable grip.
Reasons for Using a Walker
- Balance – Due to injuries or age, people tend to have difficulty to remain balanced and upright. They have Postural Sway- unconscious attempt to remain upright and stable by continuously correcting muscles. The person tends to walk with the feet wide apart in an attempt to control the “sway” and remain stable. The walker provides them with a wider base for stability and support.
- Weight – Some overweight people cannot manage to tolerate their full body weight through their legs due to weakness or pain.
- Endurance – A standard walker can be used to support a person if has breathing restrictions, heart disease, or fatigues quickly
So, How Wide Is A Standard Walker?
Standard walkers come in various sizes, mostly ranging between 25″ to 29″ wide.
Therefore, consider width on narrow doorways and halls. However, there are narrower walkers measuring 22″ to 24″ wide. More so, standard walkers are 32″ – 40″ high and ideal for people between 5’5″ to 6’6″. It’s vital for your walker to fit your arms securely to avoid unnecessary stress on your back and shoulders. Essentially, manufacturers indicate the suggested user height range to ensure you choose a walker that properly fit your height range.
Height Test
Place the standard walker right in front of you and stand up straight as you can. If the walker is at the height of your wrist, it’s at the right height. If it hits your forearm, you need to lower it down. Once it touches your fingers, you need to raise it up.
More so, the legs of the walker should be of the same height to enhance stability. The walker should be comfortable such that you won’t bend to reach it or raise your shoulders towards the ears to get hold of it. Adjusting it to the level of your wrist brings the height to the optimal 20 degrees’ bend in the elbow.
All four wheels should touch the ground, and you need to fit inside the walker. It means your hips should be in-line with the legs. You don’t need to appear like you’re pushing the walker in front of you. Keep it close to give you the necessary support.
Final Thoughts
After getting the right fit for your walker, ensure you maintain it. Loose or worn-out grips or cups and loose brakes might increase your risk of falling. Consult your physical therapist or doctor for maintenance tips. We hope this article gave you new insights into how wide is a standard walker.
