Walking aids commonly used by osteoporosis elderly people include walking sticks, crutches, walkers, etc. Their function is to support weight, maintain balance, and assist walking. The elderly should choose the walker that suits them and master the method of use correctly.
Cane:
There are many types of canes used by the elderly, including single, three, and four pivots. Older people with osteoporosis who have limited mobility should choose a cane whose length, weight, and function are suitable for them as soon as possible. The three-point and four-point canes are made of aluminum alloy, which is light, stable, and safe, and the appearance is relatively clean, which the elderly prefer. If you use a wooden cane, the rod should be hard and the head should be reinforced with a metal hoop to avoid slipping; the rod handle should be slightly wider to make the elderly feel comfortable in shaking hands; the rod end should be covered with a rubber cap to prevent slippage and cushion The impact of the cane on the ground, if the rubber cap is damaged, it should be replaced in time. The standard length of the cane can be selected by referring to the following methods: the elderly who need to use the cane stand upright, and the upper arm can hang freely and lean sideways. The vertical distance from the wrist of the little finger to the ground is the length of the cane suitable for the patient. Single pivot cane. It is also called "D" shaped cane. The grip is basically "D" shaped. It is lighter and easier to carry. A rubber cap is installed on the end of the cane. This type of walking stick is suitable for people who can balance walking, and can enhance the stability of walking. It supports the cane at four points. There are four branches on the ground contact end of the cane. It can stand upright like a desk without human support, so its stability is better than other types of canes. This kind of walking stick is suitable for people who are staggering, walking and shaking, and unstable. Although this cane is relatively stable. But it must also be ensured that each of the four branches is in firm contact with the ground, so it is only suitable for use on flat roads, not uneven or sandy roads.
crutch:
Crutches are another commonly used walking aid. Unlike crutches, the support point is on the hand, and the support point is on the armpit. Similarly, when the elderly use crutches, they should adjust the appropriate height. If the crutches are too long, the armpits of the elderly may be compressed, and the brachial plexus nerves are easily injured: the crutches are too short, and the elderly must bend down when used, which results in improper force and unstable gait. The appropriate length of crutches should be the straight line distance from the ground to the armpits when the elderly are standing upright slightly lower than 3 to 5 cm. The area where the upper end of the crutch is in contact with the armpit should be reinforced with a sponge, rubber pad or towel, and the cloth tape is wrapped to reduce the friction between the hard part of the upper end of the crutch and the armpit. The head of the crutch should be covered with a rubber sleeve to prevent the elderly from slipping when walking. When walking, you should hold the handle firmly, do not press the armpit, and at the same time, use the upper arm to clamp the cane to the side to maintain stability.
Walker:
The stability of the walking device is better than that of walking sticks and crutches. It is an optional walking aid for elderly people with poor physical strength, but the disadvantage is that it is bulky and not portable.
