How to Use a Frontwheel Walker

Front-wheeled walkers are used by more mobile patients who can walk for an extended period of time. The units come equipped with two wheels at the front and two rubber stoppers at the back. They are available in three sizes: standard, pediatric and bariatric for older patients. These walkers are more dangerous to use than traditional walkers because they can slide easily under a person's weight, causing a fall. The proper use of a front-wheeled walker will allow for increased mobility while decreasing the potential for injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Set the walker directly in front of you. If you are starting from a sitting position, engage the brakes and place both hands on the grips. Use both your arms and legs to lift yourself up.

• 2

  Continue to keep both of your hands firmly on the grips, and roll the walker forward until it is at a comfortable distance. As you become more familiar with the walker the distance between your body and the walker itself will become greater.

• 3

  Stop rolling the walker, and step forward using the weaker of your two legs. Move this leg toward the center of the walker while taking the step. Remember to keep your hands firmly on the grips to avoid falling.

• 4

  Step forward with your dominant leg. Shift some of your weight from your legs to the walker when taking this step to take pressure off the weaker leg.

• 5

  Continue to roll the walker forward, taking your first step with the weaker leg followed by a step with the stronger leg.