How to Know If You Need a Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer mobility to individuals who have trouble walking or who are injured. Using a wheelchair can benefit your health by taking the strain off your body and providing you with nearly effortless mobility. A wheelchair may be a permanent solution for everyday use, temporary until you feel confident to walk again, or used only for situations where you would otherwise be walking or standing for long periods of time.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide if your everyday walking is putting you at risk. Some people are at risk of collapsing if they have a hard time standing. You should use a wheelchair if your legs give out after a short amount of time, causing you to fall. If you find yourself getting out of breath easily, especially after walking only a short distance, you may need a wheelchair.

• 2

  Determine if you have a hard time getting around. If you get tired after walking short distances or if weakness in your legs prevents you from going somewhere, you are most likely in need of a wheelchair.

• 3

  Consider whether you have a long-term disability. Long-term disabilities that would require a wheelchair for mobility include amputation or paralysis, and muscular or skeletal disorders. In these cases, a wheelchair will be needed as a permanent alternative to walking, and will most likely be suggested by your doctor.

• 4

  Consider whether you have a short-term disability. In the case of a short-term ailment, such as a broken bone or fracture, or a temporary illness that weakens you, a wheelchair will likely be necessary. This will only be temporary, until you are healed. Once walking, you may need physical therapy to get used to using your legs again.