How to Choose Walker Wheels

Many people require the use of a walker, either temporarily or permanently, depending on their physical conditions. Whether you need a walker while you recuperate from surgery, or because you have developed a medical problem that impairs your balance, it is important to choose the proper walker wheels so that you can receive the most benefit from its use.

Things You'll Need

• Walker

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Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your medical condition with your physician. Take notes about his concerns and suggestions about the type of walker you will need. Ask him if he sees the walker as a permanent or temporary aid in your daily life. This will be valuable information as you choose wheels for the walker. If the walker is only to be used while recuperating, small wheels will work because you probably won't be doing a lot of outdoor activity. If the doctor believes you will be in a walker for a long period of time, however, you may want to consider large wheels as they can go over rougher terrain that you might encounter if you take the walker outdoors.

• 2

  Determine what your daily activities will entail. List how often you will stay in the house, and how often you will need to leave the house. Be sure to include the extras such as grandchild's outdoor parties, softball games or other events you may attend in the next six months.

• 3

  Examine the environment in which you live. Take note if you have hardwood floors or carpeting. Notice if the path to your front door is gravel or a smooth flat sidewalk. Pay attention to plants or garden ornaments that you will need to maneuver around, and if you drive, the type of surface you will encounter going back and forth to your car.

• 4

  Consider all outside appointments you will have. Think about the surfaces you will encounter going to the grocery store, the doctor's office, and when spending time with your grandchildren.

• 5

  Choose walker wheels that will best suit your immediate needs. Larger wheels go over rough terrain and large objects more readily than smaller wheels, however, they can be more cumbersome and harder to control. Smaller wheels glide easily over hard surfaces, but may prove difficult on some carpets. Be sure to choose the wheel that accommodates all foreseeable needs.