Every body is different. Some are short, some are tall, and some need help walking. The type of assistance you need depends on many factors, such as your balance, the type of joint problems or diseases you have (such as arthritis) that affect your ability to walk, and how many legs you can stand on.
Health in Aging has a great chart to help you measure walking assistance and also how to find out what works best for you. Here’s a short, practical guide to whether you need a walker or a cane.
First of all, a cane is for people who:
1) Having only one “bad” knee or hip, or only having pain in one knee or one side of the hip (this could be for many reasons, one of the most common being arthritis). They can stand on their “good leg” with little support.
2) They have mild balance problems and only need a “third leg” for balance.
3) Has injured a foot or leg and needs the cane to help maintain balance
A walker is for people:
-Who have two weak hips and knees, but can still walk with assistance
-Who have pain in both the hip and knees, but can still walk
-Who have moderate to severe balance problems and need more support than a cane to keep from falling
4) Remember that if you need a walker, you may have to take the elevator, as most walkers will not fit or help you balance on the stairs. If you have a multi-level home, you may need to accommodate your space with multiple walkers and grab bars along the stairs, or consider moving to a one-story home.
To assess what you need, you can talk to your doctor and he or she can help you decide what you need. They can also help you measure for the right cane or walker. Remember, your walking assistance will depend on your situation, not only your health, but also your height. Not all canes and walkers fit your height, and while some are adjustable, we recommend getting one that fits your size.
Also remember that there is no shame in needing a new tool to help you walk. As we’ve said, every body is different and a cane or walker can help you maintain your independence and prevent serious injury from a fall.