Walking aids

Walking aids are used for two purposes: as part of a rehabilitation programme when someone is recovering from an injury or operation, and as a long-term support if someone has lasting difficulties when walking.

There is a wide range of products available to assist you with walking around the home and outside. They are all aimed at giving you more stability and balance, as well as supporting you when you have any pain in the joints, muscles or ligaments in your lower limbs. Walking aids can give you more confidence when walking and can reduce the risk of falling. Walking aids are only beneficial if they are appropriate to your walking difficulty and are fitted to you height and weight.

Ask your doctor or physiotherapist about being supplied with the correct walking equipment. The National Health Service may pay for any walking aids you require. Have your walking aids checked regularly (by a physiotherapist or the place where you bought them). Replace or have them repaired if necessary. The ferrules (the rubber bits at the end of the walking aid) will need replacing if worn down.

Find out more about walking sticks, crutches and walking frames on the following pages.