People with osteoarthritis often require canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters to compensate for painful joints or joints with limited mobility. Mobility aids add stability and improve balance — if used properly. Here are some simple suggestions to get it right and keep moving. Start with the Right Height The “fit” of the walker is important. When holding on to your walker, your elbows should be bent in a position that feels comfortable and natural. The top of your walker should be even with the crease on the underside of your wrist, after relaxing your arms at your side. Walkers that are too low cause you to stoop over while you walk and not use proper body mechanics, which can cause balance troubles. If your walker is at the wrong height, the improper position will only cause more aches and pains. Getting Up From a Chair Be safe in all your movements as you prepare to use your walker. If you are sitting, put the walker in front of the chair. Move forward in your chair, place your hands on the arms of the chair and push up. Switch your hands to the grips on your walker. Stand for a minute or so to be sure you feel stable and balanced. Walking With Your Walker When you are ready to start walking, push the walker slightly ahead of you, then step into the walker. Keep that pattern going — walker slightly ahead, then step into the walker. The key point is that you should never have the walker too far ahead of you and you should have excellent posture as you take your steps. Also, don’t look at your feet — look in front of you. If you have trouble gripping the walker, platform walkers are available and may prove to be a better option. The platform allows you to rest your elbow and forearm, taking stress off your hands. Sitting With Your Walker If you are ready to sit down after walking with your walker, stand with your back to the chair. Touch the back of your legs to the chair so you know you are close enough to sit down. Slide your weaker leg forward as you shift weight to your stronger leg. Switch your hands from the walker to the arms on the chair. Then sit down slowly. Choosing the right walker, having the walker adjusted properly for you, following safety precautions with every move you make, and keeping your path clear of throw rugs, cords, and clutter are all essential for safe walker use. Always be mindful of those things that assure safe walker use. It’s also important that you only use a walker that has been chosen and adjusted for you. If you borrow a walker from a friend or family member, it isn’t sized or adjusted for you, so you risk injury. A physical therapist can offer the best training in walker use. Arthur J. Thompson Jr., MPT is a Physical Therapist who serves the residents of Newhaven Court at Clearview. Arthur is available to consult on walker fittings and help you develop a plan to conquer many aches and pains caused by poor posture and bad body mechanics. To reach Arthur, contact Newhaven Court at Clearview at (724) 477-8701