Mobility devices are meant to assist individuals who have mobility issues to have the freedom of moving around easily. These medical aids comprise lots of benefits to provide users with different mobility needs.
Whether it’s elderly or disabled people, mobility equipment gives them an improved level of self-confidence, reduces pain associated with mobility, and offers independence of moving around freely and easily.
Medical Conditions Causing Mobility Problems
Several different medical problems deter people from moving easily. These problems can either be temporary or permanent. Mobility aids can help people with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, obesity , gout, fractures or broken bones in the limb, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, strains & sprains, visual impairments, and many others.
Besides, the elderly people who suffered from amputation and those who are recovering from surgery can also use different mobility aids for mobility purposes. In short, anyone with a temporary or permanent mobility issue can benefit from a large range of mobility equipment. The type of these aids, however, depends on the needs of the individual.
Types of Mobility EquipmentAs mentioned earlier, the type of mobility equipment depends on mobility injury or problem. Some of the most common types of mobility devices include:
1. CanesThis mobility aid supports your body’s weight and helps transfer the load from your legs to your upper body. They come in different types and are perfect for people with balancing problems.
2. CrutchesCrutches can help transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. You can either use them singly or in a pair. These devices keep you upright and are suitable for those who have temporary or permanent disabilities.
3. WalkersWalkers comprise a metal frame and four legs that offer stable support to the user. Rollators, knee walkers, and walker-cane hybrid are some of the common types of walkers.
4. Wheelchairs
People who shouldn’t put weight on their lower limbs or cannot walk use wheelchairs. These devices are most suitable for people with severe disabilities. Wheelchairs come in different types including manual and electrically-powered. Standing wheelchairs and sports
wheelchairs are some examples of specialized types of wheelchairs.
5. Mobility ScootersThese devices come with 3, 4 or 5 wheels and work much like a wheelchair. Mobility scooters are useful for individuals who do not have upper body strength to use a manual wheelchair.
Although mobility equipment is designed to offer lots of benefits to users, they are also vulnerable to injury. Using mobility aids excessively or improperly may lead to other injuries. According to a study, many individuals are unaware of the proper use of their mobility device and so are at risk of receiving injury.
Factually, only one-third of needy individuals receive their mobility equipment from a professional while only twenty percent of them receive training to learn their proper use. This strongly suggests that people needing a new mobility device should consult with their doctor or physical therapist to train themselves for properly using the equipment.
Shiraz Kahn