How to use a walker without putting weight on your feet

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, following non-weight-bearing instructions is critical for proper healing after certain foot, ankle, or leg procedures. This guide offers expert, step-by-step instructions on how to use a walker without putting weight on your feet, ensuring safety and security during your recovery.

Quick Summary

Using a walker while non-weight-bearing requires a specific technique: advance the walker, use your arms to support your full body weight, and hop forward with your good leg while keeping the affected foot elevated and completely off the ground.

Key Points

• Adjust for Safety: Ensure your walker is set to the correct height so your elbows have a slight bend, promoting stability and correct posture.

• Embrace the Hop: The non-weight-bearing method requires you to push the walker forward, support your full weight with your arms, and hop forward with your good leg.

• Always Look Ahead: Keep your head up and gaze forward while walking. Looking down at your feet can cause you to lose your balance.

• Never Pull to Stand: Use the armrests of your chair to stand up, then place your hands on the walker. Pulling on the walker is a major fall risk.

• Clear Your Path: Remove all potential tripping hazards, such as rugs and cords, to create a safe walking environment at home.

• Seek Expert Advice: Always follow the instructions of your physical therapist and consult with them regarding any questions about mobility and safety.

Understanding Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB) Mobility

Non-weight-bearing (NWB) means that no weight is to be placed on the injured leg. This instruction is a crucial part of recovery from conditions such as ankle fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, or foot surgeries. Following your doctor's orders precisely is the most important factor for a successful outcome. The correct use of a walker is vital for maintaining balance and preventing re-injury during this period.

Preparing for Safe NWB Walker Use

Before you begin walking, ensure you have the right setup and environment. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing falls and making your daily life easier.

• Proper Walker Adjustment: Your walker handles should be level with your hip crease when your arms are relaxed at your sides. When you grip the handles, your elbows should have a comfortable bend of about 15-20 degrees. This height is essential for distributing your weight properly through your arms.
• Clear Your Path: Remove all tripping hazards from your home, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and clutter. Create clear pathways that you will use frequently.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: On your unaffected foot, wear a sturdy, flat-soled shoe with good traction. Avoid slippers, open-toed shoes, or high heels that could affect your balance.
• Use a Walker Caddy: To keep your hands free for the walker, use a caddy or a small backpack to carry items. Never attempt to carry things in your hands while using a walker, as this compromises your stability.

Step-by-Step: The Non-Weight-Bearing Technique

Once you are properly prepared, you can begin the walking process. This method, often taught by physical therapists, should feel secure and controlled.

1. Stand and Brace: Stand inside your walker, with your unaffected foot planted firmly on the ground. Hold the handgrips tightly, keeping your shoulders relaxed and elbows slightly bent. Lift your injured leg slightly off the floor, bending the knee so the foot is behind you and out of the way.
2. Move the Walker: Push your walker forward about one step's length. Ensure all four tips of the walker are firmly on the ground before shifting your weight.
3. Shift Your Weight: Lean forward slightly, pushing your body weight down through your arms and into the walker's frame. Keep your injured foot elevated at all times.
4. Hop Forward: With your weight supported by your arms and the walker, hop forward with your good leg, landing in the center of the walker. The hop should be small and controlled, not a large jump.
5. Repeat: Once stable, repeat the process. Move the walker forward, shift your weight, and hop forward with your good leg.

Using Your Walker on Ramps and Inclines

Navigating uneven surfaces requires extra caution. Always follow these guidelines unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional.

• Going Up: Push the walker up to the ramp and use your arm strength to push it forward. Take small, careful steps with your good leg. Keep your injured leg elevated.
• Going Down: Place the walker down the ramp first. Slowly lower your good leg, controlling your descent with your arms. Keep your injured leg lifted.

Comparison of Weight-Bearing Techniques

It's important to understand the difference between NWB and other weight-bearing instructions. Misinterpreting these can be dangerous.

Feature	Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB)	Partial-Weight-Bearing (PWB)	Weight-Bearing as Tolerated (WBAT)
Weight on Injured Leg	0% weight	30–50% of body weight, as instructed	As much as comfortable, up to 100%
Walker Technique	Hop with good leg, keep injured leg elevated	Step with injured leg, bearing partial weight, then follow with good leg	Walk as normally as possible, using walker for balance
Primary Support	Entirely on arms and good leg	A mix of support from arms and legs	Mostly on legs, walker for stability
Healing Phase	Initial recovery phase, post-surgery or acute injury	Intermediate recovery as healing progresses	Later stages of healing, building strength

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Safe walker usage is a skill that takes practice. Being aware of common errors can help you stay safe.

• Using the Walker to Stand: Never pull on your walker to get up from a seated position. This can cause the walker to tip over. Instead, push up using the armrests of your chair and place your hands on the walker once you are stable.
• Looking Down: Keep your gaze forward to maintain balance. Staring at your feet can lead to instability and falls.
• Placing the Walker Too Far Away: Extending the walker too far in front of you can cause you to lean forward and lose balance. Keep it a controlled, short step away.
• Sliding a Standard Walker: If you have a standard, non-wheeled walker, you must lift it. Sliding it causes friction and a jerky movement. If you have a wheeled walker, ensure the brakes are locked when standing or sitting.

Seeking Professional Guidance

While this guide provides essential information, it is not a substitute for a physical therapist or occupational therapist. A professional can assess your specific needs and provide personalized training. They can also recommend assistive devices and modifications to your home to ensure your safety and help you recover effectively.

For more information on proper mobility techniques and rehabilitation, you can consult an authoritative source on the subject, such as the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a walker on stairs if I can't put weight on my foot?

Using stairs while non-weight-bearing is extremely dangerous and should only be done with specific permission and training from a physical therapist, often using a handrail. Your physical therapist may advise you to avoid stairs entirely during your recovery.

What is the difference between a rolling walker and a standard walker for non-weight bearing?

A standard walker must be lifted with each step, while a rolling walker can be pushed. For NWB, a rolling walker often provides smoother, less strenuous movement. However, both require using your arms to support your weight, and you must ensure the wheeled walker's brakes are engaged when standing or sitting.

How do I safely sit down and stand up with a walker when non-weight-bearing?

To sit, back up until the chair touches the back of your legs. Reach for the chair's armrests with both hands, keep your injured leg extended forward, and slowly lower yourself. To stand, push off from the armrests, not the walker, before placing your hands back on the walker for support.

What shoes should I wear on my good foot?

Wear a sturdy, supportive, and flat-soled shoe with a non-slip bottom. This ensures good traction and stability for your unaffected foot, which will be bearing your full weight.

What if I feel unsteady or lose my balance?

If you feel unsteady, stop immediately, take a deep breath, and use the walker to steady yourself. If necessary, sit down in the nearest chair. If you feel like you might fall, try to sit on the floor rather than trying to remain standing, which can lead to a more serious injury.

Can I carry things while using a walker for non-weight-bearing?

No. You need both hands on the walker at all times for proper support. Use a walker basket, a caddy that attaches to the walker, or a small backpack to carry items, keeping your hands free and your balance secure.

How often should I rest when walking non-weight bearing?

Take frequent, short breaks to avoid fatigue. Supporting your full body weight with your arms is tiring. Listen to your body and sit down to rest whenever you feel tired or unsteady.