Indication A. Gait disturbance B. Weight redistribution from painful lower limb C.

Stability when balance is impaired

Standard Cane (Straight cane) 1. For balance only (not for weight bearing) a. For ataxia, Vertigo or Decreased Visual Acuity Materials . Wood (light and inexpensive) a. Aluminum (light and adjustable length, higher cost) Offset Cane (Crook or offset below handle) Aluminum cane with adjustable length Distributes patient's weight over cane shaft Allows for one-handed partial weight bearing . For moderate hip or Knee Osteoarthritis Multiple Leg Cane (Quadripod cane, Quad Cane) Cane with 4 legs at base Indications . Severe hip or Knee Osteoarthritis a. Hemiplegia (allows use of hands - not encumbered by always holding cane) Advantages . Allows for greater weight bearing than Offset Cane a. Stands upright even when not being held Disadvantages . All 4 legs must be in contact with floor a. Adjust cane base size for gait speed i. Fast paced gait: Smaller cane base ii. Slow paced gait: Larger cane base i. Also needed for greater weight bearing Walk Cane (Hemi-Walker, one handed, four legged walker) For severe leg weakness (e.g. post-CVA Hemiparesis) Allows for greater weight bearing than Quad Cane Uses only 1 hand (contrast with Standard Walker)

Indication A. Gait disturbance (full weight bearing)

Axillary Crutches 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. For temporary use (acute injuries) Adjustable aluminum or wooden Crutches Requires significant upper body strength May be difficult to use and cumbersome Risk of nerve or artery compression in axilla if incorrectly used

Forearm Crutches (Canadian crutch, Lofstrand crutch) 6. For active patients with severe leg weakness 7. Offers easier mobility than with Axillary Crutches 8. Brace fixes crutch to forearm and hands grasp handles a. Allows use of hands without dropping Crutches b. Less cumbersome on stairs than axillary crutch

Indication A. Gait disturbance (full weight bearing)

Standard Walker (4 rubber-tipped legs) 1. For ataxia (offers full weight bearing support) 2. Advantages a. Most stable device Disadvantages . Need strength to fully lift walker with each step a. Requires slow deliberate gait pattern b. Needs most attention of any Ambulatory Device Front-Wheeled Walker (2 rubber tip back legs, 2 wheels) For Movement Disorder (e.g. Parkinson's) or ataxia Allows faster pace than Standard Walker Less stable for weight bearing than Standard Walker Four-Wheeled Walker (4 wheeled freely mobile device) For mild Movement Disorder or ataxia

Intended for relatively high functioning patients Do not use for weight bearing support (fall risk)