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Discharge Instructions: Using a Walker

Your health care provider has prescribed a walker for you. To use your walker, you need to learn a new way to walk. The way you walk is called your gait. Your health care provider may tell you to use a non-weight-bearing gait. This means putting no weight on the affected leg and foot. Or they may tell you to use a weight-bearing gait. This means putting weight on both legs and feet.

Guidelines for use

Here are some general tips: 

  • Remove small rugs, electrical cords, and anything else that may cause you to fall.

  • Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way.

  • Use a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things so you keep your hands free.

Non-weight-bearing gait

To walk with this method:

  • Hold your affected (weaker) foot off the floor.

  • Lift the walker and move it one step or a few inches ahead of you. If you're using a wheeled walker, roll it.

  • Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.

  • Swing your good (stronger) foot forward to the center or middle of the walker.

  • Repeat the process.

Woman standing with knee bent to raise injured foot behind her, holding on to walker grips with walker moved a few inches in front of her. Her uninjured foot is flat on ground just behind walker legs, ready to swing forward using non-weight bearing technique.Person using walker, standing with knee bent to raise injured foot behind, with healthy foot just inside walker legs, ready to move walker forward for a step using non-weight bearing technique.

Weight-bearing gait

To walk with this method:

  • Lift the walker and move it one step or a few inches ahead of you. If you're using a wheeled walker, roll it.

  • Support your weight with your hands by gripping the top of the walker.

  • Step forward to the center or middle of the walker with your affected (weaker) leg first. When taking a step, don't step all the way to the front of the walker.

  • Use the walker to help you keep your balance as you take the step.

  • Bring your other foot forward to the center of the walker.

  • Repeat the process.

Man positioning walker ahead of feet, preparing to take step using the weight bearing technique.Person stepping into walker with affected foot, using the weight bearing technique.

Person with both feet positioned in walker, preparing to move the walker forward for another step using the weight bearing technique.

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Elizabeth Oswald PT DPT
Online Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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