The choice of skis, wheels, or balls for a walker depends on the surface you will be using it on and your individual needs.
- Skis are ideal for use on snow or carpet, as they glide easily over these surfaces.
- Wheels are best for use on smooth and flat surfaces, such as indoor floors or pavements. They are especially useful if you have limited upper body strength, as they reduce the effort needed to move the walker.
- Balls, also known as glides, are suitable for use on indoor surfaces and are especially helpful for those who have difficulty lifting the walker or pushing it forward.
It's important to consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to determine which option is best for you based on your specific needs and mobility limitations.
Walking sticks are typically aluminum frames with tennis balls on the feet, which you probably picture when you think of walking sticks. It is common for people to add tennis balls to the legs of their walkers so they can slide over the ground more quickly.
They also do this to make the ends of the legs more visible. Do they provide the best solution for your walker's feet? Would there be a better alternative? You can learn more about tennis balls, walker skis, and wheels by reading on.
Tennis balls
Let's begin with a simple, classic tennis ball. These are cheap and easy to obtain, so they're perfect for your walker. You can get tennis balls in any sporting goods store for a few bucks. You can slip the ball on your walker's foot by cutting an X on one side.
You can also benefit from tennis balls because of their bright colors and ability to enlarge walkers' feet. The ability to perceive depth may be as important to senior citizens as the ability to move about.
Lifting your walker to an appropriate height and setting it down gently is easier when you can see where the foot ends. Seeing the walker's foot might make it hard for you to lift it high enough, and you might scuff it. It might also make you stumble if you set it down too firmly.
You can also reduce your walker's friction by using tennis balls. You won't have to lift your walker as much, so you can push it along more quickly. There is a slight reduction in traction, so tennis balls are probably not a good solution for people who have trouble lifting their walkers.
Walker skis
These small plastic attachments, also known as ski glides and ski gliders, snap right onto the legs of your walker to provide a smoother surface for more effortless movement. These attachments are ski-shaped, so you can probably guess they serve to help you glide over smooth surfaces with your walker.
As compared to tennis balls, these caps are more effective at reducing friction on your walker's feet. As a result, you will likely not have to lift your walker when walking over relatively smooth surfaces.
Walker Skis can be extremely helpful for people who use their walker primarily indoors, as they glide over the carpet, hardwood, tile, and other surfaces quite well.
When it comes to seeing the ends of your walker's feet, skis will not help you if you have trouble with depth perception. It is possible to buy walker glides in different versions, including ones that look like colorful sneakers.
It may be more beneficial to use these brightly colored versions for those with depth perception issues and make great conversation starters.
Additionally, skis will not allow you to push your walker forward on uneven surfaces. Consequently, this isn't the right choice if you're looking for a walking device that can be used on uneven ground.
Benefits
Compared to other options, there are many benefits
Suitable for most walkers. Any standard walker, including the most popular brands, can be fitted with handicap skis. You can improve mobility by replacing the existing walker's feet or tips with our walker skits.
Improves mobility over a broad range of terrains. Walking over rough terrain is more accessible with glides for walkers' bottoms. These glides enable easier pushing compared to traditional walker leg caps.
Durable plastic. Ski glides for medical walkers are designed for daily use and are long-lasting. Curved tips enable them to glide over varied terrain without getting snagged or stuck.
Easy and quick installation. Replace the glides for the walker by removing the existing caps. Make sure they stay in place by screwing them in tight.
Wheels
Wheeled versions of walkers are available, though wheels cannot typically be attached to a standard walker. The rollator walkers are usually called walkers with wheels on both front two feet or both feet. Both configurations have their advantages and disadvantages.
If the walker has wheels on all four feet, you don't need to lift it. It is also relatively easy to navigate rough terrain with the wheels. However, some individuals may find that a four-wheeled walker rolls away from them due to the ease with which it moves.
You shouldn't use these walkers if you need lots of support when walking. They are also not designed to be heavily leaned on. The walker is more suitable for those who need a little help with their balance while walking.
There is something for everyone with two-wheel walkers. Although the walker requires some lifting at the back, it still rolls quite easily. It is also possible to lean a bit more heavily on these walkers.
There is often a seat built into both versions of rollator walkers, which is ideal if you need a rest while walking.
Bottom line
Many options are available for improving the comfort and mobility of using a walker. As an excellent accessory, you should consider adding the Walker Glide Skis to your walker.
Your walker will last longer with these skis, allowing you to get the most use out of it. With this product, you can glide across floors and carpets effortlessly by applying it to the back legs of your walker.
With the Walker Glide Skis, you can move more easily within minutes. With the Walker Glide Skis, you can move more easily within minutes.
Unlike other walking products available at the walker supply store that need to be updated frequently, you won't have to worry about replacing these skis. Simple instructions exist for attaching the skis to your walker's back legs; no necessary tools. As a result, these skis are even easier to install.
Several walker products available at walker medical supply may require tools for installation, but not everyone has access to them. What's not to love about adding these skis into your life with their ease of installation, excellent quality, and promise of lasting for a long time?