Using a Walker after Amputation

As you become mobile again after amputation surgery, you’ll need to use a walking aid to get around. Walking aids help prevent falls, which can seriously damage your wound. At first, you’ll likely use a wheelchair. As your balance improves, you may start using a walker. There are several types of walkers; standard, front-wheeled walkers, and 4-wheeled walkers. A physical therapist will help select the best walker for you, and teach you how to use the walker safely. Follow all instructions from the physical therapist closely.

Moving forward

• Stand in the center of the walker frame with your hands on both handgrips. Balance your weight between your intact limb and your hands.

• Shift your weight slightly back, onto your intact limb. Lift or roll the walker forward about 12 inches.

• Shift your weight onto your hands, pushing down on the handgrips. Move your foot forward, to the center of the walker frame. Make sure your toe does not go past the front of the walker.

• Repeat to take your next step.

Note: Don’t step too far inside the walker. Always aim for the center of the frame.

Sitting down

• Position yourself in front of the chair, keeping your residual limb slightly forward.

• Be sure the chair is braced so it can’t slide out from under you as you sit.

• Bend forward at the hip, reaching behind you with one hand.

• Grasp the armrest or side of the chair.

• Do the same with the other hand.

• Lower yourself onto the center of the chair, then slide back.

• To get up, reverse the steps above.

Note: This method can also be used to get into and out of a car.

Moving through doorways

• To push open a closed door, stand facing the doorway with the walker close to the door. Use one hand to turn the knob and push the door so it swings open. Then move the walker into the doorway to keep it from closing. Walk through the doorway, using the walker to hold the door open as you pass through.

• To pull open a closed door, stand to the side opposite the direction the door will open. Use one hand to turn the knob and pull the door so it swings open. Move the walker into the doorway and keep the walker firmly planted to keep the door from closing. Walk through the doorway. The walker will keep it from closing until you are through.

Note: For safety, never remove both hands from the walker at the same time. Don't use revolving doors when using a walker.

Curbs and steps

Your walker may be used to climb a single step, such as a curb. Before climbing a curb, look for “curb cuts.” These are places where curbs are cut down to street level. Use curb cuts whenever you can. To step onto a curb, position the walker as close as possible to the curb. Step into the center of the frame. Lift the walker onto the curb. Step up and into the frame with your intact leg, pushing down onto the handgrips with your hands. To descend a curb or step, position the walker as close to the edge as you safely can. Place your foot close to the edge of the curb. Lower the walker to the street. (Brace the frame against the curb to keep the walker steady.) Holding the handgrips securely, lower your foot down into the center of the frame.

Note: For a person with an amputation, walkers may not be safe for use on stairs. If you can’t avoid taking stairs, ask your physical therapist for special instructions.