Gait Training/Assistive Devices: Walkers

These instructions for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients describe how to safely move using a walker.

Patient instructions: using a walker

Please follow the weight-bearing status reviewed by your therapist.

To stand

• Place the walker with the open side facing you and all four tips or wheels touching the ground.

• Extend the injured leg out in front of you to avoid putting any weight on it. (Picture A)

• Push up from the surface you are seated on and do not pull on or tilt the walker. (Picture B)

• Once standing, hold the handles of the walker. (Picture C)

• Before walking, stand until you feel steady.

• A caregiver should stand to one side.

To sit down

• Back up to a stable surface until the seat touches the back of your legs.

• Reach back with one or both hands and grab the armrest or surface of the seat. (Picture D)

• Lean forward and move your injured leg forward to avoid putting weight on it.

• Slowly and steadily sit down. (Picture E)

To walk

• Push your walker an arm's length in front of you.

• Make sure all four tips or wheels of your walker touch the ground before taking a step.

• Step forward with your injured leg first. If you have injured both legs, start with the leg that feels weaker. (Picture F)

• Then step forward with your strong leg and repeat.

• Go slowly and walk with good posture, keeping your back straight.

• A caregiver should stand slightly behind and to the side of the injured leg.

To go up a curb

Place the walker on the curb in front of you. Make sure all four tips or wheels are in contact with the floor. (Picture G)

If you are:

• Non-weight bearing: Place your weight on the walker and hop up with your stronger leg. (Picture H)

• Weight bearing: Place your weight on the walker and step up with your stronger leg first and then your injured leg.

To go down a curb

Place the walker below the curb onto the surface you will be stepping down to. (Picture I)

If you are:

• Non-weight bearing: Place your weight straight down on the walker and hop down with your strong leg. (Picture J)

• Weight bearing: Place your weight straight down on the walker and step down with your injured leg first and then your strong leg.

Tips for safely using a walker

• Do not step too close or too far away from the walker. It may cause you to lose your balance. Remove or tape down loose rugs or power cords.

• Remove clutter and keep floors clean and dry.

• Check the tips and wheels of the walker and replace them if they are worn out. You can get replacements at a medical supply store.

• Wear shoes with rubber or other non-skid soles.

• Do not hold items in your hands when using the walker.

• Do not use the walker on stairs or escalators.

Reviewed on December 12, 2022 by Julia Fogliano, PT, DPT