When you visit a podiatrist with a foot problem that affects your mobility, they will carry out an assessment and design a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. Part of your treatment plan may include the temporary use of a walking aid. There are a few types of walking aids that are often recommended by podiatrists, and your podiatrist can order one for you and show you how to use it. 

Foot Problems That May Require A Walking Aid

Those with diabetes may experience poor blood circulation to the feet and develop cuts and sores that don't heal well. A walking aid can support healing by taking pressure off the feet. Hammer toe is a painful condition that can make weight-bearing difficult. In some cases, surgery is required to treat this condition, and using a walking aid while waiting on surgery can bring relief from pain and allow you to stay mobile. Plantar fasciitis affects the heel and the band of tissue that runs along the soles of your foot. Reducing inflammation is essential for healing from this condition, and using a walking aid can allow the inflammation to come down quickly by taking pressure off the foot.

3 Walking Aids For Foot Problems

Using a walking aid should give you the benefit of resting your foot while also being able to stay mobile, which helps you to retain your independence and prevent too much disruption to your daily life. They can also be used to support recovery after foot surgery.

Your podiatrist may recommend a knee walker, which looks a little like a scooter but allows you to keep one leg off the ground. Your knee sits on a foam pad and allows you to rest the affected foot at a comfortable ninety-degree angle. Knee walkers have four wheels and padded handlebars to keep you steady and ensure they are easy to get around with.

Crutches are another option that may be recommended. They are lightweight and have the advantage of allowing you to move around easily in small spaces. However, you will require decent upper body strength to use crutches, so discuss this with your podiatrist if it's of concern.

A walking boot is often used to help you transition back to being weight-bearing after surgery, but it can also be used to provide support to your foot during treatment. It has a slightly concave sole to promote normal gait and it's fully cushioned, which can relieve pressure around your heel and the ball of your foot.

If you think you'd benefit from using a walking aid during treatment for a foot problem, discuss suitable options with your podiatrist. Reach out to a mobility shop to learn more.

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