Walking Aids and Mobility Devices for Joint Pain: A Practical Guide

Key Takeaways

• Walking aids can significantly reduce joint stress and pain
• Using an aid isn’t “giving up”—it’s using a tool to stay active
• Proper selection and fitting are essential for benefit
• A cane can reduce hip forces by up to 25%
• Many people wait too long to try walking aids
• Insurance often covers mobility devices when prescribed

Many people resist using walking aids, viewing them as a sign of decline. In reality, these tools can be the key to maintaining independence, staying active, and reducing pain. The right aid, properly used, can transform your mobility.

Why Walking Aids Help

The Biomechanics

When you use a walking aid properly:

• Weight is partially transferred to your arms
• Forces through painful joints decrease
• Gait becomes more stable
• Energy expenditure may decrease

Specific Benefits

Pain reduction:

• Less stress on affected joints
• Can allow longer walking distances
• May reduce need for pain medication
• Enables exercise that would otherwise be too painful

Stability:

• Wider base of support
• Reduced fall risk
• Increased confidence
• Better balance on uneven surfaces

Independence:

• Maintain activity level
• Continue doing what you enjoy
• Reduce dependence on others
• Stay in your own home longer

Types of Walking Aids

Canes

Standard/Single-point cane:

• One point of ground contact
• Provides modest support
• Good for: Mild instability, hip or knee OA
• Must bear weight through it for benefit

Offset cane:

• Handle offset from shaft
• Better ergonomics
• Weight directly over tip
• More comfortable for extended use

Quad cane (small or large base):

• Four points of ground contact
• More stability than single-point
• Can stand on its own
• Slower walking speed

Folding canes:

• Convenient for travel
• Can collapse when not needed
• Usually single-point design
• Good backup option

Walking Poles/Trekking Poles

Nordic walking poles:

• Two poles, active walking style
• Exercise component
• Good for fitness walking
• Works upper body

Trekking poles:

• Two poles for hiking
• Adjustable length
• Provides significant offloading
• Good for outdoor activities

Walkers

Standard walker:

• Four legs, no wheels
• Most stable option
• Must lift with each step
• Slow but secure

Two-wheeled walker:

• Front wheels, back legs
• Easier to advance
• Still very stable
• Good compromise

Four-wheeled walker (Rollator):

• All wheels with brakes
• Includes seat
• Most efficient walking
• Less stability than standard

Knee walker:

• For non-weight-bearing on one leg
• Wheels and handlebars
• Alternative to crutches
• Good for foot/ankle issues

Crutches

Underarm (axillary) crutches:

• Traditional design
• For non-weight-bearing
• Temporary use typically
• Can cause nerve compression if misused

Forearm (Lofstrand) crutches:

• Cuff around forearm
• Less armpit pressure
• Better for long-term use
• More common in Europe

Wheelchairs and Scooters

Manual wheelchair:

• For those unable to walk distances
• Pushed by user or assistant
• Various sizes and features

Power wheelchair:

• Motor-driven
• For those unable to propel manual
• Requires charging and maintenance

Mobility scooter:

• For outdoor/distance mobility
• Easier to use than power wheelchair
• Requires transfer ability

Choosing the Right Aid

Assessment Questions

1. How far can you walk now?
2. What limits you—pain, instability, or endurance?
3. Where will you use it (indoor, outdoor, uneven surfaces)?
4. Do you have upper body strength?
5. Do you need to carry things?

Matching Aid to Need

Mild knee/hip OA:

• Single-point cane often sufficient
• Provides pain relief
• Minimal lifestyle change

Moderate arthritis or balance issues:

• Quad cane or walker
• More stability
• Allows longer distances

Unable to walk distances:

• Rollator with seat
• Wheelchair for longer distances
• Scooter for outdoor mobility

Progression Isn’t Linear

• You might use different aids for different situations
• A cane for the house, rollator for stores
• Scooter for long outings
• Match the aid to the challenge

Proper Cane Use

Which Hand?

Use the cane on the opposite side from the painful leg:

• Right hip pain → Left hand holds cane
• This reduces forces on the painful joint
• Common mistake: Using cane on same side

Proper Height

To measure:

1. Stand in shoes you’ll normally wear
2. Arms relaxed at sides
3. Top of cane should be at wrist crease
4. Or: Elbow should bend 15-20° when holding cane

Walking Technique

The proper pattern:

1. Cane and affected leg move together
2. Step forward with cane and affected leg simultaneously
3. Then step through with the good leg
4. Repeat

Common mistakes:

• Moving cane with wrong leg
• Cane too long or short
• Not actually leaning on cane
• Gripping too tightly

On Stairs

Going up (good leg first):

• Step up with good leg
• Bring cane and affected leg up

Going down (affected leg first):

• Place cane on lower step
• Step down with affected leg
• Follow with good leg

Remember: “Up with the good, down with the bad”

Proper Walker Use

Fitting

Height:

• Same as cane: Top at wrist crease
• Elbows bent 15-20° when gripping handles
• Shoulders relaxed, not hunched

Width:

• Should fit through doorways easily
• Arms shouldn’t be cramped or stretched

Walking Technique

Standard walker:

1. Lift walker forward
2. Step with affected leg first
3. Step with good leg
4. Repeat

Rollator:

1. Push walker forward smoothly
2. Walk with natural gait
3. Keep walker close to body
4. Use brakes when stopping or sitting

Using the Seat

On rollators:

• Lock brakes before sitting
• Sit back carefully
• Don’t lean forward
• Stand from locked position

Getting the Right Fit

Professional Fitting

Consider seeing:

• Physical therapist
• Certified orthotist
• Durable medical equipment specialist

What they’ll assess:

• Proper height
• Appropriate aid type
• Teaching proper technique
• Checking for modifications needed

Fitting Problems

Aid too tall:

• Shoulders hunched
• Leaning away from aid
• Ineffective support

Aid too short:

• Bending forward
• Back pain
• Not enough support

Wrong aid type:

• Not providing needed stability
• Too cumbersome for needs
• Discourages use

Cost and Insurance

Typical Costs

Device	Price Range
Basic cane	$15-$40
Offset cane	$20-$50
Quad cane	$30-$80
Standard walker	$40-$100
Rollator	$100-$400
Transport wheelchair	$100-$300
Power wheelchair	$2,000-$20,000+
Mobility scooter	$500-$3,000+

Insurance Coverage

Medicare:

• Covers DME (durable medical equipment) with prescription
• 80% after Part B deductible
• Must be medically necessary
• Specific criteria for power wheelchairs

Private insurance:

• Coverage varies by plan
• Often requires prescription
• Prior authorization may be needed

To improve coverage:

• Get prescription from physician
• Documentation of need
• Use Medicare-approved suppliers
• Check your specific plan

Overcoming Resistance

Common Concerns

“It makes me look old/disabled”:

• Many young, active people use walking aids
• Mobility is independence
• Modern designs are sleek
• Being active is what matters

“I don’t want to become dependent”:

• Using an aid allows more activity, not less
• Staying active maintains strength
• Tools don’t create weakness
• Not using aid may force greater limitation later

“I’m not that bad yet”:

• Early use prevents pain worsening
• Don’t wait for a fall or crisis
• Proactive is better than reactive

Reframing

Think of walking aids like:

• Glasses for your eyes
• A power tool instead of hand tools
• Better equipment for a sport
• Technology that enables, not limits

When to Upgrade

Signs You Need More Support

• Current aid not reducing pain enough
• Increasing falls or near-falls
• Avoiding activities because aid is insufficient
• Fatigue limiting walking distance

Signs You Might Need Less

• Strengthening has improved ability
• Pain is well-managed
• Feel over-supported by current aid
• PT recommends stepping down

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a cane make my muscles weaker?

No—if you remain active. In fact, by reducing pain and allowing more walking, a cane often helps people stay stronger. The key is continuing to exercise and not just sitting because you have a cane.

How long should I use a walking aid?

It depends on your condition. For temporary problems (surgery recovery), you’ll progress off the aid. For chronic arthritis, you may benefit from long-term use. There’s no shame in permanent use if it helps you stay active.

Can I use walking poles instead of a cane?

Yes, walking poles can be excellent—they work both arms, provide bilateral support, and are seen as more “sporty.” They’re particularly good for hiking and fitness walking. Some people prefer them for everyday use too.

Should I rent or buy?

For short-term needs (surgery recovery), renting makes sense. For ongoing use, purchasing is usually more cost-effective. Many basic canes and walkers are inexpensive enough that buying is sensible even if the need is temporary.

My doctor didn’t mention a walking aid—should I ask?

Absolutely. Many doctors don’t proactively recommend walking aids. If you’re limiting activities due to pain or stability concerns, bring it up. A simple cane trial costs little and may help significantly.

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Exploring other supportive options? Read about braces and supports for joints or learn about home modifications for arthritis.

Last medically reviewed: January 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For optimal fitting and training with walking aids, consider consulting a physical therapist who can assess your specific needs and teach proper technique.