Depending on your strength and balance as a result of neuropathy you may be in the market for a walker or some type of mobility device. In my case, I was on a walker for the first year after my chemo ended and neuropathy started. While I graduated through pharma-management and physical therapy to a cane and then nothing, I still go back to my walkers during periods of flare-ups or weakness. I try to cover the main different types here and if I have used the product personally. I need to inform you that our friends at Amazon will give us a small fee for purchases which go to operation of this site. Okay lets get started
The Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels is an oldie but goodie. They still make these types of walkers because the design simply works so well. At the cheapest end of the spectrum it is also a go to for quick cheap help with mobility issues. It is light at 7.5 pounds and supports up to 350 lbs. leaning against it. It is ideal for those small tasks like going to bathroom and such and folds up nicely. While you are steady using this device, you are not going to be winning any races on this thing, it is a more step, move, step, move type aide. I started with one of these in the hospital until I got my rollator... ahh the rollator...
The Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker Rollator with Fold Up Removable Back Support as well as all rollators in this category take mobility devices to another level. It is perfect for those of us that experience stamina issues with our leg strength which is common with neuropathy. If you get tired on the rollator you just turn around and sit down for a minute. If it gets bad, you can also walk from a seated position pulling yourself forward. The handbrakes here are key and why you will be able to accomplish whatever speed you can handle. While it does fold up, at 18.6 pounds, it can be a challenge for someone older or with arthritis so if transporting alone, make sure you can lift that. It also can be challenging in small spaces. The weight limit on this one is 300 pounds but almost all brands make a more heavy duty model (although realize this will be a heavier unit). Rollators are like the Cadillac of walkers and as I said elsewhere, I will still find myself using these during flare-ups or during the winter months. Most brands will even have a basket under the chair for you to stow your purse and items but realize these are an extra step to fold up.
The NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker, All Terrain 8” Wheels, Includes Bag, Basket and Tray has become my go to rollator now that I need less support (no seat) and more of just a balance aid. Available in five different colors, it is the most fashion forward one too (important to me I am told). I enjoy the tray and basket at the top which makes it nice to roll a drink or a meal to your seat. The Traveler also has bag on the backside that can collapse with it which makes it nice for popping in the car. It folds up small and at 16.5 lbs. it is lighter than a four wheeled rollator and supports a 250 lbs. weight but remember you are not sitting on this one. One of the big pluses I find on this rollator is also the large 8" wheels that are rugged and go over about any type of ground I have tried. It is easier to maneuver in small spaces which has also been a plus for traveling.
The Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Red Rollator Walker departs from the more tubular designs and also features a larger wheel in front (10') which like the Traveler is supposed to give more all terrain support. While I have not tried one of these models personally, I have friends who say they do fold up a little smaller than other rollators because of their design. Their weight is 17.5 lbs. they they support up to 300 lbs. The "Euro" relates to the look and I guess through research it is more popular in the European countries. I have to relate that I have heard people having issues with the durability of this model, but others have had no issues. I think with all things in life you hope you get a good unit and utilize your warranty if there are any issues.
The Health Line 2 in 1 Rollator-Transport Chair w/Paded Seatrest, Reversible Backrest and Detachable Footrests, and ones like it, are fairly new to the rollator scene, but I am really excited for them. It combines a normal rollator with the ability to flip the backrest and put your feet up on pedals and be transported by someone else. This makes it a great option for going to someplace with a lot of walking or traveling when your partner could have the ability to transport you if you were just too worn out. It folds like the other models and with a weight of 22 lbs. it is on the heavy side. It also supports 300 lbs. I have not personally tried one of these hybrids, but when I looked at a friends I thought there were some upgrades they still could make.
While there are literally hundreds of walkers and mobility assist devices out there, these fall within the main types, and often the most popular and well known. As I said, I keep a few of the models for the specific needs I require for that time period.
Other notable possibilities and accessories were:
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