According to the World Health Organisation, more than 530 million people suffer from osteoarthritis around the world.
We have seen a 113% rise in arthritis patients since 1990, and those figures are only rising further. The most affected joint is the knee, followed by the hip, both of which can significantly impact someone's ability to walk comfortably. Approximately 73% of those who suffer from arthritis are over the age of 55, and 344 million experience moderate to severe symptoms.
That is exactly why companies like Assist Mobility continue to provide the very best, state-of-the-art rollators in order to aid physical and mental health in arthritis patients across the world. Let's take a look at exactly how a rollator can transform your daily life.
Why Walking Becomes Difficult With Arthritis
For many sufferers, walking becomes difficult with arthritis due to pain, stiffness, and swelling in key joints. As the knees, hips, feet, and ankles are common problem areas, patients can experience a limited range of motion. The longer one suffers with arthritis in these joints, the weaker the surrounding muscles become, and the more unstable your body can feel on its feet.
The Impact On Your Daily Independence
Of course, having a limited range can have a profound impact on your day-to-day life. Suddenly, even something that was once simple, like walking to the local shop, becomes a slow and painful ordeal. Many arthritis patients struggle not only with the physical impacts but also the mental challenges that come with the loss of their daily independence.
How Rollators Reduce Joint Strain and Pain
Fortunately, there is a way for arthritis patients to reclaim their sense of daily independence through the use of a life-changing rollator. But how do they work?
Transferring weight away from the knees and hips
Rollators are specifically designed to reduce joint pain and inflammation by transferring weight away from areas like the knees and hips. Users are able to lean on the frame to relieve pressure on these lower-body joints, while still maintaining a sense of forward movement.
Maintaining balance without gripping hard
Many arthritis patients struggle with their sense of balance, particularly when lower-body muscles weaken over time. Fortunately, four-wheeled rollators provide four bases of support and a sturdy frame to assist the legs in both strength and balance across a range of surfaces.
Improved posture and back health
Back pain and muscle strain can often lead to a hunched posture when walking. Rollators are designed to help maintain a healthy, upright posture to prevent hunching. Many even come with comfortable armrests, backrests, and seats to provide much-needed breaks. This reduces the risk of additional back pain.
Common Myths About Rollators (That Stop People Getting Help)
Unfortunately, there are common myths and stereotypes surrounding rollators that prevent people from getting the help they desperately need.
"I'm Too Young for a Rollator"
While the majority of arthritis patients are over the age of 55, around 140 million under-55s worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis. The harsh truth is that no one is too young to feel joint pain. If your knees, hips, ankles, and feet are under the constant pains and pressures of living with osteoarthritis, then denial is only hurting you further. Every day without investing in a rollator is another wasted day of independent, pain-free movement.
"Using One Will Make Me Weaker"
It is a myth that walking with a rollator makes you weaker due to an over-reliance on the frame. Using a rollator in your day-to-day life comes with an adjustment period, but it takes strain away from stressed joints and muscles that would otherwise be in pain. Not only does a rollator not make you weaker, but it also allows you to retain access to fresh air and daily exercise, which is essential to healthy living.
"They're All Big and Bulky"
This stereotype may have been true of rollators from decades ago, but the modern designs are made for modern living. There are a wide range of rollators available online for an even wider range of lifestyles. If you need a lightweight aid that fits along the narrow corridors of your apartment, there is a rollator for that. If you need a walker that folds up to fit neatly in the boot of your car, there is a rollator for that. If you need something that even provides a comfortable seat for much-needed rest periods, there is a rollator for that.
Key Rollator Features for Arthritis Sufferers
Modern rollators are fitted with a range of features to help arthritis sufferers carry out their daily duties without compromise or pain.
Ergonomic Handles That Protect Your Wrists
Rollator handles are specifically designed to allow users to distribute weight evenly across the forearm, rather than putting pressure on the wrists. Not only does this take strain away from the lower body, but it also keeps the user secure and stable without the need for strong grip strength.
Brake Systems Designed for Weaker Grip Strength
Modern rollator braking systems are also designed to operate regardless of grip strength. With many suffering from arthritis in the wrists, rollators use other technology like push-down brakes or one-hand brakes to ensure the user can stop even without gripping a traditional handle brake.
The Perfect Height: Why Adjustability Matters
While rollators are designed to suit a wide variety of people, surfaces, and lifestyles, the vast majority feature adjustability and personalisation. For example, the heights of key elements such as the handles/arm rests and seats can often be adjusted to suit the height of the user. This reduces the risk of back and/or joint pain from using a rollator set at the wrong height.
Real Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
While rollators are designed to relieve pain in common joints like the hips, knees, wrists, ankles, and feet, they are also built for a life beyond pain. Mental health issues are just as important as physical pain when it comes to adjusting to living with arthritis.
Building Confidence for Longer Walks
Nothing says independence like the freedom of movement. None of us wants to give up the ability to go on a long walk on a sunny summer's day – and that is exactly what a rollator allows you to maintain. While we always advise that you start off with shorter trips as you get used to your new rollator, you will eventually be able to build up the confidence for longer walks. Just remember to invest in a rollator that perfectly suits the kind of terrain you plan to adventure across.
Staying Active (Without Paying for It Later)
We all know the feeling of pushing ourselves too far and regretting it the next morning. Aches and pains are common in arthritis patients, and it can be difficult to accept that your body is unable to bear the burden it once could. Fortunately, rollators allow you to maintain an active lifestyle without dealing with stress and pain the next day. Whether it's completing the weekly shop, hiking along a trail, or taking the dog for a walk, you can stay active and reclaim your independence.
The Social Freedom of Going Out Again
It is not always possible for people to come to you, and no one wants to be confined to the four walls of their own home. While intense arthritis pain can make social freedom seem like a pipedream, leaning on the consistent support of a rollator can make that dream come true. Rollators not only allow you to walk considerable distances without joint stress or pain, but many modern models also pack away into the boot of your car for long-distance socialising. Reclaim your social life today!
Choosing the Right Rollator for Your Arthritis
It is important to invest in a rollator that perfectly suits your specific needs. If you have an active lifestyle, you need a rollator that can keep up. If you plan to use your walker entirely indoors, then you need something that is suited to niche indoor tasks. Fortunately, there is a wide range to choose from to ensure that all of your boxes are ticked.
Lightweight vs Sturdy: What Works Best?
Lightweight and heavier rollators come with a range of pros and cons, depending on what you need them to help you with.
Lightweight rollators are easy to lift, can navigate narrow hallways with ease, are compact and travel-friendly, and tend to use rust-resistant aluminium frames. However, they may feel a little less stable, especially on rougher terrain. They generally feature smaller wheels that struggle with certain obstacles, and they usually have a max weight limit of 250-300 lbs. Carbon Fibre rollators can give you the best of both worlds, whilst they are lightweight they still feel reassuringly sturdy.
On the other hand, sturdy rollators are designed to fit heavier users, provide even more stable contact with the ground, withstand knocks and scrapes well, and feature bigger wheels that can tackle a wider range of terrains. The trade-off is that sturdy rollators might be heavier to lift and less portable for long-distance use.
Indoor, Outdoor, or All-Terrain?
When investing money into a rollator, you want to make sure it can effortlessly complete the day-to-day tasks you need help with. So, do you require an indoor, outdoor, or all-terrain rollator? Let's take a look at the features and benefits of each!
Indoor rollators:
- Best for use in and around the home
- Smaller wheels are better suited to smoother surfaces
- Designed to deal with tight spaces like narrow corridors
- Lightweight and easy to store away
- Often use rust-resistant aluminium frames
- Heavier users should make sure to invest in a sturdy indoor model
Outdoor rollators:
- Best for use on pavements, and in parks and shops
- Designed to help people carry out simple, day-to-day tasks
- Larger wheels are designed to cope with curbs and grass
- Hand brakes to maintain a sense of control on slopes
- Sturdier frames to deal with a wider range of terrain
- Often come with a built-in seat for resting
- Make sure to invest in a fold-up rollator that fits in the boot of your car if needed
All-terrain rollators:
- Designed for tougher outdoor use beyond smooth pavements
- Best on gravel, grass, countryside trails, beaches/sand, and uneven paths
- Very durable wheels to cope with a wide range of off-roading
- Shock absorption to maintain a smooth ride on uneven surfaces
- Strong frames to take all kinds of bumps and scrapes
- Strong brakes to keep the user in control at all times
- Extra features like seats, umbrella holders, cup holders, and more
- Often foldable to make transporting as easy as possible
View Our All-terrain Rollators
When deciding between an indoor, outdoor, or all-terrain rollator, the question to ask yourself is simple. What will I be using my rollator for? If you only need it to navigate the corridors of your own home, then the choice is simple. Likewise, if you only need your rollator to go on tough weekend walks on uneven countryside paths, then the all-terrain option is the easy choice. If you need your rollator to be equally comfortable indoors and outdoors, make sure to find an all-around model that suits your specific needs.
Getting Started: Your First Steps with a Rollator
Once your rollator arrives, there are a number of key steps to tick off before it is ready to roll. We always advise getting used to your new rollator before taking it on longer trips.
- Ensure everything is in working order – Are all the necessary pieces in the box?
- Adjust the handle height – Make sure the handles are set at the perfect height to provide the very best support to your specific body.
- Test the brakes – You always want to make sure the brakes work properly before you actually need them.
- Practice makes perfect – Test your new rollator around the house and on simple, short trips with flat surfaces to get used to the feel of it.
- Look ahead – Always look ahead to watch out for obstacles, rather than staring down at your feet.
- Posture – Concentrate on maintaining a healthy, upright posture, rather than hunching over the rollator.
- Sitting – When sitting on the rollator, always apply the brakes prior to sitting down. This keeps the rollator securely in position while you lower yourself into position.
What Next?
You can view our rollators using the link below
Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our lovely experts who would be more than happy to help.