Walking aids - partial weight bearing

For certain injuries or fractures, a consultant may advise that you need to partial weight bear through your affected limb for a certain period of time.  This is to protect the limb and give the injury time to heal. Partial weight bearing means that you should put around 50% of your weight on the affected leg when stepping and use your arms to offload the other 50% through the walking aids. A therapist will supply you with walking aids and correctly measure them for your height.

Walking Aids

Elbow crutches can be used both indoors and outdoors and can be used for additional support on the stairs as seen in the demonstration film below. 

Zimmer frames are for indoor use only, as uneven surfaces outdoors can make them unsteady. Also, you cannot use a Zimmer frame on the stairs. 

Looking After Your Walking Aids

It is important to look after your walking aids. The rubber ferrules on the bottom of your walking aids can wear down over time and may need replacing. You can visit the Physiotherapy Departments at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s Hospital, or most community sites across Bradford for replacement rubber ferrules between 8am and 4pm. Also, if your walking aids are damaged beyond repair then please visit the Physio reception at one of our sites.

Returning Your Walking Aids

Some people only need walking aids temporarily while they are recovering from an injury, an operation, or a hospital stay. If you no longer need your walking aids you can return them at Bradford Royal Infirmary or St Luke’s Hospital. There is an equipment drop off box at the physiotherapy department of each site.

How to contact the physiotherapy team

If you are being supported by the Bradford Teaching Hospitals and require further assistance, then you can get in touch by using the contact details below between 8am and 4pm Mon-Friday:

Physiotherapy Department: 01274 362875