Mobility and Orthopedic Aids: How to Choose

Health information notice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Quick answer. Choose a mobility aid by how much support you need and where you will use it, then get it fitted. A cane adds balance, a walker gives more support, a rollator adds wheels, brakes and a seat, and a wheelchair or transport chair is for longer distances. Ask your doctor or physical therapist to check the fit and teach you to use it.

What is the right cane?

A cane can add balance and support on one side. Common types are single-point canes and quad canes with a wider base. Mayo Clinic advises that the top of your cane should line up with the crease in your wrist when your arm hangs straight down at your side. Replace the rubber tip when the tread looks worn or the tip has become stiff. Examples: the Carex Offset Quad Cane and the drive Aluminum Folding Cane. Replace worn tips: replacement tips for walkers and canes.

What about crutches?

Crutches take weight off a leg, usually for a short time after an injury. Ask your provider or physical therapist to fit them and show you how to use them. Browse Mobility Aids.

How do I choose a walker?

A walker gives more support than a cane. A standard walker is lifted or slid with each step, and models with wheels glide more easily. Think about where you will use it: narrow hallways, doorways, stairs. Example: the drive Clever-Lite LS Aluminum Walker. The National Institute on Aging advises that walker wheels should roll smoothly and that a walker or cane should be the right size for you.

When does a rollator make sense?

A rollator has wheels, hand brakes and often a seat and a basket. It may suit people who can walk but tire easily. Check that you can use the brakes, that the seat is at a comfortable height, and the weight capacity. Learn how the brakes lock before you sit, and follow the maker's instructions. Examples: drive Duet Four-Wheel Rollator and drive Deluxe 3-Wheel Rollator.

What should I know about wheelchairs and transport chairs?

Wheelchairs are for people who have trouble walking distances. Transport chairs are lighter and are pushed by another person. Think about seat width, weight capacity, folding for transport, and whether the person can propel the chair. Examples: the drive Cruiser III Lightweight Wheelchair and the drive Fly-Lite Ultra Transport Chair.

What are braces and supports for?

Braces and supports can help stabilize or compress a joint such as the knee, wrist, ankle or back. The right one depends on the reason, so ask your provider which type you need. Sizing is by measurement, so follow the maker's size chart. Examples: the ProCare Hinged Knee Brace, the ProCare Wrist Brace, and the 3M Ace Back Brace. Browse Braces & Supports.

What are physical therapy supplies?

Exercise bands, balls, hot and cold packs and other items for home therapy. Your therapist can tell you what to use and how. Browse Physical Therapy.

What is the fit and safety checklist?

1. Fit. Check height and width, and ask a therapist to adjust it.
2. Weight capacity. Always stay within the rating.
3. Brakes, tips and tires. Replace worn rubber tips. Check brakes regularly.
4. Where will you use it? Measure doorways and think about thresholds.
5. Can you lift or fold it? Think about the car.
6. Practice. Use it at home before you rely on it away from home.

The National Institute on Aging adds that a physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful and teach you to use them safely. Read Preventing Falls at Home as the Days Get Shorter.

What about coverage?

Some mobility equipment may be covered when a doctor orders it, and many items are not. Medicare.gov lists walkers, wheelchairs and crutches among covered equipment under Part B, with conditions. Read What Medicare Does and Doesn't Cover for Home Medical Supplies, and check with your plan. For facilities and therapy clinics: standardize on a few models your staff know, schedule maintenance, and compare by UOM (Each or Case).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a walker and a rollator? A walker is a frame you lift or slide. A rollator has wheels, hand brakes and often a seat.

How do I know a cane is the right height? The top of the cane lines up with your wrist crease with your arm at your side, per Mayo Clinic. A therapist can help you choose and teach you to use it.

Do I need a doctor's order? Not to buy most items. Coverage usually requires one.

Who can fit me for a brace? Ask your provider or a physical therapist.

Next steps

Browse the Mobility & Orthopedic menu and read Preventing Falls at Home as the Days Get Shorter.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic, "Tips for choosing and using canes": https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/canes/art-20548206
2. National Institute on Aging, "Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention": https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
3. Medicare.gov, "Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage": https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911. Last reviewed October 2026.