Walkers Orthopedic

Walkers can be used to keep weight off a leg or foot while it is healing. They are often used instead of crutches for younger children or those who have trouble keeping their balance.

Baby walkers are dangerous and should never be used.

• "NWB" - Non-Weight_Bearing - Do not put any weight on the injured foot or leg.
• "TDWB" -  Touch-Down Weight-Bearing - You may rest your foot very lightly on the floor, but do not put any weight through the foot.
• “PWB” – Partial Weight-Bearing - You may put some weight on the foot.
• “WBAT” –Weight-Bearing As Tolerated. - You may put as much weight on your leg and foot as you are comfortable with.

• The height of the walker should be adjusted to the level of your child’s wrist when the
  arm is relaxed at the child’s side.
• Do not use a walker on the stairs. (See below for getting up and down stairs.)
• Make sure you have rubber safety tips on the bottom of the walker. The safety tips keep
  the walker from slipping. Check these rubber tips every few days and replace them if
  they show signs of wear.

Scooting on Stairs

Your child can “scoot” up or down the stairs on their bottom. For safety someone needs to help the child with their sore leg.

• To “scoot” upstairs: Your child should turn around and sit on a lower step facing down the stairs. They can use their arms and good leg to push themselves up the stairs, one step at a time.
• To “scoot” downstairs: The child should sit down away from the edge of the top step. They can then scoot forward and use their arms and good leg to lower themselves down the steps, one at a time.

Curbs With a Walker

“Up with the good, down with the bad”

Follow-Up

• It is a good idea for parents to talk to the child’s school office and ask if their child can be released from classes five minutes early. This allows time to get to the next class or the school bus.
• Call your child’s doctor or the Orthopedic Clinic at (614) 722-5175 to make an appointment.
• If you have any questions, be sure to ask your physical therapist or nurse,
  or call ____________________ at ______________________. 

HH-II-140  ©2000, Revised 2020, Nationwide Children’s Hospital