Assistive device	Pros	Cons	Examples of conditions indicated for use
Canes
Standard/straight cane	Improves balance; adjustable	Should not be used for weight bearing; umbrella handle may cause carpal tunnel syndrome	Mild ataxia (sensory, vestibular, or visual); mild arthritis
Offset cane	Appropriate for intermittent weight bearing; shotgun handle puts less pressure on palm	Commonly used incorrectly (backward)	Moderate arthritis
Quadripod (four-legged) cane	Increased base of support; can bear larger amount of weight; stands freely on its own	Slightly heavier than straight cane; awkward to use correctly with all four points on ground simultaneously	Hemiparesis
Crutches
Axillary crutches	Able to completely redistribute weight off of lower extremities; permits 80 to 100 percent weight-bearing support; inexpensive	Difficult to learn to use; requires substantial energy expenditure and strength; risk of nerve or artery compression; unable to use hands	Lower extremity fracture
Forearm (Lofstrand) crutches	Frees hands without having to drop crutch; less cumbersome to use, particularly on stairs	Permits only occasional weight bearing	Paraparesis
Platform crutches	Forearm is used to bear weight rather than hand	Difficult to learn to use	Rheumatoid arthritis
Walkers
Standard walker	Most stable walker; folds easily	Needs to be lifted up with each step; slower, less natural gait	Severe myopathy; severe neuropathy; cerebellar ataxia
Front-wheeled (two-wheeled) walker	Maintains normal gait pattern; does not need to be lifted up with each step	Large turning arc; less stable than standard walker	Severe myopathy; severe neuropathy; paraparesis; parkinsonism
Four-wheeled walker (rollator)	Easy to propel; highly maneuverable, with small turning arc; typically has seat and basket	Not for weight bearing; less stable than front-wheeled walker; does not fold easily	Moderate arthritis; claudication; lung disease; congestive heart failure