For many people, staying mobile is not a given but a freedom they have to fight for anew every day. Whether after hip surgery, with increasing balance problems in old age, or during a lengthy rehabilitation: a walking aid can be crucial in all these situations - not as a sign of weakness, but as a smart companion that restores safety and independence. This guide explains everything you need to know: what types are available, how to choose the right model, what your health insurance fund covers - and what you should really look for when buying one.
What is a walking aid - and who needs one?
The term "walking aid" initially sounds like a simple assistive device. Yet it encompasses an entire world of different products, technologies, and applications. At its core, a walking aid is any device that helps people with limited walking ability move around safely and independently - whether at home, while shopping, or on a walk in the park.
The target group is broader than many people think. Older people are naturally an important user group, but walking aids are also used by people who have to relearn how to walk after a stroke, need temporary relief after knee or hip surgery, suffer from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or are in the rehabilitation phase after an accident.
What they have in common: they all benefit enormously from a suitable walking aid. Studies show that regular movement - including with support - not only strengthens physical health but also has a stabilizing effect psychologically. People who are able to move around can participate more actively in social life, feel less isolated, and maintain their cognitive abilities for longer.
In the GKV Medical Aids Directory of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, walking aids are listed under product group 10 - this is the official basis on which statutory health insurance funds can cover the costs of prescribed aids (Medical Aids Directory, National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds).
All types of walking aids at a glance - from simple to complex
The market offers a wide range - and that can be confusing at first. Yet choosing a particular walking aid usually follows a simple logic: the greater the impairment, the more support and stability are needed. Experts generally distinguish three categories: relieving walking aids (e.g. walking sticks), supportive walking aids (e.g. crutches, walking frames), and wheeled walking aids (e.g. rollators, walking frames with wheels).
The Walking Stick - The Classic Everyday Companion
The walking stick is probably the best-known and oldest walking aid in the world. It is ideal for people who need only light to moderate support when walking - for example, to maintain better balance or relieve a joint on one side of the body. The stick is always used on the healthy side, so that the affected leg is relieved with every step.
Modern walking sticks are generally made of lightweight aluminum, height-adjustable, and equipped with ergonomic handles. The lower end is fitted with a non-slip rubber cap for indoor use - for outdoor use, many models can be equipped with a metal spike or fold-out spikes, which provide a significant extra level of safety, especially on icy paths in winter.
In addition to the classic single-point walking stick, there are also three-point and four-point walking sticks (multi-legged walking aids), which offer significantly greater stability through multiple points of contact with the ground - ideal for people with more severe balance problems. Those who mainly enjoy elegant strolls will also find classic wooden sticks with artistically crafted handles in the well-stocked range, visually resembling a walking stick more than a medical device.
For a detailed comparison of current models, it is worth taking a look at the walking stick section at Medicalcorner24, where you can find the right model for your needs from a wide selection.
The Forearm Crutch - Strength for Rehabilitation
Colloquially known as a "crutch," it is correctly called a forearm crutch or single-arm crutch in technical terminology. It differs from a walking stick by having a cuff holder into which the forearm is placed - this provides significantly more support and prevents the hand from slipping unintentionally.
Forearm crutches are mainly used after injuries and operations when the leg or hip joint needs to be significantly relieved temporarily. They are particularly common after hip surgery or a torn ligament, as they specifically keep body weight away from the operated area. The shaft is made of robust metal or plastic and ends in a ferrule that cushions impacts when placed down, thereby protecting the arm joints.
An interesting special type is the arthritis crutch: Here, the forearm is placed in the cuff not vertically, but in a horizontal position. This puts significantly less weight on the hand and wrist - a real benefit for people with painful wrist conditions or rheumatic complaints.
Forearm crutches are generally used in pairs, with both sides sharing the load simultaneously. When purchasing them, it is essential to ensure the correct length adjustment: The grip should be level with the wrist when the arms hang relaxed.
The underarm crutch - maximum weight relief after serious injuries
Less commonly seen in everyday life but medically important: the underarm crutch, also known as an American crutch. Here, body weight is not supported through the hand and forearm, but through a padded support positioned directly under the armpit. Its key advantage is its enormous weight-relief capacity: When used correctly, an underarm crutch can reduce the weight placed on the affected leg by up to 80–85 percent. This is significantly more than with forearm crutches (approx. 40–50 %) and makes them the first choice after major surgery or when complete weight relief is required. Important: Body weight must never rest permanently on the underarm pad; it must be supported by the hand grips to prevent nerve damage.
However, using underarm crutches for a prolonged period is extremely strenuous, as being wedged between the arm and torso becomes tiring over time. In addition, incorrect use can cause nerve damage in the armpit area. For these reasons, many doctors and physiotherapists now recommend switching to the more ergonomic forearm crutch whenever possible - unless the strength in the hands and forearms is insufficient.
The walking frame - pure safety for rehabilitation
The walking frame - sometimes also called a walking aid frame, walking bars or a walking walker - is the most stable of all non-rolling walking aids. It consists of a rigid frame with four feet and provides the user with firm hand grips on both sides, on which they can fully support themselves. This maximum safety makes the walking frame particularly valuable in the early rehabilitation phase: after strokes, major bone or hip surgery, or prolonged bed rest, when independent standing and walking must be relearned.
The way it works is simple but effective: The frame is moved a small step forward with each step, followed by the legs. This deliberate forward movement trains coordination while providing maximum safety. The disadvantage: Walking frames are not very ergonomic for continuous use, as lifting them with every step requires considerable strength and attention over time.
Some models are designed to fold, which makes transportation considerably easier - an important feature when the walking aid also needs to be taken to medical or rehabilitation appointments.
The walking frame - a bridge between a walking frame and a rollator
A walking frame is essentially a walking frame with small wheels under its feet. Thanks to these wheels, the frame no longer needs to be lifted while walking, but only pushed forwards. This may sound like a small detail, but in practice it makes a considerable difference - especially for people with weak arms or limited strength.
Walking frames are used almost exclusively indoors, as their small wheels are not designed for uneven outdoor surfaces. There are versions with forearm supports, armpit supports or simple handles, depending on the degree of physical impairment. Walking frames with arm supports are particularly suitable for people with limited hand or arm function, as the weight is transferred to the forearms.
The rollator - the flagship among walking aids
When people talk about "walking aids" today, most first think of the rollator. No wonder: It is the most versatile, comfortable and best-selling model - and has undergone impressive development in recent years. What was once a purely functional aid is now a sophisticated mobility device that literally gives seniors wings.
A rollator is a wheeled frame with four wheels, handles, brakes and, in most cases, an integrated seat as well as a shopping basket or bag. It is ideally suited to people with moderate to severe unsteadiness when walking who want to remain mobile both indoors and outdoors. Unlike a walking stick or walking frame, a rollator does not need to be lifted - it simply rolls along and provides continuous support.
The braking system is one of the most important safety features: Handbrake levers on the handles allow the rollator to be brought to a stop at any time, providing immediate support in the event of dizziness or sudden exhaustion. Many models also have a parking brake that is activated when the user takes a break on the integrated seat.
Today, the market is primarily divided into:
- Indoor rollators - lightweight, narrow, manoeuvrable, ideal for the home and confined spaces
- Outdoor rollators - sturdier wheels, weather-resistant, with more storage space
- Outdoor rollators - large pneumatic tyres or profiled wheels for uneven terrain such as cobblestones, forest paths or walks on the beach
- Lightweight rollators - under 5 kg, ideal for travel or for people with little strength in their arms
- Rollator-wheelchair combinations - innovative hybrid models that can be converted into a wheelchair when needed
Anyone looking for a suitable rollator for everyday use will find what they need in our rollator range at Medicalcorner24 - there you will find models for every need and budget.
The white cane - orientation as the top priority
The white cane or long cane is a special form of walking aid that is primarily not used for physical support but for orientation in space. People with severe visual impairments or blindness use it to detect obstacles, steps, and other hazards in good time. Its characteristic white color also serves as an internationally recognized signal to other road users.
Modern white canes are made of lightweight carbon or aluminum and are often foldable so they can be stored compactly in everyday life. For people who need both an orientation aid and physical support, specially developed combination canes are available that combine both functions.
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs - when walking is no longer possible
Strictly speaking, wheelchairs and mobility scooters do not belong to the classic category of walking aids - in the GKV medical aids directory, they are listed as a separate product group under wheelchairs for sick people. Nevertheless, for many people they are the next logical step when conventional walking aids are no longer sufficient.
Manual wheelchairs are suitable for people who still have sufficient arm strength or depend on an accompanying person. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, on the other hand, enable people with severe physical limitations to remain largely independently mobile - even over considerable distances.
Safety notice for wheelchair users: An often overlooked but vital detail is the safety belts in the wheelchair. These belts age due to sweat, UV radiation, and constant stress. Manufacturers such as Meyra therefore recommend replacing the belts every 3 to 4 years, as the material becomes brittle over time and can tear with a sudden jolt (e.g. when braking or starting). Regularly check the belts for visible signs of wear or frayed areas.
This is how to adjust your walking aid correctly - the basic formula
As simple as it sounds: A walking aid that is adjusted incorrectly is not a help - it is a potential hazard. Anyone who keeps their walking stick too long tends to tilt their upper body to the side. Anyone who sets their rollator too low bends forward while walking and places unnecessary strain on the spine.
The basic rule is remarkably simple and applies to almost all walking aids:
Stand upright and let your arms hang down in a relaxed position. The handle height should be exactly level with the wrist. For a rollator, this means that when you stand upright and place your hands on the handles, your arms should be at a slight, natural angle of about 15–20 degrees at the elbows - neither straight nor sharply bent. In this position, your arms are slightly bent when leaning on the rollator - this protects the joints and ensures a physiologically correct posture.
Adjusting a rollator correctly - step by step
With a rollator, brake sensitivity also comes into play. The brakes should be adjusted so that they can be activated with light pressure, without requiring the user to exert excessive force. Brakes that are too loose pose a fall hazard; brakes that are too tight fatigue the hands and may prevent the rollator from being stopped quickly enough in an emergency.
The distance between the body and the rollator is also important: Anyone who stands too far behind it is effectively pulling the device along behind them - this is not only inefficient but also dangerous because the rollator may tip over. The ideal distance is about one step, so that you are slightly supported forward while walking without having to lean too far forward.
Using a walking stick and crutches correctly
One detail that surprises many people: The walking stick is held on the healthy side - that is, opposite the injured or weaker leg. The reason is biomechanical: When the affected leg is placed down, the body simultaneously supports itself on the stick on the other side - creating natural relief, similar to a normal gait.
When using two forearm crutches (or crutches), the same principle applies as with a walking stick: The crutches are always placed forward together with the injured or weakened leg. The healthy leg then follows with a normal step forward. This stepping pattern ensures optimal relief and the most natural gait possible. Stairs follow a different rule: Going up, the healthy leg goes first; going down, the impaired leg goes first - a mnemonic commonly used in physiotherapy: “the good ones go into the pot first.”
Walking aids and statutory health insurance: What does the GKV pay for - and what does it not cover?
This is probably the question most people affected and their relatives ask themselves first: Do I have to pay for all of this myself? The good news: In many cases, statutory health insurance covers the costs - at least for the standard model.
The basis is § 33 SGB V, which guarantees people with statutory health insurance coverage of assistive devices, provided the device is medically necessary. This applies to walking aids just as it does to hearing aids or orthopedic aids. The specific implementation is governed by the GKV Assistive Devices Directory, in which walking aids are listed under Product Group 10. In principle, insurers only reimburse products listed in this directory - although, according to the pflege.de portal, the directory is more illustrative than conclusively binding (pflege.de - Assistive Devices Directory).
Step by step to obtaining a walking aid on prescription (cost coverage by the health insurer)
In practice, the process for obtaining a walking aid covered by health insurance usually works as follows:
1. Doctor's appointment and prescription: First, a doctor - usually a family doctor or specialist - must determine the medical necessity and issue a prescription on Form 16. The prescription should be as precise as possible and ideally already specify the type of walking aid and any special requirements (e.g., lightweight rollator).
2. Cost estimate from a medical supply store: Take the prescription (Form 16) to a medical supply store of your choice. The store will prepare a non-binding cost estimate and submit it to your health insurer on your behalf. The insurer will review the application and send the approval (or rejection) directly to the medical supply store.
Important for online purchases: Many health insurers now also allow you to order from approved online mail-order retailers. Ask your insurer in advance whether this is possible and under what conditions.
3. Obtaining the device through a contracted provider: After approval, insured persons may use only providers that have concluded a contract with the respective health insurer. In traditional retail, these would typically be medical supply stores; online, insured persons can order through authorized mail-order pharmacies and specialist shops.
4. Copayment: Anyone who is not chronically ill or exempt from copayments generally pays 10 percent of the cost - at least 5 euros, however. With a standard rollator costing around 100-150 euros through the insurer, the personal contribution therefore remains manageable. Anyone who wants a higher-quality model must pay the difference from the insurer's subsidy themselves.
What does the insurer cover - and what not?
Health insurers generally cover the cost of standard models - such as basic rollators, walking sticks, or forearm crutches without additional features. However, anyone who prefers a lightweight model, a wheeled walker with a tray, or a particularly ergonomic version should expect to pay part of the cost themselves.
For those with private health insurance: There is no standardized list of assistive devices. Some private insurers follow the statutory health insurance assistive devices directory, while others have their own lists. If in doubt, it is worth speaking directly with your insurer before making a purchase.
A practical note: The copayment is waived completely if the insured person has already reached the annual limit for statutory copayments - this applies in particular to people with chronic illnesses. This limit is 2% of annual gross income (or 1% for people with chronic illnesses) and is certified by the health insurance fund upon application.
Using walking aids safely - common mistakes and important everyday tips
Buying a walking aid is one thing. Using it correctly and safely is another. Especially during the initial phase, small mistakes often creep in that can lead to poor posture, exhaustion, or even falls in the long term. The good news: Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid - if you know about them.
Paradoxically, the most common mistake when using walking aids is being afraid of falling itself. Many seniors who have already fallen develop a genuine fear of falling and subsequently avoid all movement. This creates a dangerous vicious cycle: Avoiding activities leads to muscle weakness, which actually increases rather than reduces the risk of falling. A walking aid is not a sign of withdrawal here - it is an active tool that makes more movement possible in the first place.
Another classic mistake: overloading the rollator. The integrated shopping bag is practical - but it has limits. Loading too much weight into the bag shifts the rollator's center of gravity forward and makes it unstable. A seat allows for comfortable breaks while walking, while cane holders and baskets carry additional loads such as shopping - however, you should always observe the load limits of the accessories.
The five most common mistakes at a glance
Mistake 1 - Incorrect handle height: Handles that are too high force the user to raise their shoulders; handles that are too low encourage them to lean forward. The rollator should always be used while standing upright, not leaning forward. With the arms hanging loosely, the handles should be at wrist height; otherwise, even slight unevenness in the ground can cause a fall.
Mistake 2 - Neglecting the brakes: Walking aids should always be kept within reach and in good working order. The brakes should always be engaged whenever you do not want to move with the rollator - for example, when sitting on the integrated seat or standing at a traffic light. Anyone who ignores this basic rule risks the rollator unintentionally rolling away during a short pause.
Mistake 3 - Incorrect footwear: Non-slip socks and shoes with good support are simple but effective ways to prevent falls. They improve grip on smooth floors and thus reduce the risk of slipping. Slippers without heel straps or socks on parquet flooring are a real safety risk, even when using a rollator.
Mistake 4 - Tripping hazards in the home: In addition to targeted training, adapting the living space is crucial. Tripping hazards such as rug edges and cables should be removed, and good lighting should be provided - especially in hallways and the bathroom. Grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip mats further increase safety.
Mistake 5 - No instruction: However simple using a rollator may seem at first glance, it has to be learned, especially when it comes to recognizing obstacles and safely "steering around" them. Anyone who forgoes a brief introduction - from the medical supply store, doctor, or care professional - when making a purchase is giving up valuable safety potential.
Mobility aids in winter - when it gets slippery outside
Using mobility aids outdoors is particularly demanding during the winter months. Snow, ice, and wet leaves turn ordinary sidewalks into real obstacle courses. When leaving the house, seniors should wear sturdy, supportive footwear and use a suitable mobility aid as needed.
For walking canes, cane tips with a metal spike or ice pick are recommended in winter - these can be easily fitted onto the rubber ferrules of most standard canes and provide significantly more grip on ice. For rollators: models with wider, profiled tires handle snow better than those with narrow solid-rubber wheels. If in doubt, avoid going outside on particularly slippery days and rely on assistance instead.
Buy a mobility aid - online or at a medical supply store?
Sooner or later, everyone who is dealing with the subject of mobility aids for the first time asks this question. Both options are justified - and both have clear advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed.
The traditional brick-and-mortar medical supply store offers one thing above all: personal advice and the opportunity to try out different models directly. Anyone using a rollator for the first time benefits enormously from testing different height settings and brake sensitivities in person. In addition, many medical supply stores handle billing with the health insurance provider and provide instruction in proper use. Meanwhile, many statutory health insurance funds have entered into fixed contracts with specific medical supply stores or manufacturers, thereby making a preselection for their insured members.
The online purchase, on the other hand, scores points for selection, transparency, and price. Those who already know which model they need - or who are buying a mobility aid to complement a main device they are already familiar with, such as a folding cane for travel - often find better prices and a significantly wider range of products online. Customer reviews, detailed product photos, and comparison features make the decision much easier.
Used rollators are sometimes also offered for sale by private individuals. You should only decide whether it is worthwhile after a test drive. You should make sure to choose a rollator that is approved as a tested medical device and bears a corresponding inspection seal.
A practical middle ground: Get advice at a medical supply store and identify the right model - then order it online at the lowest price if no insurance contribution is planned. In Medicalcorner24's walking aids range, you will find a carefully curated selection of rollators, walking sticks, walking frames, and accessories - including detailed product descriptions and fast delivery to Germany.
What to look out for when buying online
- Check the measurements: Before buying, you should know your own height and compare it with the product's specified handle-height ranges. Two factors are decisive when choosing the right rollator size: the seat height and the handle height. While the seat height is predetermined and generally cannot be adjusted, the handles can be individually adjusted.
- CE marking and medical device approval: Walking aids used for medical purposes must be approved as medical devices. The CE mark alone is not sufficient; what matters is that the product is registered in the EU as a medical device under the MDR (Medical Device Regulation).
- Make use of the return option: Even when buying online, you should actively make use of the statutory 14-day cancellation period. If you test the rollator or walking stick at home and notice that the handle height or width is unsuitable, you can return it without any problems.
- Check the "Pre-assembly" service: Not every online shop delivers the rollator fully assembled. Before buying, ask whether the retailer offers free or low-cost pre-assembly and basic adjustment. This saves you the hassle of tightening screws and ensures that the brakes and handles have been correctly adjusted by a specialist before the device arrives.
Care and maintenance - how to keep your walking aid reliable for a long time
A walking aid is a safety product. This means that a defective part - a torn brake cable, a cracked handle grip, or a worn rubber cap - can become a serious hazard. Regular care and maintenance are therefore not optional, but essential.
Regular maintenance of the rollator is important to ensure it functions properly and also helps prevent accidents. Care and maintenance are not only worthwhile if you want to extend its service life - it is equally important to ensure through regular maintenance that all parts remain in perfect condition. This is the only way to prevent accidents and ensure safe use.
The most important maintenance points at a glance
Test the brakes: Once a week, you should check whether the hand brakes can be pulled easily and evenly and whether the rollator comes to an immediate stop when braking. This also makes it possible to check whether the rollator's handles have cracks that could cause them to break off under load. Do the rollator's brakes still engage? Brake cables should also not protrude beyond the frame.
Check wheels and casters: Rollator wheels should turn evenly and smoothly. Creaking or wobbling wheels indicate dirt or wear. The rollator can be cleaned with a damp cloth or the soft side of a sponge. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or hard brushes. Lukewarm soapy water is perfectly sufficient.
Check rubber tips and buffers: Walking sticks and walking frames have rubber tips that provide the necessary grip on the floor. It is important that the rubber feet are always in good condition. Worn tips lose their anti-slip effect and should be replaced immediately - replacement tips are inexpensive and available from many specialist retailers.
Tighten screw connections: Height-adjustable walking aids have locking pins or screw connections. These can become loose through daily use. A quick check - can the walking aid be loaded while standing on one leg without wobbling? - is sufficient as an everyday test.
Professional maintenance: If a repair is found to be necessary during maintenance, you should definitely contact a specialist service provider. Attempts to repair a rollator yourself should be avoided. Anyone who received their rollator through statutory health insurance benefits from the fact that statutory health insurance also covers the costs incurred for maintenance and repairs.
Supplementary aids - when a walking aid alone is not enough
A walking aid addresses the central problem of limited mobility - but it is usually only part of a larger assistive-technology ecosystem that helps people live independently and safely at home for as long as possible. Anyone considering a walking aid should therefore also take a look at supplementary everyday aids.
These include, for example, reacher grabbers and gripping aids that make it possible to pick up items from the floor or reach things on a shelf without bending over dangerously. For people whose finger dexterity is limited by osteoarthritis or other conditions, dressing aids and sock aids can make the morning dressing routine considerably easier.
The topic of personal emergency response systems is particularly important in connection with limited mobility: Technical aids such as an emergency call button or fall detector increase everyday safety for older people and their relatives. In the event of a fall, these devices can automatically alert help and thus reduce the waiting time for assistance. Combined with a walking aid, such systems provide a dual safety net - for those affected themselves and for their relatives.
In the daily living aids range at Medicalcorner24, you will find a wide selection of complementary products - from reachers and dressing aids to personal emergency response systems - that work perfectly with your walking aid.
Conclusion - Mobility is not a luxury, but a right
People who remain mobile live more independently, healthily, and happily. A walking aid - whether a simple walking stick, sturdy rollator, or specialized walking frame - is not a sign of failure, but a smart tool that restores freedom. Mobility means freedom. Those who remain mobile despite a certain degree of frailty retain a large part of their joy in life.
Choosing the right model, adjusting it correctly, and maintaining it consistently determine how much this freedom is actually worth in everyday life. Use the information in this guide as a starting point - and do not hesitate to consult professionals: your general practitioner, a physiotherapist, or the experts at a specialized medical supply store.
Do you have questions about a specific model, or would you like advice tailored to your individual situation? The Medicalcorner24 team will be happy to assist you - by phone, email, or directly at the store.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about walking aids
Which walking aid is right for me?
This depends primarily on two factors: the extent of your mobility impairment and your main area of use. For slight unsteadiness when walking, a simple walking stick is often sufficient. For more significant limitations, more frequent breaks, or outdoor activities, a rollator is recommended. A typical time to purchase a walking aid is when you start feeling unsteady while walking, need frequent breaks, or your fear of falling increases. If everyday activities such as shopping or going for walks are becoming increasingly difficult, it is also advisable to consider a supportive walking aid. In many cases, general practitioners, orthopedists, or physiotherapists make the recommendation. If in doubt, seek specialist medical advice before making a decision.
Does health insurance cover the cost of a walking aid?
Yes - under certain conditions. A rollator is one of the recognised aids covered by statutory health insurance. Once a doctor certifies a medical need and issues a prescription, the health insurance fund generally covers the cost of a standard model. Many health insurance funds also lend out rollators and may then even cover some maintenance and repairs. Higher-quality models may require an additional payment. Please observe the information on the product label and consult a doctor if necessary.
How do I adjust my rollator correctly?
The basic rule is simple and applies to all walking aids: Stand upright and let your arms hang loosely - the handle height should be exactly level with your wrist. The rollator is adjusted individually to the user, for example with regard to handle height, brakes and handling. An introduction ensures that the rollator can be used safely. The brake sensitivity should also be adjusted so that the brakes can be activated with light pressure without tiring the hands.
Where can I buy a walking aid in Germany?
You can buy walking aids in Germany from a local medical supply store - where you receive personal advice and can try the product directly - or conveniently online. If you already know which model you need, online specialist retailers often offer a wider selection at transparent prices. At Medicalcorner24, you can choose from a wide range of rollators, walking sticks, walking frames and accessories - with fast delivery within Germany and expert advice by phone and email.
How long does a rollator last?
This depends greatly on the intensity of use and the level of care. Well-maintained rollators made of aluminium or carbon can easily last five to eight years. Like any other everyday item, a rollator also requires regular care to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. Regular maintenance is important to ensure functionality and also helps prevent accidents. Rubber tips, brake pads and seat covers are easy and inexpensive to replace as wear parts.
Can I get a walking aid on prescription after hip surgery?
Yes. Crutches are often used after hip surgery because, ideally, patients should be able to walk independently again. The crutch therefore provides temporary support and relieves strain. After successful healing, physiotherapists often recommend switching to a rollator or walking stick to ensure long-term mobility. The prescription is generally issued directly in the hospital or by the treating orthopaedist.
