Three Myths about Using a Mobility Aid

Physical pain from psoriatic arthritis and my other chronic illnesses forced me to utilize mobility aids for much of my chronic life. Sadly there have been times when I chose not to use one just because I feared what others would think.

This robbed my family and I the opportunities to explore new places and to do more than I could while on foot. I allowed my humiliation of not being “normal” reinforce the myths that people spewed when they saw me using my mobility aids.

Today I want to let the world know what those myths are and why we all need to stop allowing them to keep us from doing what is best for us.

Wheelchairs are only for disabled & elderly people

Funny thing about this myth is that the inability to walk isn’t defined as not being able to walk at all. I don’t know anyone who would tease or choose to humiliate someone who had broken their foot or leg and used a wheelchair because it was too hard to get around all day on crutches. Yet, that is exactly how it feels to someone who lives with chronic pain.

We may be able to go grocery shopping on foot or walk through the mall to get to the movie theater, but not be able to spend the day walking around the zoo. It is no different than the person who knows that their arms wouldn’t be able to handle eight hours on crutches. However, because we lack the visual aid of a cast or other visible injury, it is presumed that there is nothing wrong with us.

Another presumption is that we are paralyzed. Instead of being thankful that someone isn’t when seen standing up and walking a few feet, they are ridiculed and shamed for using a mobility aid.

As for only being for the elderly, can you imagine someone suggesting to a disabled child that they were too young to need a wheelchair? Wheelchairs help people with all kinds of ailments and not all of them involve the use of their legs.

Walkers are only for the elderly

I’d be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time someone said that I was too young to need a walker. I was in my mid-thirties when I began using a walker and instead of explaining how utilizing mine had prevented me from falling as often as I had in the years prior or how it extended the amount of time that I was able to spend on my feet, I hung my head low and felt like a fool for having to use something that was made for the elderly.

Those of us who purchased walkers for our children when they began standing did so because it made it safer for them to get around. While in their walkers they could race across a room, where without it they most likely would have fallen flat on their behind or hit their heads on a table. If only we had the same outlook as having to use one as an adult.

Using a walker prevents injuries for those of us who have issues with balance or the strength to stand/walk for long periods of time. My walker allows my back, feet, legs, and hips to rest when needed, not just when there is a bench available.

People who use wheelchairs are lazy

There is nothing easy about getting around in a wheelchair. It is a hassle whether you are being pushed or getting around on your own. Not every door automatically opens, not every ramp is safe, and not every walkway is wide enough, and so on and so on…. Nobody wakes up and says I want to take it easy today so I think I will use a wheelchair. A day with a wheelchair is far more challenging than an average day spent on foot.

Have you let these myths keep you from using a mobility aid when you should have?