Muscle shrinks after a long period of wearing a walker, is it true?

People with severe leg injuries need to use a cane or crutches to help keep them moving during the recovery period. But unfortunately, the muscles in the injured leg can shrink after a long period of inactivity. Actually, what causes muscles to shrink after wearing a walker? Is this normal?

A walker, which causes the muscles to shrink after a long injury

During the healing period, the affected leg is not strong enough to return to normal function, so you will rely on a walker to make it easier to move and move. As a result, the injured leg is rarely or even not moved at all.

When muscles are not used for a long period of time, muscle tissue will slowly weaken and muscle mass will shrink. This condition is called muscle atrophy. It is estimated that muscle mass loss can reach up to two percent each day when using a walker.

Using a walker also runs the risk of reducing blood flow to the legs, hindering the healing process and complicating the transition period if you want to stop using the assistive device.

In addition, loss of muscle mass can be caused by an illness, such as a stroke (which may also cause you to need a walker after you recover), or after a major surgery that required you to recover bed rest total for some time.

Picture Mobility Device - Source: choicemobilityusa

If you are still in doubt, you can discuss with your doctor about other possible alternatives - such as mobility device .

Mobility device is a walker made of plastic and lightweight aluminum, which is useful for restoring independence and the ability to walk for people with foot injuries. It can also help speed healing of injuries and the ability to walk normally.

In contrast to walkers that rely on hand assistance to move it, mobility device makes it easier for you to move and walk normally, such as wearing a prosthetic leg.