Essential Mobility Aids for People with POTS: Canes, Walkers, Wheelchairs (2024)

Essential Mobility Aids for People with POTS

Living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) can significantly impact mobility and make daily activities fatiguing or challenging. Many people with POTS find that using mobility aids and devices can help conserve precious energy and improve quality of life.

POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects blood flow and heart rate. Key symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, and rapid heart rate upon standing up. This is due to an abnormal drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing.

Since standing and walking requires more effort for those with POTS, a variety of mobility aids can assist with stability, balance, and endurance. Here are some of the most essential mobility aids to consider.

Canes

Canes are a common mobility aid used by people with POTS to help maintain their balance. The extra stability a cane provides can prevent falls, reduce fatigue, and enable a person to walk longer distances with less impact on their symptoms.

There are many different types of canes to choose from including:

• Standard straight cane
• Quad cane with four prongs at the base
• Adjustable height cane
• Folding cane for portability
• Forearm crutch cane
• 3-in-1 cane with a seat

Look for a comfortable handgrip and proper cane length based on your height. The cane should touch the floor about 6 inches ahead of the foot on the side you hold the cane. Consider a quad cane or forearm crutch cane if needing extra stability. Bright colors or patterns can help the cane double as a stylish accessory.

Walkers or Rollators

A walker or rolling walker (known as a rollator) provides more support than a cane for those who need help balancing or standing for any length of time. Walkers have handles to grip along with four legs and wheels to glide along smoothly.

The frame offers stability by providing a wide, stable base of support. People with POTS often feel steadier and less lightheaded when they have the front frame bar to hold onto. Models with built-in seats allow resting breaks as needed.

Look for adjustable height walkers with handbrakes, comfortable handgrips, and a storage pouch. Make sure to get the right size based on your height. It’s safest to choose a model with more weight capacity than you need so it stays sturdy.

Wheelchairs

For those with severe POTS symptoms and limitations walking, a wheelchair can maintain mobility while permitting the body to rest. This is crucial since being upright tends to exacerbate many POTS symptoms. Options include:

• Manual wheelchairs
• Power chairs
• Travel wheelchairs
• Tilt-in-space chairs to avoid pressure sores
• Custom molded seating for comfort

Speak with your doctor about whether a wheelchair would be beneficial. Factors like upper body strength, range of motion, frequency of fainting episodes, and home accessibility are important considerations. An occupational therapist can help with recommendations and fitting.

Scooters

Mobility scooters offer powered transportation for those unable to walk long distances due to POTS symptoms. They allow conservation of energy while retaining independence with mobility.

Travel scooters have a lightweight, folding frame for portability. Full-sized models are more comfortable for extended use and capable of higher speeds and distances. Consider weight capacity, turning radius, adjustable tiller/armrests, seat size, battery range, and whether a ramp is needed to transport the scooter.

Compression Garments

Compression garments like compression socks, stockings, leggings, and shorts can aid circulation in the lower extremities. This helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs and reduces orthostatic intolerance issues from prolonged standing/walking for those with POTS.

Compression wear comes in different levels of compression (measured in mmHg units) and styles. Graduated compression which is tighter at the ankles and decreases compression up the leg is preferred. Get properly measured and fitted for optimal benefits.

Service Animals

Service dogs can provide invaluable mobility assistance, stability and balance support, anxiety reduction, and emergency POTS episode alerting/response for those with more severe POTS limitations.

Dogs can be trained to perform tasks like bracing and counterbalance work to steady handlers who feel lightheaded upon standing or walking. They can also fetch water, medications or foods to avoid trips to the fridge or pantry during a POTS flare. Look for accredited service dog training organizations.

Crutches

Forearm and underarm crutches take weight and pressure off the lower body while keeping the user upright. They can provide stability for those with POTS who still have some ability to walk but need assistance balancing.

Crutches redistribute about 25% of body weight to the upper body and require core and upper body fitness to manage. Proper size based on user height is vital along with crutch tips that match the walking surface. Use care on stairs, ramps or uneven terrain.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy utilizes horseback riding movements and equine body warmth to gently stimulate circulation and blood flow. This can help alleviate orthostatic intolerance symptoms of POTS. Sitting upright while the horse walks and trots also strengthens core muscles.

Look for a trained hippotherapy provider with experience working with POTS patients. Ensure they take appropriate safety precautions like helmets and support people walking alongside the horse. Hippotherapy is not recommended for those with severe balance issues or fear of horses.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mobility Aids for POTS

Those with POTS have unique mobility aid needs due to their condition. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting options:

Orthostatic Intolerance Severity

How severely POTS symptoms manifest upon standing/walking helps determine appropriate aids. Milder cases may only need a cane for periodic balance assistance. More severe orthostatic intolerance warrants wheelchairs for rest and conservation of energy.

Upper Body Strength

Mobility aids like crutches and manual wheelchairs require some upper body strength and stamina. Be realistic about current fitness levels and activity limitations when choosing options.

Frequency of Flare Ups

Those with infrequent POTS flare ups may need mobility aids just for shopping trips or busy outings. If severe symptoms occur daily, full-time options like power chairs provide constant support and accessibility.

Living Environment

Consider your home layout, door widths, flooring, outdoor conditions, and transportation options. This ensures aids like wheelchairs and scooters work in your environment. Some modifications like ramps may be needed.

Financial Constraints

Cost may factor into mobility aid selection especially for full-featured power chairs and custom wheelchairs. Determine what your budget is and research financial assistance options available.

Aesthetic Preferences

Mobility aids come in diverse styles, colors and designs. Opt for crutch or cane handles and wheelchair upholstery you find attractive. This fosters regular use by making aids part of your personal style.

Activities and Lifestyle

Factor in your regular activities and needs like college classes, commuting for work, attending doctor appointments, running errands, socializing etc. Match aids to your unique lifestyle and their intended uses.

Tips for Safely Using Mobility Aids with POTS

When starting to use mobility aids, keep these safety tips in mind:

Learn Proper Techniques

Get instructions from a doctor or physical therapist on correct sizing, posture, gait, braking and maneuvers for whichever aid you choose. This prevents injury.

Start Slowly

Build endurance and confidence with aids gradually, especially if new to using that type of support. Don’t overexert yourself. Gradually increase walking time and distances.

Listen to Warning Signs

Stay alert to pre-syncopal symptoms like dizziness or nausea. Stop and rest immediately at the first indication to prevent falls.

Optimize Seating Support

Cushions, lumbar support, extra padding, and reclining on wheelchairs/scooters helps avoid aggravating orthostatic intolerance. Position yourself carefully and change positions frequently.

Mind the Terrain

Use extra caution navigating uneven sidewalks, grass, curbs, ramps or gravel with any aid. Go slowly, ask for assistance if needed, and avoid risky terrain.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates POTS symptoms. Keep water handy to sip, especially when active or in warmer weather. Electrolyte drinks help too.

Bring Emergency Items

When venturing out, have medications, snacks, compression socks, electrolyte tablets etc. on hand. Prepare for the unexpected with POTS gear.

Pick Your Battles

Know your limits. Skipping an optional activity to preserve energy for a necessary errand for example, helps avoid overexertion with aids.

POTS and Mobility Aids: Frequently Asked Questions

Are mobility aids like canes medically necessary for POTS?

Mobility aids can certainly be medically beneficial for many people with POTS. While not always an absolute necessity, they improve safety, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life. Discuss options with your doctor.

Should I use mobility aids all the time for POTS?

This depends on the severity of your symptoms and limitations. Periodic, as-needed use of canes or rollators may be adequate for some. Those with more impaired mobility often rely on aids daily.

Will mobility aids help prevent fainting with POTS?

Aids like rollators offer stability that can lessen the risk of collapsing from pre-syncope lightheadedness or fainting. But they cannot prevent all POTS episodes. Take routine precautions too.

Can overuse of mobility aids weaken the body?

Using mobility aids in itself doesn’t weaken the body, but they can enable a sedentary lifestyle if overutilized. Balance aid use with other non-weightbearing activity, stretching, and strength training.

Are mobility aids a lifelong requirement with POTS?

Not necessarily. Some find POTS symptoms improve over time allowing them to reduce aid use. Others may require lifelong mobility assistance depending on symptom severity and response to treatment.

Seeking Support for Using Mobility Aids

Adjusting to mobility aids can be challenging at first. Seek support in these ways:

• Join POTS Facebook groups or forums to connect with others using aids.
• Enlist family and friends to assist learning new mobility skills.
• Talk to a counselor if struggling with self-esteem issues.
• Request physical or occupational therapy to boost mobility confidence.
• Get workplace accommodations for mobility aid use if needed.
• Educate strangers politely if encountering access issues.

Having POTS may necessitate using mobility aids at times. But with the right support, they can greatly enhance stability, safety and energy levels. Focus on the increased freedom aids provide for activities you love.

FAQs

What are the best mobility aids for POTS?

Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, compression garments, and service animals are among the most useful mobility aids for people with POTS.

Will mobility aids cure POTS?

No, mobility aids don't cure POTS but they can greatly help manage symptoms and improve daily function.

Can POTS patients drive mobility scooters?

Yes, many POTS patients successfully use mobility scooters to get around while conserving their energy and limiting symptoms.

Do I need a doctor's prescription for POTS mobility aids?

You typically need a doctor's authorization for mobility aids to be covered by medical insurance, but not always for self-pay options.

How do I choose the right mobility aids for my POTS?

Consider factors like symptom severity, upper body strength, flare up frequency, living environment, budget, and lifestyle needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.