Why Do Walkers Have Tennis Balls

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Alex PT

Walkers have tennis balls on their rear legs to reduce friction and make moving easier. This simple DIY modification helps prevent scuffing and provides a smoother glide, reducing the risk of accidents.

Walk around long enough, and odds are you will find that an individual using tennis balls around the base of their walker.  It may appear odd at first, however, there’s a really sensible reason why many folks do this.  So, why are tennis balls used on walkers? They’re bigger than the hints, meaning more surface area and enhanced grip. In this article, we are going to talk about why you need to use tennis balls on walkers, how safe it is to use tennis balls on walkers, some arguments about the use of tennis balsa on walkers, and how to attach tennis balls to walkers. 

This table includes who should use tennis balls on walkers and items to remember when attaching tennis balls to a walker. 

Who Should Use Tennis Balls On Walkers	Items To Remember When Attaching Tennis Balls To A Walker
Adults	Hammer
Women	Nails
Men	Rubber finishes
Young Children	Glue

Why You Need To Use Tennis Balls On Walkers

Tennis balls onto a walker make a great deal of sense for folks of all ages.  The principal reason why many individuals enjoy this setup comes down to the ability to slide around rather than hold a part of the walker up.  It may be quite a frustrating experience, especially for elderly individuals who may not have the ability to move well whatsoever.

Tennis balls do not have a similar quantity of traction, but most do not require a superior grip when they’re walking about.  Rather, they need something which has slightly more surface area so it is a lot easier to get a place down.  They also need something that has some stability but can also glide on particular surfaces.

More Successful Indoor

It’s well worth noting that golf balls are going to be a good deal more helpful on indoor vinyl and particular varieties of cement with coat onto it.  Tennis balls won’t slip untreated cement or sidewalk, and it is pretty difficult to get it done on particular kinds of carpets as well.

Should you apply the walker for slipping whatsoever, tennis balls are really worth looking into.  While the rubber ideas may slide just a bit, they also wear out if handled like that.  It may cost $20 or more to replace these hints, whereas tennis balls may cost approximately one dollar every new.  Obviously, there are lots of approaches to get used tennis balls to get much less expensive.  As they will directly visit the floor, they do not require to be new to serve their goal.  Ask around for gifts, and many find the ideal quantity of equipment required.

Is It Safe To Use Tennis Balls On Walkers

Using tennis balls on walkers can be safe if done correctly. It’s a common DIY solution to make walkers glide more smoothly and quietly. Here’s how to use them safely:

1. Ensure Proper Fit: Tennis balls should fit snugly over the walker’s rear legs. They are usually cut and slipped onto the legs. Ensure they are securely attached.
2. Replace Regularly: Tennis balls can wear out, so regularly check for signs of damage or wear. Replace them if they become damaged.
3. Choose the Right Flooring: This method is best for indoor use or on smooth surfaces. On rough or uneven terrain, it may not be as effective.
4. Monitor Stability: Using tennis balls may slightly change the balance of the walker. Users should adapt to this change and ensure the walker remains stable.
5. Consider Alternatives: Some walkers come with glider tips or wheels designed for smoother movement. These may be a safer and more convenient option.
6. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist who can recommend the best modification for a walker based on an individual’s needs.

Argument Against Utilizing Balls On Walker

In the past couple of decades, there are some men and women who are really against using tennis balls around the walker, since there are now choices that assist with slipping more.  Adding a set of tennis balls into the base of a walker may help equilibrium at first, but when a person wears down until another, it may be somewhat uneven.

In addition, there are individuals against a tennis ball around the floor due to the way that they accumulate a lot of distinct germs.  This is something to think about, but at precisely the exact time, wheels and tips may get dirty quickly too.  Just be certain that you replace them regularly and everything ought to be OK on that front.  Wash out the walker up to possible if bacteria are a significant problem since there is not a remedy available yet that does not collect germs.

Tennis balls may be bought new for a inexpensive cost, or discovered in bulk by a local tennis center.  The majority of the time they are throwing balls out who are dead anyway, so that they will offer a good deal of tennis balls at no cost.  This provides a man no justification to not replace them regularly.

Who Should Use Tennis Balls On Walkers?

Tennis balls on walkers are a do-it-yourself modification that can benefit specific individuals. Here’s who should consider using them:

1. Elderly Individuals: Many elderly people with limited mobility find tennis balls on walkers helpful. They make it easier to move the walker, reducing the effort required, and making it more manageable for those with weakened strength.
2. Rehabilitation Patients: Patients recovering from surgery, injuries, or certain medical conditions may use walkers temporarily. Tennis balls can provide a smoother glide during the rehabilitation process, aiding their recovery.
3. Arthritis Sufferers: People with arthritis often experience joint pain, which can make pushing a walker difficult. Tennis balls can lessen the friction and make using a walker less painful.
4. Limited Upper Body Strength: Individuals with reduced upper body strength may struggle with standard walker tips. Tennis balls require less force to move and can be more accessible for those with physical limitations.
5. Budget Constraints: Tennis balls are an economical option for improving walker mobility. They are a cost-effective solution for those who cannot afford or do not wish to invest in pricier walker accessories.
6. DIY Enthusiasts: Some people enjoy DIY projects and may opt for tennis balls for their walkers as a simple and customizable solution.

How To Attach Tennis Balls On Walker 

Step 1: Gather Your Materials
The first task in attaching tennis balls to a walker is to gather the necessary materials. These primarily include two tennis balls and a sharp knife.

Step 2: Make the Initial Cut
With the tennis balls cleanly rounded, it might be difficult to direct the knife through them at first. For this reason, a small initial incision at the top of the ball is often more manageable. The knife needs to penetrate only enough into the ball just to gain a hold for the next step.

Step 3: Enlarge the Cut
Once the initial incision has been made, then take the knife and enlarge it to create a cross-shaped cut. Ensure this cut is about 1.5-2 inches long, enough to stretch across the diameter of the walker’s leg.

Step 4: Insert the Walker Leg
Now that the cut has been made, insert the bottom of the walker’s leg into the hole. The rubber end of the walker’s leg should be fully inserted into the ball such that the ball covers it entirely.

Step 5: Secure the Ball
Some tennis balls may naturally secure themselves on the leg of the walker after the earlier steps. For balls that are loose, though, some adhesive may be required. Apply the adhesive around the lip of the cut and push the ball onto the walker’s foot until secure.

Step 6: Repeat for Other Legs
Repeat the steps above for each leg of the walker.

Keep in mind to ensure that all balls are securely in place, and none of them is loose or likely to come off during use.

Here is a brief table summarizing the steps:

Steps	Descriptions
Step 1	Gather Your Materials: Two tennis balls and a sharp knife
Step 2	Initiate a small cut on the ball
Step 3	Enlarge the cut into a cross-shape
Step 4	Insert the bottom of the walker’s leg into the hole.
Step 5	Secure the ball with adhesive, if required
Step 6	Repeat for all legs of the walker

5 Steps for Attaching Tennis Balls onto A Walker

1. Balance the tennis ball so it doesn’t move about.  People who are used to doing this may only use their hands, but it is suggested to use a vice or someone else at first.

2. Use the knife to get a first hole placed to the ball, along with the hammer and nail.  This is simply going to become a beginning point for where the real cuts want to be made.

3. Now there is a beginning hole, it is time to create an X using the knife.  The dimensions of this X ought to be approximately two inches in length with every cut to match a regular walker.  This may leave four distinct openings onto the tennis ball, making attaching it to a walker a lot simpler.

4. Make certain to cut off from the body when performing so.  Many individuals don’t realize exactly how hard and durable tennis balls really are.  That is good news as it’s on the base of a walker, however, a knife may be tough to use at first.  Go with something that is pretty sharp, and also be ready to undergo a bit of a battle at first.

5. Open the flaps only enough to place the leg of the walker to the ball.  Push all of the flaps up so it has a safe fit.  A few folks could elect for extra tape or perhaps adhesive to get a more secure fit, however, this established up alone ought to be just nice.

Items To Remember 

Since individuals attach these to the base of the walker, so they ought to remain on nicely thanks to gravity for the most part.  Should they slide off, they are not hard to put forth.  If they always slip off, attempt to create the opening somewhat smaller another time by cutting on smaller lines around the X.

It may be tempting to utilize some form of glue that makes the tennis balls more durable, but that generally doesn’t work out for your very best.  They will need to come off and on, not just to replace them but for specific ailments.  By way of instance, if the afternoon contains a great deal of walking around cement, the rubber finishes may be better for this particular surface.  There won’t be a good deal of sliding around.

Final Words 

Anyone who’s seeking to bring a little more flexibility to their present setup should provide tennis balls around the floor a go.  When they don’t feel like something that’s useful, pop off them rather than use them.  Those men and women who enjoy the notion of owning a tiny bit of color and uniqueness included in their walker may also gain from this sort of setup.

Just keep in mind that in the event that you do find an origin for the utilization of tennis balls, collect as many as you can then and there.  Obtaining a good backup supply is a fantastic habit to get into since you ought to replace them until there’s a great deal of gum, hair, dirt, and other debris out of the floor on.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-old-people-put-tennis-balls-on-their-walkers
https://tennispredict.com/why-are-tennis-balls-used-on-walkers/