Wheelchairs are considered one of the most critical and valuable inventions in history. They provide increased mobility and independence for people who have disabilities either due to old age or a health condition. Numerous types of disabilities require the use of wheelchairs for assistance and mobility. These are commonly referred to as mobility impairments.
Over the decades, wheelchairs have undergone several developments to provide better assistance to people with mobility impairments. Motorised wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs have become more and more popular these days. They are powered by batteries and can be easily driven without bringing fatigue to their users.
Especially for people with mobility impairments, the development of electric wheelchairs has been quite beneficial and life-changing. Read on to find out the common mobility impairments or medical conditions that require the assistance of a PMA device like wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is an affliction that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of injury due to the wear and tear of joints. The damage is done by the accumulative damage done through the repetitive stress on the joints. A joint in the human anatomy is where bones come together, supported by the cartilage.
When affected by osteoarthritis, said cartilage breaks down and causes pain and stiffness, thus decreasing the quality of life. Those who have osteoarthritis are in danger of not properly performing their daily living activities (ADLs) like standing or walking.
While osteoarthritis can happen in any age bracket, it is more prevalent amongst the elderly. This, in turn, will result in impeded mobility and a decrease in the quality of life. PMA devices are ideal for those afflicted as the PMAs will significantly improve their lives and mobility.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that involves producing and using insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone that allows the cells in the body to obtain glucose from food to give them energy. Diabetes occurs when the body has difficulties using its insulin correctly or fails to produce insulin. When left untreated, diabetes can put people at risk of further health problems.
Notably, about half of the diagnosed with diabetes experience nerve damage called “diabetic neuropathy.” They may also have foot complications associated with neuropathy, eventually leading to amputation. In many instances, people with diabetes use PMA devices such as electric wheelchairs for improved health and mobility.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord nerve cells. It involves the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in the brain that eventually leads to the death of these neurons. When these neurons die, people with ALS lose their ability to control the muscle movements across their bodies.
ALS is a rare disease that affects only about 5.2 people per 100,000 population. It is most common in people aged 60 and above. In many cases, the progression of ALS leads to significant or total paralysis. When paralysis happens, a motorised or electric wheelchair becomes necessary for people with ALS to have mobility assistance and better health.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy encompasses various diseases that result in muscle loss and progressive weakening of the body. This illness occurs when gene mutations cause issues with the production of proteins that are ordinarily used to make healthy muscles. Distal muscular dystrophy and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy are muscular dystrophies that commonly develop among older adults between 40 and 60.
Because muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the different parts of the body, such as the arms, hands, legs, feet, face, neck, and shoulders, many people with the illness often require a wheelchair for assistance. People with muscular dystrophy usually use motorised or electric wheelchairs that tilt, recline, or stand depending on their specific needs.
Conclusion
There are many kinds of mobility impairments that require the use of a PMA device, such as a motorised or electric wheelchair and a mobility scooter. These PMA devices help old, sick, and disabled people go about their days without letting their health conditions affect their lives. If your loved one’s decreased mobility due to illness significantly impacts their lives, you should certainly consider giving them a wheelchair.
Should you be looking for the best and most reliable PMA device, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. At Falcon Mobility, we provide a great selection of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that will fit your loved one’s mobility needs. We also allow a free test drive, so your loved ones can experience and judge themselves. If you have more questions, reach out to our friendly sales assistant anytime.