Answer

Shopping carts can be a handy walking aid for some people under controlled conditions, but there are risks. First, shopping carts don’t have brakes, which can be a problem for people that have neurological conditions that cause them to have balance problems or difficulty stopping. Second, they also are too high for people who need to push down with their arms to support some of their weight, like people who have a fractured leg bone or just had surgery on their hip or knee. Lastly, it is almost impossible to maintain good standing posture while leaning on a shopping cart for support. 

 A better walking aid is a walker, cane, or crutches that have been fitted to you by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. When shopping, it may be best to use the motorized carts so that you can safely maneuver through the store and avoid the effects of fatigue and distracted shoppers. If you’re not sure how to use one, ask the staff at the store for assistance. Generally, the carts are easy to operate.