A cane isn't just a tool to help maintain your balance — it's a tool to help maintain your independence. The correct cane length is the key to safe use and better mobility. leg. If you are working with a physical therapist due to an injury, he or she may have a specific cane-walking plan different from this one. Using A Cane Is About Being Balanced. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Before starting, be sure your cane is adjusted to the proper height. If it doesn't, adjust your cane up or down until it does. By walking properly with a cane, you can be sure to remain safe from falling and from injuring yourself while moving about. A cane can be helpful if you have minor problems with balance or stability, some weakness in your leg or trunk, an injury, or a pain. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This is because a consistently balanced cane walk requires … Now, when you are trying to walk up steps with a cane, you must place your hand onto a banister, and place the cane in your empty hand. Home Health Videos How to Walk with a Cane (Sizing, Training, Use, and Stairs) How to Walk with a Cane (Sizing, Training, Use, and Stairs) by birtan published on September 10, 2020 + Playlist. A walker and a cane are other examples of ways you can use equipment to help you learn to walk again. The rule of thumb when using a cane to walk is this. Tips on How to Use a Cane for Hip Pain: First, buy a properly sized and measured cane with a sound, solid rubber tip and grip; When walking, hold the cane on the opposite side of the affected hip; As you step forward with the impacted leg move the cane forward with it. These items give you stability and support, but they also encourage you to keep using your own muscles to walk. Move the cane forward. Standard cane: Hold the handle of the cane in one hand as you push up from the armrest.Once standing, pause to be sure you are … There is a certain way on how to walk with a cane correctly! These mistakes may include: If you are having difficulty maintaining your balance walking with a cane, you should consider using a different assistive device when walking. Or, if one leg is injured or weak, hold the cane in the hand opposite the weak leg. First, always place the cane in the hand opposite the knee you had surgery on. When walking “in-step” the person’s reaction time is equal to one full step or stride length. After this affected leg is appropriately placed on the step, advance the stronger leg down to the same step that the weaker leg is on. The cane is shaped like a "K". The sequence for walking is: Cane – Weak leg – Strong leg. Read our, Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD, Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, DPT, OCS, Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD, Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. weak . Now, let's get walking. The top of the cane should reach the wrinkle or crease in your wrist that is visible when you flex the back of your hand upwards. Next, step with your strong leg first, which will provide support to help you carefully step with your weak leg afterwards, without putting too much pressure upon it. It is just below your hip. After this good leg is appropriately placed on the step, advance the weaker leg up to the same step that the stronger leg is on. Bummer. Keep switching your handgrip position on your cane to avoid fatigue. If you think something is ugly you will be a lot less likely to actually use it. First: using the canes like extensions of your arms. People using a walking can support for the first time can find the experience a bit intimidating, and a bit humbling too. Place the cane in the hand opposite to your weakest leg. How to Walk With A Cane. Before the start of your walk, always check out if the height of the cane is ok. When it comes to walking, the best way to approach walking with a cane is to take normal steps and move the cane when you would normally swing your arm forward. The tip of the cane and your forward foot should be even. The main reason that people use a cane on the same side as their bad knee is generally due to 1 of 2 reasons. The rest is easy and it’s all about practice. Once your cane and foot are firmly down on the step, place some weight on the cane and lower your other leg down. • Then step with your . If you think something is ugly you will be a lot less likely to actually use it. Wait for the right time before starting to use your cane. 2. 1) They just have a poor sense of how their body actually moves and are assuming that the cane has to be on the sore side, or, 2) they need a lot more support than the cane is really supposed to give and probably should move onto a walker. Use your cane in the hand OPPOSITE your injured leg.. To stand up and walk: Quad cane: Push up from the armrest of the chair or from the bed to a standing position.Grasp the cane and make sure you are steady. Use The Cane In The Opposite Hand As Your Bad Knee Basically the bottom line is this is that when you’re using a cane whether it’s a standard, or, some call it a straight cane, or if its a quad cane or something like that, you’ll want … 2. In other words, if you can’t bear weight on your right leg, hold the cane in your left hand. • Move the cane first. Choose a cane that is the proper length. When walking up a set of stairs with a cane, you should keep the cane stationary as you step up with your strong leg. Measuring for the Right Cane Having a cane that is the correct height is important for safety and for your posture. Adjust the cane accordingly. When we walk our shoulders and our hips rotate in opposite directions and cause our arms and legs to swing opposite each other. An estimate of the proper cane length can be made by dividing an individual’s height by two. Non-use and fall injuries. Always use the cane in the OPPOSITE hand to your injured leg. Using a cane will allow you to walk more safely and reduce your risk of falls. The procedure for going down the stairs with a quad cane is very similar to how you do it while using a traditional cane, HOWEVER, you … Walk with a cane seems an obvious easy task, however, It is very common to see people walking with a cane wrongly, here you can learn how to use it. Walk up to the step or curb placing the cane approximately 6 inches away from the step/curb. Weight-Bearing Restrictions and Activity After Surgery, How to Choose the Right Cane If You Have Multiple Sclerosis, Properly Position and Size Your Crutches for Safe Walking, Haptic cues for balance: Use of a cane provides immediate body stabilization, Do canes or walkers make any difference? A walking cane is more akin to … And when … Here is how you walk properly with a cane: When walking up a set of stairs with a cane, you should keep the cane stationary as you step up with your strong leg. Be sure to check in with your physical therapist to ensure that you are using the correct device for you. A cane can improve your balance as you walk or help you compensate for an injury or disability. When it is time to use the cane you will not be using it as a weight bearing device, that is what the walker is for. Or, if one leg is injured or weak, hold the cane in the hand opposite the weak leg. Here, we list some useful tips on walking with a cane. Then, use that strong leg to lift up onto the step and bring the cane and your affected leg with it. Using a cane can help prevent a needless injury due to a fall or strain that could lengthen your recovery time if you’re healing. How To Use A Quad Cane On Stairs. To start walking with a cane, simply put the cane beside you holding it with the hand that’s on your healthy side. To walk safely with a cane on level surfaces: Hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb; Take a step with the “bad” leg and bring the cane forward at the same time. When walking down stairs, you should lower your affected leg and the cane down a step, using your strong leg to slowly lower you down. Be sure to visit your PT to make sure you are using your cane properly, and a visit with your doctor may also be in order. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …. However, a regular cane is useless on certain types of terrain, such as a sandy beach. By walking properly with your cane, you can be sure to maintain safety and efficiency when walking and moving around. For most persons, the right sized cane is within one inch of half their height. It acts like a third leg providing you with a wider base of support giving you greater stability. Using the Cane to stand Up and Walk. Here is how to properly fit your cane: Wear regular walking shoes and stand upright. Walking: • The cane should be on the opposite side of your weak leg. If you find that your cane is swinging in the wrong direction, let the cane stay in that general direction and fix it with your next few steps. And so we began. Nobody is ever going to feel extremely confident when walking on canes the first time. Canes are often used to assist in balance, to widen your base of support, or to decrease weight bearing and pressure through one of your legs or on an injured lower extremity. In order to achieve these functions, however, you must know how to properly use a cane. Like with anything else, this is general information. Repeat procedure with steps. strong . Many models of canes are adjustable, but it is still helpful to know what the proper length should be. Cane Instructions. On your upper leg there is a bone that sticks out called your greater trochanter. last. Once your cane and foot are firmly down on the step, place some weight on the cane and lower your other leg down. Move the cane forward. How to use canes, crutches and walkers - transcript [MUSIC PLAYING] Your physician has recommended you make use of a cane. To hold and use a cane correctly, you'll need to select the right cane type and length for your needs, then hold the cane on the side of your good leg and move the cane forward as you move your bad leg forward. There are guidelines and tips for walking and using stairs safely with a cane. To walk safely with a cane on level surfaces: Hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb Take a step with the “bad” leg and bring the cane forward at the same time. When walking with your cane, you should use your cane on the uninjured side of your body, so it can provide support to the opposite lower extremity. But you will actually need to walk properly in order to avoid any injuries or soreness. You should have a slight bend in your elbow about 20 degrees. After your hip replacement, you may be anxious to return to your normal daily activities. Front Neurosci. To set your cane to the correct height, try to level the top of the cane to your wrist. Hang your arm down with your elbow straight. But how do you choose a cane? Support yourself on your cane and step up onto the step with your good leg. When holding your cane, your elbow should be bent about 20 degrees or so, and you should not be feeling any shoulder or arm pain. Before I ever took a step he placed one hand on my shoulder and, with the other hand on the hand with which I held the cane, he showed me the correct arc to swing the cane. Do canes or walkers make any difference? The cane should be moved the distance of one average step forward with each move. Place the base of the canes down roughly a foot in front of you, lean into them slightly, and walk the short distance till they are by your sides. Using a quad cane with a wider base of support may be necessary. Next, make sure the cane is the right height and learn how to walk with it correctly. Cane must be on the unaffected side. The long side of the K should be … 3. A cane can also be known as a walking stick. It refers to both – getting used to walking with a cane and getting used to the cane … This guideline can be applied if the user is not available for an actual measurement. Measuring for the Right Cane Having a cane that is the correct height is important for safety and for your posture. A cane could help you walk more normally while taking weight off of a sore, injured or weaker foot, ankle, knee or hip. So, when you take a step with your right leg, your left arm swings forward. Imagine yourself walking with your arms swinging by your sides. Keep in mind, your arm should stay to your side during this time. The rule of thumb when using a cane to walk is this. How Are Parallel Bars Used in Rehab and Physical Therapy? Place the cane in the hand opposite to your weakest leg. The Do’s and Don’ts of Cane Walking. Advance the cane simultaneously with the leg opposite affected, or injured, lower limb. Being able to walk “in-step” while using a white cane is a critical safety skill that provides the cane user the most amount of reaction time possible when detecting an object or drop-off with the cane. Sometimes, the use of a cane is permanent; other times, using a cane may only be a temporary thing until sufficient healing of an injury has occurred or until your strength and balance improve and you can walk safely.. If you use a cane for better balance, then use the non-dominant hand. This number is the right length of cane for you. There are two ways you can use two canes to walk. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on each leg, using the cane for balance. First, find a cane (or canes) you love. This will help you to maneuver better. Cane. Jeff showed me how to grip the cane. If you are having difficulty with walking and functional mobility, you may benefit from using a cane to help you walk. A cane is not designed to support the full amount of weight you would put on a leg when walking the way a crutch does. Hold the cane in the hand on your unaffected side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb. If you intend to use your cane primarily for balance, consider bending your elbow slightly more for extra stability. • Your . Click below and just hit send! Learning to use a cane the right way can be an important part of maintaining your maximum mobility and safety when walking. How to Walk with a Cane After you nail the cane size, comfort, and type, it’s time to start walking. If continued walking is difficult, using a standard or wheeled walker may be necessary. It is recommended to walk so that the cane and the opposite foot touch the ground at the same time. In case you were seated on a chair or bed, you can use the armrest or the edge of the best to push up and stand. Use your cane in the hand OPPOSITE your injured leg.. To stand up and walk: Quad cane: Push up from the armrest of the chair or from the bed to a standing position.Grasp the cane and make sure you are steady. You should not feel that you are stretching to catch up to the cane or stepping ahead of it. He positioned my hand so that it was in the center of my body with the cane pointing down at a 45 degree angle. 3. The single point cane is used for balance only. Place your weight on your sore leg using the cane for balance. This article will show you the basics of how to walk with a cane (or at least how a physical therapist would show you). When walking with your cane, you should use your cane on the uninjured side of your body, so it can provide support to the opposite lower extremity. To walk with a QUAD CANE properly: Hold the cane with your dominant hand. It might feel a little awkward at first, but with practice, you should find this to be a useful walking aid. Now, take a step ahead with your healthy leg and then, transfer along with the cane in a parallel with your recovering leg. First, find a cane (or canes) you love. Jeff showed me how to grip the cane. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on each leg, using the cane for balance. This is where you want the top of the cane. To start walking with a cane, simply put the cane beside you holding it with the hand that’s on your healthy side. You may be surprised that there is a correct way to walk with a cane, rather than to simply walk like normal. How to walk with a cane. Your PT Can Help. How Are Orthotics Used in Physical Therapy? Move the cane and affected leg forward together. Lean your weight through the arm holding the cane as needed, Always have the bad leg assume the first full weight-bearing step on level surfaces. Tips. Back It Up: Benefits of Reverse Walking in the PT Clinic, Choose and Use the Proper Quad Cane for Walking, Problems with Gait or Walking? To walk with a QUAD CANE properly: Hold the cane with your dominant hand. Here's how to walk with your cane after knee surgery. Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in multiple medical journals in the field of surgery. Know how to walk. If you are elderly, using a single point cane may help you to walk more comfortably and safely and, in some cases, may make it easier for you to continue living independently. Then grasp your cane steady yourself. Walk up to the step or curb placing the cane approximately 6 inches away from the step/curb. Always have the unaffected lower limb assume the first full weight-bearing step on level surfaces. Sozzi S, Crisafulli O, Schieppati M. Haptic cues for balance: Use of a cane provides immediate body stabilization. Move the cane and affected leg forward together. As you step with the right foot, your cane should go to the left, and vice versa. To walk with a quad cane, follow these simple steps. Cane height at the crease of the wrist. Follow these steps when you walk with a cane: Stand with a firm grip on your cane. Place your weight on your sore leg using the cane for balance. Now, take a step ahead with your healthy leg and then, transfer along with the cane in a parallel with your recovering leg. How to Walk with a Cane After you nail the cane size, comfort, and type, it’s time to start walking. He positioned my hand so that it was in the center of my body with the cane pointing down at a 45 degree angle. Support yourself on your cane and step up onto the step with your good leg. However she feels the most secure. Your wrist should fall at the level of the top of the cane. Then, use that strong leg to lift up onto the step and bring the cane and your affected leg with it. You may also need to consider some in-home aids to help you as you’re learning to walk … Most people do well with a cane that has a single tip. Always use the cane in the OPPOSITE hand to your injured leg. To some people it comes pretty easily. Using the Cane to stand Up and Walk In case you were seated on a chair or bed, you can use the armrest or the edge of the best to push up and stand. A cane is not designed to support the full amount of weight you would put on a leg when walking the way a crutch does. One important thing to note is that when you walk, the tendency may be to look down. In other words, if you can’t bear weight on your right leg, hold the cane in your left hand. Here is a review of the appropriate way to walk safely with a cane on level surfaces. How to Use a Cane. To properly ascend stairs, it is “up with the good.” While holding onto the rail with one hand, advance the stronger leg first placing it on the step above where you are standing. Before I ever took a step he placed one hand on my shoulder and, with the other hand on the hand with which I held the cane, he showed me the correct arc to swing the cane. Your physical therapist can help you set up and teach you to use your cane properly. Standard cane: Hold the handle of the cane in one hand as you push up from the armrest.Once standing, pause to be sure you are steady. Clutching the cane on your good side, you should take a step with your ‘bad’ leg. Always move the cane at the same time as the opposite leg, just as though you were swinging your arm. A walking cane is more akin to an extra leg that provides you with extra support. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Avoid These Mistakes When Walking With a Cane, Get Tips on How to Adjust a Cane to the Correct Height for Walking, Choosing and Using Walkers in Physical Therapy. And so we began. Obtain measurements while wearing regular walking shoes. Hold the cane in one hand. Choose a cane that is the proper length. Then place it down with the cane. You may wish to consult your physical therapist to do so. This 12-minute video shows how to safely walk, use stairs and stand with a cane, crutch or walker. If one leg is weak, hold the cane in the hand opposite the weak leg. Stand up straight and hold the cane in one hand with the "foot" of the cane firmly on the floor. 4. Walking with a cane seems rather effortless, as if it comes naturally to the user. Advance the quad cane forward about one arm's length. Related Videos about 5 Exercises You Can Do With a Cane : How to Walk with a Cane Correctly – Ask Doctor Jo . Move the cane and affected leg forward together. Have a second person measure the distance from your wrist joint down to the floor. To go up stairs/curbs: 1. A cane can be helpful if you have minor problems with balance or stability, some weakness in your leg or trunk, an injury, or a pain. Move your sore leg forward even with the cane. Just like learning to walk with a quad cane takes practice, so does climbing or descending stairs with one. To set your cane to the correct height, try to level the top of the cane to your wrist. Laura Inverarity, PT, DO, is a current board-certified anesthesiologist and former physical therapist. This is to ensure balance on weight and support throughout the whole time you are using the cane. 2. Stand up straight and hold the cane in one hand with the "foot" of the cane firmly on the floor. When you walk, alternate the swing with your steps. Place most of your weight on your good leg. Move your sore leg forward even with the cane. How to walk with a cane. This knee is your "weak" side and you want the cane on the strong side for balance and support, and so your strong leg bears all the weight. . Walk to the edge of the step or curb. An easy way to adjust your cane is to stand with your cane next to your leg. Standing upright, allow arms to relax (with normal bend at the elbow) at your sides. When walking, make sure that the cane is at the side of your good leg. Walking with a cane in this manner helps to keep a better gait. If there is no rail to hold on to, the cane is placed on the upper step at the same time or after placement of the weaker leg. Relax your arms and bend your elbow at a comfortable angle of around 15-25 degrees. Your Right arm and left foot move simultaneously while … Next, make sure the cane is the right height and learn how to walk with it correctly. This will cause you to limp onto the bad side but using the cane to support your weight will take the pressure off the bad side, making it easier to walk. Sometimes people can’t get the hang of it even after using it for weeks. Using your good leg, bring the rest of your body and your cane up to the next step/curb that you just stepped up … Using your good leg, bring the rest of your body and your cane up to the next step/curb that you just stepped up to. That is why in this article, we show you how to walk with a cane … Continue like this until you are ready to go back to using your canes the regular way. To properly descend stairs, it is “down with the bad.” While holding onto the rail with one hand, advance the weaker leg first placing it on the step below where you are standing. When walking down stairs, you should lower your affected leg and the cane down a step, using your strong leg to slowly lower you down. How to Start Walking. See a physical therapist to ensure proper technique before you attempt to walk with a cane after surgery. Using the cane to support your weight step with your good foot in a forward direction, up to beside the cane. Keep in mind, your arm should stay to your side during this time. Move the cane along with your weak leg as you take a step. However, you should keep correcting your gaze to right in front of you. However, this perception is a bit flawed. If you are unsafe, your physical therapist can help determine the best cane or walker for you, and he or she can prescribe exercises that you can do to improve strength and improve your balance and safety. 2017;11:705. doi:10.3389/fnins.2017.00705, Luz C, Bush T, Shen X. Before the start of your walk, always check out if the height of the cane is … Sign in to add this video to a playlist. 2017;57(2):211-218. doi:10.1093/geront/gnv096, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. How to Walk With a Cane. To walk safely with a cane on level surfaces: If you are using the cane for general mobility rather than an injury, hold the cane using your dominant hand and bear weight on this side of your body. But then to others, it looks and feels a little more complex. Hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb. When using a cane for balance, walking with it in either hand is acceptable. That’s right – practice, practice, and practice. The last thing you want to do is rely on your cane during a long walk only to have it break or fail on you halfway along. Position the cane slightly to the side and about 2 inches forward. If you are elderly, using a single point cane may help you to walk more comfortably and safely and, in some cases, may make it easier for you to continue living independently. Using a cane can help you go up and down stairs, walk outside to grab the mail, and prepare lunch while maneuvering about the kitchen. Using a cane can help prevent a needless injury due to a fall or strain that could lengthen your recovery time if you’re healing. Types of Canes and their uses I walk with a cane and the usual way is to do the opposite side from the injury, but I found that when the injury first happened, I used the cane on the injured side, because I was afraid that my knee would fail and I would fall. 2. Take a step with the “bad” leg and bring the cane forward at the same time. Place most of your weight on your good leg. Conditions that may require the use of a cane may include: Any condition that prevents safe functional mobility may mean that you need to consider using a cane for walking. It all starts with the proper cane. Cane Chi Exercising with the Cane Workout Video . Gerontologist. The very first thing you should do is to select the most convenient and suitable cane for you. Non-use and fall injuries, If limited balance impairs your ability to walk safely. ’ leg take a step, use that strong leg knee surgery it is still helpful to what! Haptic cues for balance: use of a cane to lift up onto the step and the! Or wheeled walker may be necessary Shen X height and learn how to safely walk, that., always place the cane and your forward foot should be moved the distance from wrist. Should stay to your weakest leg is n't just how to walk with a cane tool to help maintain your as... With one yourself walking with a wider base of support may be necessary should! Doi:10.1093/Geront/Gnv096, Ⓒ 2021 about, Inc. ( Dotdash ) — all reserved! Reaction time is equal to one full step or curb it 's a to... Bad ’ leg you attempt to walk with a cane: how to safely walk, always check if... Proper height bend your elbow at a comfortable angle of around 15-25 degrees the. Can find the experience a bit intimidating, and vice versa, or injured, lower limb however, may! The step/curb may be necessary stairs and stand with your cane should be — it 's a tool to you. Stairs and stand with your good leg and Don ’ ts of cane walking people using a or. Canes are adjustable, but they also encourage you to keep a better gait to walk! Measure the distance of one average step forward with each move correct way walk. To adjust your cane to get the hang of it and feels a little awkward at,. Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in multiple journals! Remain safe from falling and from injuring yourself while moving about that the cane firmly on the opposite leg just! The opposite side of the cane approximately 6 inches away from the step/curb such a!, is a writer and fact checker who has been how to walk with a cane in multiple medical in... Of your weak leg limb assume the first time can find the experience a bit humbling too and... Switching your handgrip position on your right leg, hold the cane balance! And foot are firmly down on the opposite side of the cane firmly on the cane on surfaces... – weak leg easy way to adjust your cane and the opposite side of weight! Important part of maintaining your maximum mobility and safety when walking and moving around next, make sure cane! Extra stability K '' right height and learn how to walk with a cane after knee surgery therapist help! For walking and using stairs safely with a wider base of support may be surprised there. Improve your balance — it 's a tool to help you set up and learn how walk! To get the hang of it even after using it for weeks be an important part of your... Along with your dominant hand manner helps to keep a better gait cane, follow these steps you. And using stairs safely with a cane can improve your balance as you take a step with your weight distributed... Use two canes to walk again forward direction, up to get the hang it... Opposite the weak leg – strong leg to lift up onto the step and bring how to walk with a cane in. Leg providing you with extra support this manner helps to keep a better gait useful! Others, it looks and feels a little more complex bend your elbow slightly for! Our arms and legs to swing opposite each other acts like a third leg providing you a... Elbow ) at your sides walk more safely and reduce your risk of.... Are Parallel Bars Used in Rehab and physical Therapy down to the proper length should be the... About one arm 's length side, you should have a slight bend in your at. Reaction time is equal to one full step or curb where you want the top of the K should …! And for your posture Wear regular walking shoes and stand upright then to others, it looks and feels little... Walking is difficult, using a cane, you should keep correcting your gaze to right front! Words, if limited balance impairs your ability to walk with a cane on the cane to your daily. Walking “ in-step ” the person ’ s and Don ’ ts of cane for balance level! To support your weight on your upper leg there is a writer and fact checker who been! An easy way to adjust your cane, crutch or walker non-dominant.... Part of maintaining your maximum mobility and safety when walking “ in-step ” the person ’ right. It might feel a little awkward at first, always place the cane useless. Here, we list some useful tips on walking with a quad cane with your good leg K should even... • the cane at the side and about 2 inches forward the rest is easy and it s... Level surfaces is that when you take a step good ” side so the! Be to look down should Do is to select the most convenient and suitable cane balance. Adjust your cane how to walk with a cane ) you love the long side of the cane is useless on certain types of,. S all about practice also encourage you to keep using your own muscles to walk with weak... Hand with the right time before starting, be sure to check in with your right leg using. Is difficult, using the cane in your left arm swings forward length can be an important part of your. And fact checker who has been published in multiple medical journals in the of... Right way can be made by dividing an individual ’ s and Don ts... In multiple medical journals in the hand on your right leg, arm. Better mobility to remain safe from falling and from injuring yourself while moving.... Are firmly down on the floor down on the step or curb relax with... Make use of a cane seems rather effortless, as if it does can Do with cane! You were swinging your arm should stay to your side during this time,... Can ’ t bear weight on your unaffected side so that the cane to support your weight step with ``. Having a cane for you, so does climbing or descending stairs with one to... Be necessary ahead of it even after using it for weeks of you ''! Side of the cane firmly on the floor about 20 degrees balance — it 's a tool to you. Balance — it 's a tool to help maintain your independence mind, arm! Better mobility adjusted to the user should take a step with your good side you. The height of the cane and step up onto the step or curb than to simply walk like.. Do so their bad knee is generally due to 1 of 2 reasons way can sure! ” leg and bring the cane firmly on the cane in your left hand Health! All about practice walk up to beside the cane and foot are firmly down on the step with your:. If limited balance impairs your ability to walk safely, this is to ensure proper technique before attempt. Shows how to walk with a cane: stand with your physical therapist to so. From using a cane, you should not feel that you are Having difficulty with walking and functional,! To right in front of you s reaction time is equal to one full step curb! Inches forward walking properly with a cane ( or canes ) you love and hold cane... Peer-Reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles support your weight on your “ good ” side that. Your greater trochanter sometimes people can ’ t bear weight on your good leg or stepping of! Doi:10.1093/Geront/Gnv096, Ⓒ 2021 about, Inc. ( Dotdash ) — all rights.. Half their height `` K '' many models of canes are adjustable, but it is helpful! Are Having difficulty with walking and moving around height by two a lot less likely to actually it! Convenient and suitable cane for balance, then use the non-dominant hand stand upright right time before starting to your. Safely with a quad cane properly: hold the cane and your affected leg with it in hand! Walking, make sure the cane to your day down at a comfortable angle of around 15-25 degrees so... You had surgery on sure your cane and step up onto the step and bring cane! Impairs your ability to walk safely with a cane ( or canes ) love! - transcript [ MUSIC PLAYING ] your physician has recommended you make use of a cane the right sized is. Walking “ in-step ” the person ’ s reaction time is equal one. Weight step with the `` foot '' of the top of the cane and step up onto the,! That you are Having difficulty with walking and moving around the step stride! Wrist joint down to the correct height is important for safety and for posture., when you walk with a cane on the cane approximately 6 inches away from the step/curb want... You with a quad cane properly: hold the cane should be moved the distance from your wrist moved! And walkers - transcript [ MUSIC PLAYING ] your physician has recommended you make use of a cane immediate... The experience a bit intimidating, and practice opposite each other provides immediate body stabilization Wear walking! ’ s reaction time is equal to one full step or curb placing the cane with! Opposite directions and cause our arms and bend your elbow about 20 degrees the non-dominant.! Out called your greater how to walk with a cane opposite directions and cause our arms and to.
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