How to Walk with a Cane (the Right Way)
Knowing how to walk with a cane correctly can make movement significantly easier and prevent further strain or injury to an injured or weak leg. After many years of walking unassisted, walking with a cane can take some getting used to.
Canes, AKA walking canes or walking sticks, are typically used by people with lower body injuries such as to the leg, ankle, knee, foot, or hip, and by people with conditions that affect their ability to walk (such as advanced age or chronic illness). As a low-tech and cost-effective way to stay on your feet, the humble cane is a tool that can be very effective when used the right way.
What Is the Correct Way to Walk Using a Cane?
Using a walking cane correctly takes as much pressure as possible off the affected limb and helps you to balance. To use a cane:
Hold the cane on the opposite side to the affected area: If you have a condition or injury affecting your right side, hold the cane with your left hand.
Hold the cane slightly (a few inches) to your side and a few inches in front of your body.
Move your weak or injured leg and the cane forward simultaneously.
Drive the cane down firmly before you step forward with your stronger leg. In the case of a quad cane, all four tips should be in contact with the ground before proceeding.
Other Important Safety Tips
Practice at home first. Practice how to use a cane at home with a friend, caregiver, or family member before venturing out, as mastering the coordination required may take some time. This will allow you to master the use of your walking aid before you need to deal with wet or slippery surfaces and the additional dangers that come with crossing the road.
Take small steps. Taking smaller steps is safer when using a cane as long steps can put more pressure on your weaker leg. The stronger back-and-forth motion caused by longer strides is also more likely to result in a loss of balance and falls.
Seek professional advice. Some patients may benefit from professional help when learning how to use a cane. A physical therapist will be able to help you learn safe and effective ways of walking with your cane as well as determine the right cane type for your height and mobility needs.
Navigating Stairs with a Cane
New users ofmobility aids for walking, like canes, may be particularly concerned about how to get up and down stairs. Though a handrail may be enough to help many people, you can't always count on having access to one.
How to Get Upstairs with a Cane
Approach steps with time and patience to make sure you get up safely.
Start with both feet and your cane in the same position on the same step.
Hold onto the handrail if there is one.
Grip your cane firmly for balance and place your strong leg on the next step.
Bring your weaker leg and cane up to meet the stronger one on the higher step.
Repeat.
Going Down Stairs With a Cane
Take special care when going downstairs, as this is when falls are most likely to happen.
Start with both feet on the same step and your cane at your side.
Hold onto the handrail if there is one.
Place the cane on the step below for balance.
Carefully lower your weaker leg onto the step below.
Bring your stronger leg down to meet the weaker leg and cane on the lower step.
Repeat.
Remember: “Up with the good, down with the bad.”
Additional Things to Note
If using a quad cane, make sure that all four points are firmly planted on the step before proceeding.
If there is a handrail to hold onto, you may need to switch the cane over to the other side of your body.
Approach curbs just as you would stairs.
When navigating stairs with a cane becomes too difficult, consider installing a stairlift or vertical platform lift.
FAQs
The safe use of a cane isn't the only consideration to take into account when beginning to use this device. These are a few additional things to keep in mind:
When Do You Need a Cane?
Canes can be great options for temporary or long-term use. Patients with the following conditions may require a cane:
Advanced knee or hip arthritis
Fractures to a lower extremity
Patients recovering from knee or hip surgery, including joint replacement surgery
Rehabilitation after a stroke
Frailty or old age
Degenerative conditions like Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or Huntington's disease
Other times, patients may only need a cane until they recuperate the strength and balance needed to continue walking as they did before their injury.
How Do You Choose the Right Cane?
Different types of canes may suit different people according to their condition, mobility, and personal preference. At our Denver, Colorado store, we sell a wide range of canes in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
According to the Arthritis Society, most people suffering from arthritis will manage well with a single-point cane. However, patients with more significant mobility problems such as people with neurological problems or conditions that affect their strength or balance more significantly should consider a quad cane as they offer more stability and can withstand more weight.
Different Types of Cane
Ask an expert which type of cane would best suit your condition before purchasing one.
Single-point canes: Many people who need some support when walking will find a single-point cane sufficient for their needs. Some elderly people also find a single-tip cane useful psychologically as it boosts their confidence when they leave their homes.
Quad canes: A quad cane provides a broad base of support for individuals who need more stability. However, they tend to be heavier and more cumbersome to maneuver. Quad canes can be particularly useful for people at risk of falls such as patients recovering from a stroke.
Grip Types
Canes come with different grips to suit different needs. First and foremost, choose a comfortable grip. You also may wish to take these tips into account:
Foam grips or ergonomic grips that are designed to fit your hand are comfortable options.
Offset grips can be helpful for people with wrist arthritis.
If you experience numbness or pain in your hand, consider changing the grip.
Check the Tip
Canes should come with a rubber tip on the end. This helps the cane grip the ground more effectively.
Check the tip every now and again to make sure the rubber isn’t worn. Replacement rubber tips are readily available in pharmacies.
What Is the Correct Cane Height for Me?
Though many canes are adjustable, some aren't. Therefore, it's important to choose a cane that fits your body. To ensure you're using a cane properly, check the following:
Your elbow bend: When holding your cane, your elbow should bend comfortably, at a 15 to 20-degree angle. People who use cane for balance may find they bend their elbow slightly more.
The height of your wrist: The cane should align with the crease in your wrist when you stand with your arm hanging down straight.
Tip: When trying out different canes for fit, be sure to wear the shoes you use most frequently for walking, as shoes with thick soles will lift you higher off the ground.
Correct Use Increases Independence
Walking canes provide stability and support when used correctly. Remember to hold the cane on the opposite side to your weak leg and practice walking with the cane at home before taking it out on the street. For stairs, remember: “up with the good, down with the bad.”
Before purchasing a cane, consult with your doctor or a physical therapist to make sure it’s the right device for your needs and have the cane properly fitted by a mobility device expert. If the cane still isn’t comfortable after trying the tips provided above, consult a physical therapist.