Walking with a cane can be a helpful tool for individuals who have difficulty walking due to injury, balance issues, or other conditions.
To walk with a cane, you’ll need to choose the right type, ensure that it’s properly sized for your height and master the correct usage. Canes can provide additional support and stability, allowing you to walk more confidently and safely. However, it’s important to use a cane correctly in order to get the most benefit from it.
Read on for some guidance on how to walk with a cane.
Choosing a Type of Cane
First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right cane for your needs. Canes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. There are several different types of walking canes that are designed for different purposes and users. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Standard walking cane: A basic cane with a single tip for balance and support.
- Quad cane: A cane with four tips for added stability and support.
- Offset cane: A cane with an offset handle that helps to distribute weight more evenly across the hand and wrist.
- Folding cane: A cane that can be folded for easy storage and transport.
- Adjustable cane: A cane that can be adjusted to different lengths to accommodate users of different heights.
- Orthopedic cane: A cane with a special handle that is designed to reduce stress on the hand and wrist.
- T-handle cane: A cane with a T-shaped handle that allows the user to grasp the cane with both hands for added stability.
- Lightweight cane: A cane made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum or carbon fiber, for easy handling and use.
- Decorative cane: A cane with an ornamental handle or design, often made from materials such as wood or silver.
The cane grip is an important consideration at this point. For the most comfortable grip, consider handles which are covered in foam and/or curved to the shape of your hand. If you struggle with any joint pain you may want to consider a grip with a larger diameter so as not to put stress on the joints when you curl your fingers around to hold on.
Some canes also come with collapsible seats. This is a very useful feature if you think you’ll need to stop and rest intermittently. Be sure to think through the context of the use of the can and then select the type of cane that best meets your needs for stability and support.
How to Size a Cane Correctly
It is extremely important that you select a cane that is the appropriate height for you in order to use a cane properly. Place your cane against the side of your body with the tip touching your shoe and the handle of the cane touching your thigh. When you stand with your arms at your sides, the top of the cane should be level with the crease of your wrist and your elbow should be bent slightly. This will ensure that the cane is providing the correct amount of support.
How to Safely Walk with a Cane
Holding the cane
Firstly, you should hold the cane correctly: When you’re using a cane, you should hold it on the hand opposite to your injured leg. For example, if you have an injury on your right leg, you should hold the cane in your left hand. This allows the cane to provide the most support and balance.
Cane position and angle
The cane and your injured leg should always move together and the angle of your leg and the cane should always be the same. If the cane and your injured leg do not move in unison, the cane will provide little help with balance and stability and you will risk further injury to your leg.
Pacing yourself
Take small, slow steps: When you’re walking with a cane, it’s important to take small, slow steps. This will help you maintain your balance and stability. If you’re feeling particularly unsteady, you may want to take even smaller steps. It’s important that your steps remain relatively small to prevent slipping of the cane tip against the floor.
Using a cane over uneven surfaces
Use the cane to help you navigate uneven surfaces: A cane can be especially useful when you’re walking on uneven surfaces, such as grass or gravel. When you come to an obstacle, use the cane to probe the ground ahead of you. This will help you identify any potential tripping hazards and allow you to adjust your path accordingly.
Be aware of your surroundings: As with any activity, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re walking with a cane. Look ahead to see what’s coming up, and be prepared to adjust your pace or route if necessary.
Rubber tips
It’s a good idea to assess the tip of your cane carefully too. Rubber tips provide contact with the ground or floor surfaces that reduce the risk of the cane slipping out from under you. If you select a broader rubber tip this can also help to provide additional stability over uneven surfaces.
Walking up Stairs with a Cane
When walking up stairs it’s a good idea to step up to one step at a time. Be sure hold onto the railing and take one step at a time by leading with your strong leg first, followed by your injured leg and the cane together. When walking down stairs, you should lead with your injured leg together with the cane, followed by your strong leg.
A Word of Caution
If you’ve followed these instructions and still get a sense of unsteadiness or feel any pain or discomfort, you should seek support from a physical therapist. Beyond assisting you with the coordination you’ll require to use the cane, a therapist will examine the best match and size for your needs and ensure that you’re not at risk of falling.
You may need to consider an alternative cane to improve your balance or even reconsider the type of assistive walking device that would best suit your context. For example, a walker may be a more robust option than a cane to ensure that you have safe and functional mobility.
By following these tips, you can walk with a cane more confidently and safely. Remember, a cane is a tool to help you maintain your balance and stability, so be sure to use it correctly and always listen to your body.