For example, if you have an injured right knee, hold the cane with your left hand. When you place your right leg out, swing the cane out with the leg. When placing pressure on the right leg, also place pressure on the cane with the left hand.
This method always gives you one steady brace while walking and relieves pressure by relying on your strong side. This, in turn, reduces pain. Give it a try. Take a few steps around the house to see if you notice the difference. If you were struggling with balance before, this small change should help out considerably and feel much safer. Canes are such simple devices that it seems like you can just pick one up and start walking, right?
It's true that canes are easy-to-use walking aids, but there are a few tips that will help you get along a little better. It's important that your cane is properly sized. Most canes can be easily adjusted to match your needs. The cane is generally sized so the handle is at the level of your wrist when your arm rests at your side. This way, your elbow is slightly bent as you hold the cane while standing.
When climbing stairs, let your good leg lead. Once that is firmly planted on the higher step, follow with your cane and weaker leg. The exact opposite is true when going down stairs—then you should lead with the injured leg. A physical therapist interviewed by the Arthritis Foundation recommends the saying "Up with the good, down with the bad. Those two tips should give you a good start for properly using your cane. To get the maximum benefit, it's a good idea to learn about common mistakes people make with canes so you can avoid them.
Of course, if you have concerns or questions, speak with your physical therapist or doctor. Do you ever have trouble with balance or stability while walking? Do you sometimes find yourself holding on to furniture or countertops for support as you walk around your home?
Is walking up or down a set of stairs challenging? Do you move around less than you would like due to any of the above concerns? Here are just a few ways using a cane will help you: A cane could help you walk more normally while taking weight off of a sore, injured or weaker foot, ankle, knee or hip.
Even if you do not feel pain while walking, a cane may be beneficial. If you are favoring one foot, leg, or knee, a cane could help you support your weight. It may also help avoid straining other parts of the body, like your arm, shoulder or back, that would have to compensate for a shift in your weight. Using a cane supports your efforts to stay mobile, active and independent. Slide show: Tips for choosing and using canes. Previous Next 1 of 6 Using a cane A cane can improve your balance as you walk or help you compensate for an injury or disability.
Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references How to use crutches, canes, and walkers. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Mar. Hoenig H. Overview of geriatric rehabilitation: Program components and settings for rehabilitation.
Bradley SM, et al. Geriatric assistive devices. American Family Physician. Allet L, et al. Effect of different walking aids on walking capacity of patients with poststroke hemiparesis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Madson TJ expert opinion.
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