Tips on Walking with Stick Canes

Using a cane when walking can help remove about 25 percent of the pressure on an injured leg. If you need more support than this, you probably need a walker or crutches. Using the cane incorrectly, however, can lead to additional injury.

Selecting the Cane

• Choosing a cane that is the right height for you is very important. A cane that is too short can cause balance problems. Too high and you cannot alleviate as much stress on the injury. Hold the cane directly in line with your leg while standing up straight--you should have about a 20-degree angle in your elbow.

Position of the Cane

• The cane should be held in the hand opposite of the injury. Position the cane with the tip about 4 to 6 inches from the foot and the cane held vertically.

Walking on a Flat Surface

• Start on even surfaces. From a standing position, move the cane and the injured leg forward in a short stride (about 18 inches). Lean your body toward the cane side for support. Then, move the good leg through in a full step.

Stairs

• To go upstairs, leave the injured foot on the ground with the cane, lean against the cane side for support and lift your good foot onto the riser. Then, lift the injured foot and the cane up to the same riser and repeat. To go downstairs, you start by moving the cane and injured foot down one riser and following with the good foot. In both cases, go one step at a time.