How to Walk Correctly With a Cane

Canes can be used when you have injured a leg or a foot. Before you practice walking around with your cane, survey the area for potential safety hazards. Rugs and electrical cords on the floor can cause you to trip and fall. Similarly, watch out for spilled liquids on hard floors. When you walk with the cane for the first time, you might wish to have someone else there to help you, just in case you lose your balance.

Things You'll Need

• Cane

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Instructions

• 1

  Check that the cane is the proper height for you. As you stand up straight, the cane's top should be at about the level of your wrist, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Your elbow should be able to bend slightly.

• 2

  Hold your cane with your hand that is opposite to the injured leg, as recommended by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For example, if your right leg or foot is injured, hold the cane with your left hand.

• 3

  Arrange your cane slightly ahead of your feet to get into a walking position. Step with your injured leg and cane at the same time. They should both land on the ground simultaneously. Then, step forward with your healthy leg. Take small steps so you will maintain your balance.

• 4

  Walk up stairs by maintaining a good grip on the handrail with the hand that does not hold the cane. Walk up a step with your healthy leg first, cane in hand. Then, bring your injured leg up to the step.

• 5

  Walk down stairs by first placing your cane down on the next step. Maneuver your injured leg down to the step next, and then bring your healthy leg down. Maintain a grip on the handrail and your cane while doing so. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that you do not shift your body weight down the step until your healthy leg rests on that step.