The Proper Usage of a Cane

Canes are often used by the elderly to support body weight and make independent life possible. The extra support of a cane is also helpful for individuals with slight weakness in a leg, balance issues, mild injury or chronic pain. However helpful it may be, using a cane in your everyday life can be difficult to get used to. One of the first steps in adjusting to life with a cane, even if your situation is only temporary, is to understand the proper use of the device.

Positioning and Grasp

• Most canes are adjustable to accommodate the height of the user. Adjust your cane or choose a non-adjustable device that reaches as high as your wrist when you stand up straight. Hold your cane in the hand opposite from your weak or injured leg, or if you use a cane for general support, choose which hand to hold it in based on ease of movement.

Sitting Down and Standing Up

• Sitting down and standing up using a cane can be difficult to get the hang of at first, but the added support of the cane pays off. To sit down, stand with your legs against the front of the chair and reach back to grasp the arms with both hands. Lift your injured leg slightly off the ground and put your weight on your strong leg while sitting down. To get up from a chair, plant your cane firmly on the ground with your stronger arm. Grasp the arms of the chair, put your stronger foot slightly forward and raise yourself out of the chair.

Walking With a Cane

• The primary purpose of the cane is to take weight off an injured leg. When you walk with a cane, your injured leg and the cane should be on the ground at the same time. To accomplish this, begin by placing your cane slightly ahead of your feet while taking a small step with your injured leg. Step with your strong leg, then swing the cane and your injured leg forward to step again.

Navigating Stairs

• Exercise care when navigating stairs with a cane, as they can be tricky to maneuver. Grasp the handrail of the stairs and put your good leg on the first step. Bring your cane and injured foot on the first step. Repeat slowly and carefully with the rest of the steps in the staircase. To go down stairs, begin by putting your cane on the first step, followed by your injured leg and then your strong leg.

Safety Tips

• Remove items that could get caught on your cane and cause you to trip. These include loose cords, rugs, scattered items on the floor and any slippery surfaces where your cane could lose traction. It may be helpful to invest in a backpack or purse to make carrying items easier. Always keep an eye on where you place your cane, especially outdoors. Watch out for puddles, potholes and other differences in the surface of the ground you walk on.