A cane is an aid used for assistance while walking if a person has balance or stability issues, weakness in the limb or trunk, an injury, or pain. For older individuals, a single-point cane can help them walk more easily and safely and make it simpler for them to stay independent in some instances.
Canes can be used for various reasons, including injuries, arthritis, balance issues, and recovery from surgery. They can help people walk more steadily and relieve pressure on an injured leg or hip. However, if you do not use canes correctly, you may not get their full benefit.
Physical therapists and doctors can guide you on how to use a cane. There are different canes available. Doctors or physical therapists can help suggest the right one. With practice and the right guidance, most people can walk comfortably with a cane and improve their quality of life.
Which hand should you use to carry the cane?
You should place the cane in the hand opposite the leg that needs assistance. That way the cane can compensate for the weaker limb and bear the weight for that side of the body.
Holding the cane on the weak or damaged side is significantly less effective.
For example, if your right knee is hurt, use your left hand to hold the cane. Swing the cane out with your right leg when you extend it. When you apply pressure to the right leg, use the left hand to apply pressure to the cane.
Relying on the strong side gives you a constant brace when walking and relieves pressure. As a result, pain is reduced.
Doctors advise first practice by taking a few steps around the home (preferably not alone) to check if the difference is noticeable. If you were having trouble with your balance previously, this minor adjustment should assist you a lot and make you feel much safer.
How do you position yourself with a cane?
The following steps can help position yourself comfortably:
- The top of your cane should reach the crease in your wrist when you’re standing up straight, and the elbow should be slightly bent.
- To begin, step off using your wounded leg with your cane about one little stride ahead of you. With your good leg, complete the step.
How do you climb stairs using a cane?
Place your cane in the hand opposite your wounded leg to climb the stairs. Grab the railing with your free hand. Step up first on your healthy leg and then on the affected leg.
To descend the stairs, first, place your cane on the step, then your wounded leg, and, finally, your healthy leg, which bears your weight.
Always make sure the cane has a ferrule, which is a rubber at the end of the cane that avoids friction and slippage, as well as protects the cane from wear and tear.
What are other walking aids?
Many walking and mobility aids are available to assist people who are elderly and differently-abled or those injured who have difficulty moving about securely.
Because the risk of falling increases with age and falls can be dangerous, various walking aids have been developed to provide safety and support to those who need them.
Many mobility aids and walking devices are available in the market today to suit everyone’s needs, including:
- Crutches
- Walkers
- Cane and crutch combinations
- Rollators
- Walker cane hybrid
- Gait trainers
- Knee scooters
- Mobility scooters
- Wheelchairs
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.orthogate.org/news/viewpoints/different-mobility-aids-and-their-indications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231545/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22128081/
Top What Is a Cane Used For Related Articles
10 Benefits of Walking Quiz
Take this 10 Benefits of Walking Quiz to learn about the many health benefit of walking for exercise!Can You Walk on a Broken Metatarsal?
A patient with a broken metatarsal may be able to walk, depending on how painful the injury is. Despite this, the patient with a metatarsal fracture is advised to avoid excessive walking, especially on uneven ground, to eliminate the risk of displacement.Can You Walk on a Stress Fracture?
Stress fractures are tiny cracks that develop in the weight-bearing bones. These are often caused by repetitive force to bone such as during long marches, by repeatedly jumping up and down, or by running long distances. Because the cracks are tiny, you may be able to walk despite them, albeit painfully.Can You Walk With a Thrown Out Back?
Properly managing a thrown out back and back muscle strain requires pain relief measures such as resting and avoiding walking as much as possible.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Do Balance Disorders Go Away?
Generally, balance disorders last for a couple of days and the patient recovers slowly over 1 to 3 weeks. However, some patients may experience symptoms that can last for several months. For symptoms that don’t go away with other treatments, the physician might prefer surgery.Fitness and Exercise: How to Start a Walking Program
Walking has lots of health benefits, but for most folks, it's hard to figure out how to make it part of their routine. Learn how to design a walking program and find out the best ways to stick with it.Exercises for Seniors: Tips for Core, Balance, Stretching
Exercise for seniors is important for healthy and successful aging. Learn about core strengthening, balance exercises, and stretching and relaxation routines. See what happens to our bodies as we age, how to start exercising, and the benefits of exercising as a senior.Off-Balance Core Moves
Want a toned stomach or a winning tennis game? WebMD's pictures show 11 off-balance core exercises to help get you there.Vertigo Quiz
Take the quiz and find out the causes, symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent the confusing balance disorder called vertigo.