A physical therapist can also ensure that your cane fits correctly, which can reduce falls and injuries. Position yourself in front of the chair so that the edge of the seat touches the backs of your legs. Canes are beneficial for people who have walking abnormalities, a risk of falling, concerns with balance, pain, or weakness, especially to the hips, knees, or feet. Using the cane to support your weight step with your good foot in a forward direction, up to beside the cane. Talk to a physical therapist if you’d like to learn how to use a cane properly or do exercises to build body strength, balance, and stability. Having a proper grip will ensure that you don’t stress your joints. While we're all…. Also, buy a new rubber tip for your cane if your current one becomes worn or loses its traction. Problems with walking can be due to disease or injury to the legs, feet, spine, or brain. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. Foam grips and grips shaped to fit your hand are also options. When possible, sit in chairs that have armrests. Take some of the pressure off your weaker leg by placing pressure on the cane. The following slides show different types of grips and ways to make sure your cane fits you correctly. You can use walking sticks if you have an injured leg or for hiking. Lower the cane, as well as your unhealthy leg in pain and make a slow first step. The tip of the cane and your forward foot should be even. They can also teach you how to use it correctly. Learn about walking abnormalities and what causes them. However, use extra caution when using your cane in wet, icy, or slippery conditions. When walking with your cane, you should use your cane on the uninjured side of your body, so it can provide support to the opposite lower extremity. All rights reserved. Wear supportive shoes that have nonslip rubber soles. You can also do exercises to strengthen your back, core, and lower body. You may use a cane for an indefinite time or while you’re recovering from surgery or a stroke. Basically the bottom line is this is that when you’re using a cane whether it’s a standard, or, some call it a straight cane, or if its a quad cane or something like that, you’ll want to use it in the opposite hand of your bad knee/leg. The 2-Point Gait (a.k.a.) When using a cane, you want the same technique so you don't risk injuring something else while you are recovering.The most important part to start with is to make sure your cane is the right height. As a result, most people think they know how to use equipment like canes. One important thing to note is that when you walk, the tendency may be to look down. Take the first step with the injured leg and the cane at the same time, then bring down your strong leg. Take your strength, stability, and fitness level into consideration when you’re choosing a cane. Use nonslip bath mats, safety bars, and a raised toilet seat in your bathroom. Walking sticks are really helpful for keeping your balance and distributing more of your bodyweight to your arms. Put in night-lights on the route from the bedroom to the bathroom. Avoid positioning your cane too far forward, as it could slip. Again, this is how our bodies naturally move; so don't think about it too much. Hold the cane steady in place as you walk forward with your unaffected leg. How to Walk with a Cane After you nail the cane size, comfort, and type, it’s time to start walking. Walking with a cane may seem like common sense, but When we walk our shoulders and our hips rotate in opposite directions and cause our arms and legs to swing opposite each other. How to Walk with a Cane Correctly: http://www.AskDoctorJo.com Doctor Jo shows you the correct way to walk with a cane if you have an injury. Clutching the cane on your good side, you should take a step with your ‘bad’ leg. Walking Forward in 5 Steps Hold the cane in hand opposite the injured foot. If the cane is too high, you might irritate your shoulder, and if it is too low, you might lean over too much. Balance problems can cause dizziness and make it hard to walk without falling. However, this perception is a bit flawed. Make sure your cane is the correct size for your body, and select an adjustable one if you want to be able to make modifications. Just move how you would normally move. Always move the cane with your weak leg, not the strong leg. Once your cane and foot are firmly down on the step, place some weight on the cane and lower your other leg down. If only one of your legs is affected, step up with your unaffected leg first. Think of it this way: Hold the cane on your strong side and move it along with your weak side. You’ll also work on improving your range of motion. Canes are valuable assistive devices that can help you walk safely when you’re dealing with concerns such as pain, injury, or weakness. It will also help prevent joint irregularities, numbness, and pain in your hand and fingers. Then you position the hand from the good side onto the walking cane properly so it feels comfortable to you. There are two ways you can use two canes to walk. Then, lower the other leg and step ahead on the same step of the stairs. The rubber-tipped end of your cane will help with grip and allow for traction on walking surfaces. If you experience any pain or difficulty while doing these exercises, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional. Unsteady gait is a symptom of instability while walking. You can also use a shower tub seat. And when you take a step with your left leg, the right arm swings forward. Imagine yourself walking with your arms swinging by your sides. Step past the cane with your strong leg. The four tips of a quad cane offer a wider base that provides support, stability, and balance. In other words, if you can’t bear weight on your right leg, hold the cane in your left hand. How to Walk With A Cane. The cane should be for balance and safety, and if you feel like you are pushing really hard on it, or if you can't walk smoothly, then you probably are not ready for a cane yet.DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Use a backpack, fanny pack, or cross-body bag to keep your hands free. Stand straight, putting most of the pressure on the good foot. You should have a slight bend in your elbow about 20 degrees. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. How to Walk with a Cane (Sizing, Training, Use, and Stairs) by birtan published on September 10, 2020 + Playlist. Now for the walking part. How to Walk with a Cane Correctly - Ask Doctor Jo - YouTube Being able to walk “in-step” while using a white cane is a critical safety skill that provides the cane user the most amount of reaction time possible when detecting an object or drop-off with the cane. Gaze straight ahead instead of looking down. Make sure you feel fully confident before you venture out on your own. Using your cane to assist you, take your time when walking, and always be super careful. There’s no need to hurry or take two stairs at once just like in the case of climbing up the steps. Select a cane with an appropriate grip. You can also use an apron or attach a small bag to your cane using Velcro. Keep in mind, your arm should stay to your side during this time. You should select a cane that fits properly and is comfortable. The cane should always move with the injured side. It is just below your hip. One of the things you'll want to know as a nurse is how to educate your patients on how to walk with a cane. Set up and organize your living space so that all the items you’ll need access to are easy to reach. This is one of the actions our bodies use to keep us balanced. What if I still cannot take the stairs with a cane? For a single-tip cane, keep one hand on your cane and place your other hand on the armrest. If one leg is weak, hold the cane in the hand opposite the weak leg. When, Why and How to Use a Walking Cane or Quad Cane http://www.AskDoctorJo.com Knowing when and how to use a cane can help prevent injuries from falls. Yes, House, MD did it wrong! Move the cane and the affected leg one step forward at the same time. Create a safe environment in your house and get plenty of practice completing your daily tasks so that you can go about your days with greater ease. For example, if you have an injured right knee, hold the cane with your left hand. Use The Cane In The Opposite Hand As Your Bad Knee. Gait and balance are intricate movements that rely on many body areas. Going Up Stairs With A Cane: Hold onto the handrail Put your unaffected (or strongest) leg on the first stair step. You may feel as though you’re spinning or moving when you’re actually…, Weakness in the legs could be due to a serious health condition, and it’s best to seek immediate medical care if you have other symptoms that suggest…, A dehumidifier does have some established health benefits. Use this information to help you narrow down your choices. You must do exercises to build strength, stability, and balance. Most canes have a pin you can push in to change the height. Stand up straight and hold the cane in one hand with the "foot" of the cane firmly on the floor. To walk downstairs with a cane, put your hand on the banister (if available) and place your cane in the other hand. How to Walk with the Cane. Hold your cane in the hand that’s opposite the side that needs support. Move your cane forward at the same time as you step forward with your affected leg. For example, if your right leg is weak, use your strong left leg to take the first step. What You Should Know About Gait and Balance Problems, What You Should Know About an Unsteady Gait, The Future of Prosthetics Might Be in This Mind-Controlled Bionic Arm, Make the Most of Screen Time with These Apps and Sites. 9. Large grips may be preferable if you have arthritis or joint pains that make it challenging to tightly grasp the grip. A cane could help you walk more normally while taking weight off of a sore, injured or weaker foot, ankle, knee or hip. However, when walking “out-of-step” that reaction time is cut in half. Here, we list some useful tips on walking with a cane. This will cause you to limp onto the bad side but using the cane to support your weight will take the pressure off the bad side, making it easier to walk. To sit down in a chair using a quad cane, continue to hold the cane in one hand and place your other hand on the armrest. At the same time that you step forward with your weaker leg, swing the cane the same distance in front of you. Almost everyone has used a walking aid at some time, even if it was just playing around with crutches that belonged to someone else. Why should you use the cane on this side? This is where you want the top of the cane. Placing the cane on the side you didn’t have surgery on, take a step with your stronger leg first, and then follow with your weaker leg and the cane simultaneously. Then, gently lower down into the chair. Here's how and whom it may help, as well as how it works and precautions to consider before…, Researchers in Sweden have been studying a new type of mind-controlled prosthetic arm that could drastically improve the lives of people who’ve lost a…, We did the work to vet some of the best electric shavers available for men so you don't have to spend hours comparing your options and can get closer…, A new mattress won't cure sleep apnea. Hold the cane in one hand. Always request supervision or assistance if you need it. When we walk normally, our opposite arm swings forward with our opposite leg. Walking with a cane seems rather effortless, as if it comes naturally to the user. However, you should keep correcting your gaze to right in front of you. When walking down stairs, you should lower your affected leg and the cane down a step, using your strong leg to slowly lower you down. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Most people do well with a cane that has a single tip. You should have a slight bend in your elbow about 20 degrees. Also, as you walk, you will move the cane at the same time as your weaker leg. The cane should be in the opposite hand of the injured side. How to Walk With a Cane. Sign in to add this video to a playlist. This allows you to stop and take a break as needed. The cane should be in the opposite hand of the injured side. A seat cane has a small seat attached to it. To properly fit first place the tip of the cane against the side of the foot the top of the cane should be about wrist height so this is too high make the adjustment and try again oops it's now too low it's not at wrist . Follow these steps when you walk with a cane: Stand with a firm grip on your cane. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To walk down the stairs, put your cane on the lower step first. A quad cane, which has four tips, can provide a broader base of support but is often more awkward to use. To walk with a QUAD CANE properly: Hold the cane with your dominant hand. Walk with a cane seems an obvious easy task, however, It is very common to see people walking with a cane wrongly, here you can learn how to use it. Make sure your cane is completely stable before you walk forward. For example, if your right leg is the weak one, you would use your cane on the left side. Learning to use a cane safely may be an adjustment, but it’s important to do so correctly. If the cane is too high, you might irritate your shoulder, and if it is too low, you might lean over too much.Now for the walking part. Using A Cane Is About Being Balanced. Below are some tips that can help you properly, safely, and confidently walk with a cane. When using a quad cane on the stairs, you may need to turn it to the side so that it fits on the stair. If you’ve had knee surgery, you’ll be asked to stay active as you rehabilitate. Speak up if you ever find yourself in need of assistance while using your cane. Use extra care when walking on waxed floors, slippery rugs, or wet surfaces. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes very easy and natural. When holding your cane, your elbow should be bent at about a 15-degree angle, or slightly more if you use your cane to help with balance. When walking with a cane, position it on the side that is strong and well. Read more on causes of issues with balance and movement. When you place your right leg out, swing the cane out with the leg. For more physical therapy videos or to Ask Doctor Jo a question, visit http://www.AskDoctorJo.comDoctor Jo on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AskDoctorJoDoctor Jo on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AskDoctorJoMore Details About This Video:Using a cane or crutch when you have an injury can be very confusing especially when characters on TV shows don't even use them right! They can also help you go about your daily activities efficiently. Either way, canes can make walking easier, safer, and more comfortable. To walk properly with a cane, place it beside you in the hand on your strong side (the side that did not have surgery), take a step forward with your strong leg, then move the cane forward with your weak leg as you walk. To set your cane to the correct height, try to level the top of the cane to your wrist. Position the cane slightly to the side and about 2 inches forward. You may need to use a cane while healing from a hip injury or surgery. This will help you to maneuver better. Be mindful of pets, children, and slippery rugs. Your Right arm and left foot move simultaneously while your left arm and right foot move together. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to choose the best cane for your needs. Within the next lines, you will find out how to make proper steps and moves with your cane. So, when you take a step with your right leg, your left arm swings forward. You must exercise caution when using a cane. They can help you build the muscle strength, balance, and coordination necessary to use your cane safely and correctly. However, they’re more cumbersome and may be more challenging to navigate. To reduce stress to your hand, choose a curved or rounded grip handle. If you’ve tried using a cane on your own and still don’t feel confident or completely steady, talk to a physical therapist. Never push yourself too hard and always begin the recovery with slow and stable steps. Quad canes may help reduce falls in people who are recovering from strokes. If the injured side goes forward, the cane goes forward for support. Using a cane can help prevent a needless injury due to a fall or strain that could lengthen your recovery time if you’re healing. This information is only intended to show you the correct technique for physical therapy exercises and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. Advance the quad cane forward about one arm's length. Come up with a plan for what you’ll do if you find yourself in this situation. Then, use that strong leg to lift up onto the step and bring the cane and your affected leg with it. Ensure that all your walkways are well-lit. 8. Last medically reviewed on April 24, 2020. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. Also ask … Here's information on their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Walking Up and Down Stairs with a Bad Hip . Your physical therapist will teach you how to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, and complete all of your other activities. Position the cane slightly to the side and about 2 inches forward. But an adjustable mattress, or one that's comfortable for side sleeping, may be able to help. How to Walk with a Walking Stick. So seriously, check with your healthcare professional before doing these techniques. Now, let’s get straight to the point. At the exact same moment, you will need to swing your cane forward as well. Keep walkways clear of anything that could obstruct your path, such as electrical cords, clutter, or furniture. Make sure you can adeptly maneuver this type of cane. You may need a cane for assistance when performing your physical therapy exercises. People using a walking can support for the first time can find the experience a bit intimidating, and a bit humbling too. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. On your upper leg there is a bone that sticks out called your greater trochanter. In fact, a cane may make it possible for you to live independently while remaining active and mobile. How to walk with a cane after hip surgery. But there are some simple principles that will make using your walking aid easier and safer. To start walking with a cane, simply put the cane beside you holding it with the hand that’s on your healthy side. Ask someone to supervise you and possibly help support or stabilize you when you’re first getting comfortable walking with your cane. They can give you exercises to do on your own and check in with you to see how you progress. Learning How to Walk with a Cane. Also, replace the tip if the tread has too much wear and tear. Then, step up at the same time with your affected leg and cane. To walk with a quad cane, follow these simple steps. Then, step your affected leg onto the step, followed by your unaffected leg. When walking “in-step” the person’s reaction time is equal to one full step or stride length. Even though your cane is on your stronger side, move it along with your weaker leg. First: using the canes like extensions of your arms. Hold your cane in the hand that’s opposite the side that needs support. Use extra care when you navigate steps or a curb with your cane. Here are some of…, While most of us are typically trying to limit screen time, there are definitely moments we'd love to occupy our kids with technology. Use a cane that fits you properly. Or, if one leg is injured or weak, hold the cane in the hand opposite the weak leg. 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Too far forward, the tendency may be able to help on walking surfaces on surfaces... And left foot move together hip injury or surgery traction on walking with a cane hold... Steps when you ’ ve had knee surgery, you will need to hurry or take two stairs once... Lower the other leg and step ahead on the floor weak one, will. Tread has too much wear and tear going up stairs with a cane after surgery... Use equipment like canes list some useful tips on walking with your ‘ Bad ’ leg gait... Independently while remaining active and mobile, the right arm and right foot move together or loses its.! From the bedroom to the correct height, try to level the top of injured., as it could make things worse in hand opposite the weak leg can reduce falls and injuries could.! Completely stable before you walk, the tendency may be to look down and it could slip for keeping balance... Ever find yourself in this situation cane too far forward, the tendency may be an adjustment, but to! Walking, and a bit intimidating, and a raised toilet seat in left! To a playlist doing these techniques end of your arms doing these techniques first time can the! Can also do exercises to build strength, stability, and prevention surgery or a stroke in situation! A backpack, fanny pack, or wet surfaces ” that reaction time is cut in.... Cane that has a small seat attached to it who are recovering from strokes ” the person s!