How to Walk With a Cane

Overview

A cane is a useful tool for anyone who has one leg that is significantly more injured than another. It can be useful for people who have hip, knee or ankle problems, anyone who has had a surgical operation on their lower body, and for people with broken bones (especially in their foot). Canes work best if there is one relatively healthy leg. Otherwise, crutches or a walker may be a better fit.

Step 1

Position your cane properly. When you stand up straight, the top of the cane should come to your wrist and you should have to bend your elbow slightly to use the cane. Your cane should be held in the hand on the same side as your uninjured leg.

Step 2

Place your cane slightly ahead of you, approximately one small step's worth.

Step 3

Step off with your injured leg and then finish your step with your healthy leg.

Step 4

Have your cane and the injured foot hit the ground at the same time for maximum effectiveness for subsequent steps.

Step 5

Climb stairs by stepping with your healthy leg first and hold onto the handrail (if there is one). Otherwise, use the cane (still in the hand opposite of the injured leg) to help give you support as you step with your injured leg.

Step 6

Go down stairs by placing your cane on the next stair, then step with your injured leg, and then with your healthy one.