If you've injured your foot, ankle, knee or hip, chances are your doctor or physical therapist will suggest that you use a cane to help your mobility. Using a cane can ease the pain you experience when you walk by helping to support some of your body weight. It can also help you keep your balance while your injury improves and help you increase the amount of weight your injured limb can bear. Check with your physical therapist to choose the type of cane that is right for you.
Choose The Right Cane
It's never a good idea to simply borrow someone ele's cane to help you through your injury. A number of types of canes are available today, with specialized grips and different types of bases. Choose a cane that will provide you enough support that you will be able to use it with confidence. Make sure the cane is strong enough to support your body weight and stable enough that you are confident in its ability to support your body weight.
Make Sure Your Cane Fits Your Body
When using a cane, you should be sure that the cane you're using is tall enough to help support your body weight naturally. You should be able to lean the cane against your leg and have the handgrip of the cane touch your arms at your wrist when your arms are hanging by your sides. When holding the cane in your hand, your elbow should be bent slightly.
Hold The Cane In Your Opposite Hand
When you use the cane to help treat an injury on your left side, you should hold the cane in your right hand to allow it to provide support to your opposite leg. Place all of the weight on your uninjured side and be sure that you have good balance before you take the first step with your new cane. As you begin walking with your cane, your body weight should be supported on the cane and your uninjured leg.
Using Your Cane on Stairs
When ascending stairs, step on the stair with your uninjured leg first, bringing your cane to the stair and finally lifting your injured leg onto the next stair. When descending stairs, place your cane an your injured leg on the next stair before moving your uninjured leg down. This will allow your strongest leg to support your body weight while you step down onto the next stair. Be sure that you have your balance before moving onto the next step.
