About Canes & Walkers

Canes and walkers can serve several purposes. A variety of orthopedic conditions, from leg fractures to surgery, require the use of these assistive devices. In addition, stroke victims, or other individuals with balance problems and gait deviations may require the aid of a cane or walker. Generally speaking, canes are better for balance problems while walkers are better for keeping body weight from an injured leg or immediately after leg surgery.

Straight Cane

The straight, or standard, cane has long been used to keep people living independently. The earliest use of assistive devices for walking dates to 2830 BC, and pictures are found in Egyptian tomb carvings.
The straight cane is used to compensate for small problems in balance or weakness of the hips or legs. As a rule of thumb, straight canes should be used on the unaffected side. For example, if your left leg is weak, you should carry the cane in your right hand, and move the cane forward when you move your left leg forward.

Quad Cane

The quad cane is similar to the straight cane, but it has a wider base. Instead of having only one contact point with the ground, the quad cane has four. This provides more support and stability, but the quad cane should not be used to bear weight. The quad cane should be used in the same manner as the straight cane.
To ensure the cane fits properly, make sure the handle comes to the crease of the wrist when your arm is at rest.

Standard Walker

The standard walker has four solid contact points with the ground and is the most stable sort of walker. The walker can be used to take weight off the injured leg. Walkers are commonly used after hip or knee replacement surgery. Using a standard walker requires the user to pick up the walker with each step he takes.

Rolling Walker

The rolling walker is used for patients who cannot continually pick up and move a standard walker. Usually rolling walkers have two fixed legs in the back and two legs with wheels in the front. This design allows the user to pick only the rear legs off the ground to move the walker.
For a proper fit, the handles of the walker should reach the crease of the user's wrist when the arm is at rest, regardless of the type of walker.

Proper Use

Learning how to use canes and walkers can be tricky, especially after an injury or surgery. Stairs can be especially difficult, and should not be attempted while using a walker. When attempting stairs with a cane, use a handrail whenever possible. Lead with the good leg when going up stairs, and lead with the cane when going down. A physical therapist can show you how to safely use either the cane or the walker.