Patient education: How to use a cane (The Basics)

Why do I need a cane? — 

A cane is a type of "mobility aid," or a device to help you move around. It can help you be steadier on your feet.

You might need to use a cane if you:

●Have a leg or foot injury

●Are recovering from surgery

●Have a health problem that makes it hard to walk

●Need help with support or balance due to age

Some illnesses and injuries can make it difficult or impossible to walk normally for some time. With a cane, you might be able to move around more safely as you heal and recover.

Are there different types of canes? — 

Canes can be made of different materials. Some are made of wood, but most are made of metal. Metal canes can often be adjusted to different heights. Some canes have a curved grip or handle, and others have a straight grip or handle.

There are 2 main types of canes (figure 1):

●Canes with a single tip or point – These give a small amount of support to help you stay steady. Some fold and are easier to bring around with you.

●Canes with multiple tips or points – These usually have 3 or 4 points that touch the ground. They offer more support and help with balance. But they can sometimes be harder to use, since you should place all the tips on the ground at the same time.

How should I use a cane? — 

It depends on why you are using it. In some situations, you can use a cane to help you walk, but still put some weight on an injured leg. In other situations, you need the cane for balance.

The medical staff will help teach you how to walk with the cane. It can take some practice, so go slowly and be patient.

Some general tips to help you safely use a cane:

●Decide what type of cane you need – This is based on how much support you need. If you only need a little support or help with balance, a cane with a single tip might be enough. If you need more support, a can with multiple tips might be a better choice.

●Make sure the cane is the right height – Some canes let you adjust the height. To find the right height:

•Put on the shoes you wear most of the time.

•Stand up, and put your arms down at your side.

•The handle of the cane should be at your wrist. This allows for a slight bend in your elbow when walking.

If the cane is too tall, you won't get the proper support with your arm. If it is too short, you will probably lean too much to 1 side.

●Decide which hand to hold the cane with – If you have an injury or other problem that makes it hard to move, always hold the cane in the hand on the opposite side of the affected leg. If 1 side of your body is weak, use the other strong hand to hold the cane.

If you are only using the cane to help with balance and have good strength on both sides, you can choose either hand to hold the cane.

●Practice walking with the cane – Move the cane and the injured or weaker leg forward at the same time. This way, the cane can help support you. Then, step forward with your stronger leg. The goal is to take even steps with both legs. You should be passing the other foot with each step.

Place the cane slightly to the side and only about a step length in front of you before you take a step. Do not place the cane too close to your foot since you could hit it as you take the next step.

●Look where you are going – When walking with a cane, look forward, not down at your feet. This will help you see things in your path so you are less likely to trip.

●Be extra careful on stairs or curbs – Get close to the step or curb. Always use a handrail when available. Use the cane on the opposite side if there is only 1 handrail and it is on the side where you normally hold the cane.

Remember the "good" goes up and the "bad" goes down:

•When you are going up a step, step up with your "good" leg first. Next, bring your "bad" leg up and then move the cane. If there is a handrail, you might be able to move the "bad" leg and the cane at the same time.

•When going down a step, put the cane on the step below you. Then, carefully step to bring your "bad" leg down. Then, bring your "good" leg down to the same step.

Another option is to hold the cane in 1 hand, and use the handrail for support as you carefully hop up or down the stairs. Or you can sit on the stairs and push yourself up or down while seated.

●Be careful getting in and out of cars – Open the car door all the way when you need to get in or out. Do not hold on to the door for support, since it could move and cause you to fall. Take your time, and have someone help you if possible. It might help to adjust the position of the seat to give you more space.

●Make your home safer – Remove things you could trip over, like loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter.

●Keep your hands free – Do not try to hold anything in your hands while you use the cane. Use a small backpack or shoulder bag to carry things you need, like your wallet and phone.

When can I stop using a cane? — 

It depends:

●If you are using a cane while you recover from an injury or surgery, you need to use it until you have healed enough to walk without help. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about how long this might take. They might also do a follow-up exam, or imaging tests such as X-rays, to check how you are healing.

●If you are using a cane because of age or health problems, you might need to use it for a long time. If your needs change, your doctor or nurse can talk to you about your other options.

Other mobility aids include walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs. Depending on your situation, you might have the option of using one of these instead of a cane. Or you might use different aids in different situations.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●You are having a lot of trouble getting around.

●The cane gets damaged or broken.

●You hurt yourself while using the cane.

More on this topic

Patient education: Changing positions safely (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing higher risk of falls from your medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)