How to Use a Cane to Walk

Introduction

Using a cane to Walk can greatly improve mobility and stability for individuals who have difficulty walking due to injury, surgery, or other conditions. This guide will walk you through the proper techniques for using a cane effectively and safely.

Choosing the Right Cane to walk

When selecting a cane, it is important to choose one that suits your height, weight, and personal needs.

Types of Canes:

Selecting the right cane depends on individual needs, preferences, and the level of support required. Understanding the different types of canes available can help you make an informed decision, ensuring enhanced mobility, safety, and independence.

• Standard Canes: Simple, straight canes usually made of wood or metal.
• Quad Canes: Canes with four feet at the base for extra stability.
• Adjustable Canes: Canes with adjustable heights to fit different users.
• Offset Canes: Canes with a handle that is offset for better weight distribution.

Ensure that the cane’s handle is comfortable to hold, and its height is adjustable or suitable for your stature.

Special features

Some canes have special or custom features, like:

• Ergonomic handles to relieve hand fatigue and pressure.
• A fold-out seat with a tripod base for rest breaks.
• Collapsible or folding shafts with carrying cases.
• LED lights for using at night or with vision impairment.

Picking a handle

Picking a handle is mostly a matter of what feels most comfortable to you. This may take some trial and error to work out. If you have joint pain in your hand or wrist, you might need a certain type.

Some options include:

• Crook handle: This is the classic cane shape, based on a shepherd’s crook. It’s also called a tourist handle or “J” handle. It’s not the most ergonomic style, but it works for occasional use.
• Derby handle: The derby handle is a common traditional style. It’s a perpendicular handle with a slight downward curve at the end, like a bird beak. It’s comfortable and good for hanging.
• Fritz handle. Also called a crutch handle, the Fritz is like a slimmer, more tapered derby handle without the hook at the end. This makes it easier to grip if you have arthritis in your hand.
• Offset handle: An offset handle positions your hand over the shaft rather than to the side of it. The shaft of the cane has a bend near the top. This allows you to put more weight on the cane.
• Orthopedic grip handle: These ergonomic handles have contours that fit your hand and reduce stress on your fingers, palms and wrists. They often have a flexible grip made of foam or gel.
• Palm grip handle: A palm grip handle is molded to fit your hand — your right or left hand, specifically. The contoured fit reduces stress on your hand and wrist. It also reduces sweating.

Adjusting the Cane Height

To adjust the cane to the correct height:

• Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.
• Place the cane upright beside you.
• The top of the cane should reach the crease of your wrist.
• Your elbow should be slightly bent (about 15-20 degrees) when holding the cane.

Proper cane height ensures that you can use the cane without straining your arm or shoulder.

Walking with a Cane

Here are the steps to walk safely with a cane:

• Hold the cane in the hand opposite the weaker or injured leg. This helps distribute weight more evenly.
• Move the cane and the weaker leg forward simultaneously.
• Step through with the stronger leg, placing it ahead of the cane and weaker leg.
• Maintain a steady and rhythmic pace, ensuring that the cane moves in sync with your steps.

Navigating Stairs

Using a cane on stairs requires extra caution:

Going Up Stairs:

• Step up with the stronger leg first.
• Then, bring the cane and the weaker leg up to the same step.
• Use the handrail for added support if available.

Going Down Stairs:

• Place the cane on the step below first.
• Move the weaker leg down next.
• Finally, bring the stronger leg down to the same step.
• Again, use the handrail for additional support if available.

Sitting and Standing

When sitting down or standing up with a cane:

• Back up to the chair until you feel it against the back of your legs.
• Hold the cane in one hand and place your other hand on the armrest or seat for support.
• Lower yourself slowly into the chair, keeping your weaker leg slightly forward.
• To stand, scoot to the edge of the chair, place the cane in position, and push up with both hands.

Additional Tips

• Regularly inspect your cane for wear and tear, especially the rubber tip, to ensure it remains safe to use.
• Consider using a cane with a built-in light or reflective material if you often walk in low-light conditions.
• Practice using the cane in a safe environment before venturing out, to build confidence and ensure proper technique.

Benefits from using a cane

You might benefit from using a cane if you:

• Are recovering from an injury, surgery or illness.
• Are beginning to experience age-related changes in strength, mobility or balance.
• Have chronic pain that feels worse when you walk.
• Want to relieve pressure on your joints.
• Have a neurological condition that affects your coordination or muscle strength.
• Have peripheral neuropathy that makes your legs or feet numb.
• Have a temporary or long-term walking abnormality.
• Are relearning to walk after temporary or partial paralysis.

Safety precautions

To reduce your risk of falling:

• Make sure the tread on your cane tip is still in good condition to provide traction. If you’re using an older cane, the tip might need replacing. Tips are easy to find at most pharmacies.
• Make sure your path is clear of potential hazards for your cane, like loose rugs, cords and spills. Avoid wet and waxed floors. If you want to walk in winter weather, you can use a special tip.
• Don’t use your cane to help yourself sit down or stand up. The weight balance isn’t reliable this way. Use your opposite hand on the arm of your seat to push yourself up or lower yourself down.
• Wear proper walking shoes with low, closed heels and non-slippery soles. If they have laces, tie them in a double knot. This is to prevent you from tripping or needing to look down at your feet.

Nursing Care for Patients Using a Cane to Walk

The utilization of a cane can significantly enhance the mobility and independence of individuals with walking difficulties. However, proper nursing care is essential to ensure the safety, comfort, and overall well-being of patients using canes. This document outlines key considerations and best practices for nursing care tailored to patients who rely on canes for walking.

1.Assessment and Selection of the Cane

Understanding Patient Needs

Before selecting a cane, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs, physical condition, and lifestyle. This assessment should include:

• Evaluating the patient’s balance, strength, and coordination
• Understanding the patient’s medical history, including any conditions affecting mobility
• Identifying the patient’s daily activities and environments where the cane will be used

Selecting the Appropriate Cane

Based on the assessment, choose a cane that best meets the patient’s needs:

• Offset Canes: Ideal for patients with arthritis or wrist issues due to their design that reduces strain on the wrists.
• Adjustable Canes: Suitable for patients whose height may change or who require a versatile solution.
• Seat Canes: Beneficial for patients who need frequent breaks while walking.
• Specialty Canes: Designed for specific conditions, such as canes with built-in lights for better visibility.

2.Patient Education and Training

Proper Usage Techniques

Educate the patient on the correct way to use the cane to maximize its benefits and minimize the risk of injury:

• Instruct the patient to hold the cane on the opposite side of the weaker or injured leg.
• Teach the patient to move the cane simultaneously with the weaker leg to provide support.
• Ensure the patient maintains an upright posture and avoids leaning excessively on the cane.
• Demonstrate safe techniques for navigating stairs, inclines, and uneven surfaces.

Adjusting the Cane

Train the patient on how to adjust the cane’s height to ensure optimal support:

• When the cane is adjusted correctly, the patient’s elbow should be slightly bent (approximately 15-20 degrees).
• Ensure the cane’s rubber tip is intact and provides sufficient traction to prevent slipping.

3.Safety Considerations

Home Environment Modifications

Recommend modifications to the patient’s home environment to enhance safety and accessibility:

• Remove any tripping hazards, such as loose rugs or clutter.
• Ensure adequate lighting in all areas where the patient will be walking.
• Install handrails on stairs and in bathrooms for additional support.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regularly monitor the patient’s use of the cane and their overall mobility:

• Schedule follow-up appointments to assess the patient’s progress and address any concerns.
• Encourage the patient to report any discomfort or difficulties encountered while using the cane.

4.Psychological and Emotional Support

Addressing Emotional Well-being

Provide emotional support to help the patient adjust to using a cane:

• Offer reassurance and encouragement to boost the patient’s confidence.
• Address any feelings of frustration or embarrassment related to using a cane.

Encouraging Social Engagement

Promote social interactions and activities to enhance the patient’s quality of life:

• Encourage participation in group activities or support groups for individuals with mobility challenges.
• Facilitate access to community resources and recreational programs.

REFERENCES

1. HealthinAging.org. Tip Sheet: Choosing The Right Cane Or Walker (https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-choosing-right-cane-or-walker). Updated 6/2019. Accessed 4/19/2024.
2. HealthLinkBC. Using a Cane (https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/using-cane). Updated 3/1/2023. Accessed 4/19/2024.
3. National Library of Medicine (U.S.). Using a cane (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000343.htm). Updated 4/27/2023. Accessed 4/19/2024.
4. How to use crutches, canes, and walkers. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00181. Accessed April 28, 2023.
5. Webster JB, et al., eds. Canes, crutches, and walkers. In: Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 25, 2023.
6. “How to Use Crutches, Canes, and Walkers – OrthoInfo – AAOS.” 2015. Aaos.org. 2015. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/how-to-use-crutches-canes-and-walkers/
7. “Patient Handout Canes and Walkers Which One Is Right for You?” n.d. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://networkofcare.org/library/10_canes_walkers.pdf.
8. “Tips for Choosing and Using Canes.” 2019. Mayo Clinic. 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/canes/art-20548206

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