How to Use a Cane

To Use a Cane or Not Use a Cane, That is the Question

How to use a cane properly? Before we answer that, let's learn a little more about them. A cane is a medical device that allows for people to walk, go up and down the steps, balance, and just overall function with decreased difficulty and increased confidence. You'll typically find people using them after total knee replacements, total hip replacements, and after a stroke. But, it is no mystery, at least to a physical therapist that other patients will benefit from as well. As people start to resume their daily activities after quarantine, we have noticed more and more people with significant loss of strength due to being sedentary. Sometimes, these patients will also fall more frequently. A cane would be helpful for these people to walk further until they are able to wean off using it. Canes and other assistive devices are also effective ways to delay knee and hip replacements and preserve an arthritic or injured joint for longer.

How Do You Use a Cane?

There are two standard methods. One is a step-through pattern, and the other is a step-to pattern. A step-through pattern is usually better for patients who are more advanced and has good balance/not much pain. A step-to pattern is better for patients with poorer balance/a lot off pain. You can take a look at the video linked below for a visual demonstration of correct technique.

How Properly Size a Cane

Before you walk in either a step-to or step-through pattern, you need to have the proper height. Check out this video for proper height.

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Different Types of Canes

There are 3 basic types: 1. single point, 2. narrow base quad, 3. wide base quad. The different types are based on the level of support or help a person needs to be stable when moving around.

Single Point

Narrow base

Wide base

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