THE WELL MATCHED CANE

By Heather Larson

Learn the right way to choose and use your cane

     Walking canes come in even more varieties than candy canes.  Materials, colors, and handle styles are a matter of preference.  Cane type and size, however, are options that affect function and safety.

Choosing Type and Fit

     The most common styles of canes are single point and quad or three point canes.  Most people with arthritis need only single point canes, and those with a neurological impairment are best suited to quad canes, because they put more weight on them.

     When being fitted, wear your walking shoes and stand tall with your arms at your sides.  The top or curve of the cane should hit the crease in your wrist.

     If your cane is too high, you won’t get the support that you need.  When the cane is too low, you slump.

Correct Use When Walking

     People often try to use a cane on their weak side.  In fact, it goes on the strong side, but moves with the weak side.

     Using the cane in the hand opposite your weakness shifts your body weight to the stronger side.

     When walking, place the cane about 2 inches in front or to the side of you, not way out in front.  Move the affected leg and the cane together, so that each side shares the load.

Correct use on Stairs

     To climb stairs, advance your good leg first.  Follow with your affected leg and cane simultaneously.  When descending, put your weak leg first, and then follow with the cane and your good leg.