The correct cane can help relieve pressure on sore knees, hips, ankles and feet, as well as improve balance.
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.
When used correctly, the right cane can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling by widening the base of support, as well as decreasing weight on lower-body joints, says Lori Ramage, a physical therapist and the Joint Club Coordinator at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Ariz.
Choosing Type and Fit
The most common styles of canes are single point, and quad or three-point canes. Ramage says most people with arthritis need only single-point canes, and those with a neurological impairment are best suited to quad canes, because they can 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 at the crease in your wrist. “If the cane is too high, you won’t get the support you need,” says Ramage. “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,” says Brian Benjamin, a physical therapist and owner of ProActive Physical Therapy and Exercise Center in Fort Collins, Colo.
When walking, he says, place it 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, move your good leg first. Follow with your affected leg and cane simultaneously. When going down stairs, start with the cane, then put your weak leg forward, and follow with your good leg. “Up with the good, down with the bad” makes this easy to remember, says Ramage.
*Be sure to check with your healthcare professional to see if a cane is right for you.
Article from Arthritis Today, the consumer health magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation. Copyright © 2018 Arthritis Foundation. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this topic visit www.arthritis.org.
