JIANLIAN HOMECARE PRODUCTS CO,.LTD

If you are having difficulties with your mobility resulting from knee surgery, injury, or other condition, you might have considered using a cane. When used safely and correctly, a cane is a perfect companion in providing stability and balance to people who require additional control and flexibility while walking. They can go a long way towards reducing pain and providing support and balance to those who need them. However, while they undoubtedly have many benefits, new users are often left wondering: How do I use a cane properly?

In short, to use a cane properly, you should first hold the cane on the side of your “good” leg (the opposite leg to the one that needs support). Then, when walking on level ground, you should move the cane forward in unison with your “bad” leg, placing weight on it as necessary.

  When correctly used, the right cane can greatly improve your steadiness and reduce your likelihood of falling. It does this by widening your base of support and easing the pressure placed on your lower-body.

Of course, the above-outlined answer is only the short one, so here’s a detailed guide on how to use a cane properly to maintain balance while walking:

  Select the Correct Cane for Your Needs

Any cane you use should match your needs and fit you correctly. Therefore, before you begin to search for a cane, it’s essential to determine how much assistance you’ll need from it, and even whether you need a cane at all. If you do need a cane specifically for stability, you might want to choose a quad cane, whereas for general support a single point cane might be a better option.Generally, selecting the cane that best suits your needs is dependent on two factors:

  Type of Cane

There are many different types and styles of walking canes available on the market to help remedy your functional mobility problems. These include quad canes, forearm canes, and adjustable canes. The features to consider when choosing the right kind of cane

  Length of the Cane

To ensure safety and mobility, you want a cane that will let you walk freely without having to lean or bend your body. In effect – your cane’s length needs to be suitable for your height. While the perfect height will differ from person to person, the typical suggested length of a cane is about half the height of the user.

Here is how to properly fit your cane:

Wear regular walking shoes and stand upright.Relax your arms and bend your elbow at a comfortable angle of around 15-25 degrees. If you intend to use your cane primarily for balance, consider bending your elbow slightly more for extra stability.Measure the distance from your wrist joint to the ground. This distance should be around the length of your cane.Thankfully, most modern canes are adjustable and let you set the preferred length of the cane to meet your specific needs – but always check the product descriptions before assuming this!You should generally hold your cane on the opposite side of your injury, besides your “good” leg, so as to provide enough support to the injured leg. This will ensure you have adequate support and balance your “bad” leg when stepping forward.