Sometimes there is a need for amputees to have more support and mobility. And in this blog we want to share with you about walking canes for amputees.

Amputees are often more aware of the complexities involved with mobility than the general population. Along with the aid to mobility artificial limbs provide, sometimes more assistance is required to ensure stability is also achieved. For example, in certain circumstances, such as on an icy sidewalk, leg amputees are less stable. Amputees need to take extra care to ensure they do not fall and injure their sound leg and perhaps weaken it; it already takes extra strain by compensating for the amputation. There are many aids available to help amputees safely maintain mobility.

Learning to walk with your prosthesis takes practice. To prevent falls, you may need a cane for balance and support. Work with your physical therapist and prosthetist (an expert who makes and fits your prosthesis). They’ll teach you how to use the cane properly. They will also help select which cane is best for you. There are several types of canes available; standard, offset, and quadripod. Follow all instructions from the physical therapist and prosthetist closely.

Canes can provide extra stability and may be all that is necessary to give leg amputees added security. Canes come in many different varieties; there is even a cane with a retractable spike to aid with walking in the winter. Crutches may be needed if you have to be without your artificial limb, perhaps when it is being repaired. Standard canes or crutches may be adequate for your needs or you may consider something a little more specialized. For instance, if you travel, telescoping canes or folding crutches may be useful.  Walking with a cane

Hold the cane on the side of your intact limb, unless told otherwise by your healthcare team. Put your weight on your intact limb and find your balance. Move the cane and the prosthetic limb forward at the same time. Support your weight on both the cane and your prosthesis. Step through with your intact limb. Put your weight on your intact limb and take the next step, using the cane and your prosthesis. Using steps If there's a railing, hold on to it with your free hand. Step up with your intact limb first. Then move the cane and prosthetic limb together to the same step as your intact limb. To walk down steps, hold the railing with your free hand. Step down with your prosthetic limb and the cane first. Then follow with your intact limb to the same step. Using a Cane with Your Prosthesis Learning to walk with your prosthesis takes practice. To prevent falls, you may need a cane for balance and support. Work with your physical therapist (PT) and prosthetist (an expert who makes and fits your prosthesis). They’ll teach you how to use the cane correctly. They'll also help select which cane is best for you. There are several types of canes available: standard, offset, and quadripod. Follow all instructions from the PT and prosthetist closely.

1. If there's a railing, hold on to it with your free hand.

2. Step up with your intact limb first.

3. Then move the cane and prosthetic limb together to the same step as your intact limb.

4. To walk down steps, hold the railing with your free hand.

5. Step down with your prosthetic limb and the cane first.

6. Then follow with your intact limb to the same step.

7. Note: Consult with your PT and prosthetist to learn how to handle steps without railings.

8. Man with prosthetic leg walking upstairs with cane.

9. When climbing stairs, always step up first with your intact leg.

1. Making a few changes at home can reduce hazards and help prevent falls.

2. Ask a family member or friend to make these changes before you go home:

3. Remove objects that could cause you to trip, such as area rugs, thresholds, or loose cords.

4. Store supplies between waist and shoulder level. This will help you maintain balance as you reach for things.

5. Make sure all rooms are well lit.

6. Move all electrical cords out of the way or tape them securely to the floor.

7. Pick up clutter. Keep floors clear at all times.

8. Reduce stair use by making the most of each trip. Do more than 1 task per trip.