Walking cane is a very helpful accessory that makes lives of many people easier and more comfortable. As for every thing it is important to use it in the right way. And that's why in this blog we want to share with you about proper use of canes for walking.

Canes are valuable assistive devices that can help you walk safely when you’re dealing with concerns such as pain, injury, or weakness. You may use a cane for an indefinite time or while you’re recovering from surgery or a stroke.

Either way, canes can make walking easier, safer, and more comfortable. They can also help you go about your daily activities efficiently. In fact, a cane may make it possible for you to live independently while remaining active and mobile.

Canes are beneficial for people who have walking abnormalities, a risk of falling, concerns with balance, pain, or weakness, especially to the hips, knees, or feet.

You will need to have your walking cane adjusted to the proper height so that your body is in a neutral position when grasping the handle. If it is too high or too low, your body will be placed in a tilted position, not only causing discomfort and rapid fatigue but increasing the risk of a fall.

To ensure your cane is at the right height, hang your arm down with your elbow straight. The crease of your wrist should fall at the level of the top of the cane. If it doesn't, adjust your cane up or down until it does.

Using a cane is a little more tricky than some people expected. Unlike using a cane for trekking, using a cane for mobility requires coordination to take as much pressure off the affected limb and/or ensure that you can recover if you are unsteady or suddenly begin to lose your balance.

• Hold the cane on the side of your body as your unaffected (stronger) leg.

• Position the cane slightly to your side and a few inches forward.

• Move the cane forward simultaneously with your affected (weaker) leg.

• Plant the cane firmly on the ground before stepping forward with the stronger leg.

• Repeat.

• It is important to take your time when first starting out. Rushing only causes you to lose coordination or make mistakes.

Stairs can be particularly tricky if you are new to using canes. Clearly, it is easier to navigate stairs if there is a handrail, but not all staircases have them. Proper technique and patients will help you get up and down stairs no matter the situation.

When walking upstairs with a cane:

• Start with your cane and both feet on the same step.

• Holding the cane firmly for balance, lift your strong leg to the next step.

• When your foot is firmly planted, follow with your weaker leg. Bring your weaker leg to the same step as your strong leg.
• When both feet are firmly planted, lift your cane back to your side.

• Repeat until you reach the top of the stairs.

When walking downstairs with a cane:

• Start with your cane and both feet on the same step.

• Holding the cane firmly for balance, lower your weaker leg to the next step.

• Bring your strong leg down to the same step as the weaker leg.

• When both feet are firmly planted, lower your cane back to your side.

• Repeat until you reach the bottom of the stairs.