Difference between revisions of "Hold and Use a Cane Correctly"
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Whether you're recovering from an injury or just nursing a painful leg, a cane can help you maintain mobility. To hold and use a cane correctly, you'll need to select the right cane type and length for your needs, then hold the cane on the side of your good leg and move the cane forward as you move your bad leg forward. It might feel a little awkward at first, but with practice, you should find this to be a useful walking aid. | Whether you're recovering from an injury or just nursing a painful leg, a cane can help you maintain mobility. To hold and use a cane correctly, you'll need to select the right cane type and length for your needs, then hold the cane on the side of your good leg and move the cane forward as you move your bad leg forward. It might feel a little awkward at first, but with practice, you should find this to be a useful walking aid. | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*Cane length is usually about one half the cane user's height, in inches, wearing shoes. Use this as a rule of thumb. | #*Cane length is usually about one half the cane user's height, in inches, wearing shoes. Use this as a rule of thumb. | ||
#*If your cane is too small, you'll need to bend over in order to reach it. If your cane is too big, you'll need to lean over onto your injured side in order to use it. Neither option is ideal. A perfectly fitted cane will keep you upright while providing support. | #*If your cane is too small, you'll need to bend over in order to reach it. If your cane is too big, you'll need to lean over onto your injured side in order to use it. Neither option is ideal. A perfectly fitted cane will keep you upright while providing support. | ||
| − | #Hold the cane using the hand that's on the same side as your ''good'' leg. It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/abby-sims/using-a-cane_b_885446.html</ref><ref>http://www.footeducation.com/canes</ref> If your left leg is hurt, you should be holding the cane in your right hand. If your right leg is hurt, hold the cane in your left hand. | + | #Hold the cane using the hand that's on the same side as your ''good'' leg. It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true.<ref name="rf16652">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/abby-sims/using-a-cane_b_885446.html</ref><ref name="rf16653">http://www.footeducation.com/canes</ref> If your left leg is hurt, you should be holding the cane in your right hand. If your right leg is hurt, hold the cane in your left hand. |
#*Why is this? When humans walk, we stride with our feet and swing our hands at the same time. But when we stride with our left foot, we swing with our right hand; when we stride with our right foot, we swing with our left hand. Handling a cane in the hand ''opposite'' our injury replicates this natural arm movement, giving your hand an opportunity to absorb some of your weight while you walk. | #*Why is this? When humans walk, we stride with our feet and swing our hands at the same time. But when we stride with our left foot, we swing with our right hand; when we stride with our right foot, we swing with our left hand. Handling a cane in the hand ''opposite'' our injury replicates this natural arm movement, giving your hand an opportunity to absorb some of your weight while you walk. | ||
#*If you're using a cane for better balance, consider putting it in your non-dominant hand so that you can continue to use your dominant hand for everyday tasks. | #*If you're using a cane for better balance, consider putting it in your non-dominant hand so that you can continue to use your dominant hand for everyday tasks. | ||
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=== Holding and Using Crutches === | === Holding and Using Crutches === | ||
| − | #Assess how much help you need. If you cannot put any weight on an injury, such as if you're recovering from knee or foot surgery, then you'll need one or two crutches (preferably two for improved balance).<ref>http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00181</ref> They'll sustain weight better than canes will, and allow you to get around with only one leg. | + | #Assess how much help you need. If you cannot put any weight on an injury, such as if you're recovering from knee or foot surgery, then you'll need one or two crutches (preferably two for improved balance).<ref name="rf16654">http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00181</ref> They'll sustain weight better than canes will, and allow you to get around with only one leg. |
#Get the height right. Most crutches are forearm or underarm crutches. After you've been told by a doctor to use one or the other, the only thing you need to worry about is the fit. For underarm crutches, the top should be an inch or a little more below your armpit and the grips should be even with your hips. | #Get the height right. Most crutches are forearm or underarm crutches. After you've been told by a doctor to use one or the other, the only thing you need to worry about is the fit. For underarm crutches, the top should be an inch or a little more below your armpit and the grips should be even with your hips. | ||
#Start walking. Place both crutches on the ground about a foot in front of you, and lean forward slightly. Move as if you're going to step with your injured side, then shift the weight to the crutches and swing forward between them. Come down on your uninjured leg while holding your injured leg elevated so that no pressure is placed on it. | #Start walking. Place both crutches on the ground about a foot in front of you, and lean forward slightly. Move as if you're going to step with your injured side, then shift the weight to the crutches and swing forward between them. Come down on your uninjured leg while holding your injured leg elevated so that no pressure is placed on it. | ||
