Questions about using a cane?

Hi, all--

I've started using a cane and know that I will be using it more frequently this summer when I'm out at museums and parks, etc., with my children. I'm wondering how best to use it. I've got information on what height the cane should be. But what about which side to use it on? I've got problems--weakness--in both of my legs, but I'd say that my right is the worse of the two. And my right arm is weak relative to my left. I've read that you're supposed to use it on the side opposite your weak side, but it feels more "right" to me to use it on my right side, kind of balancing out that weaker side of me. Also, there is no question that when I use it, I keep my body in better alignment when I walk, which really cuts down on pain afterwards. Without it, I'm kind of torquing and contorting in weird ways to keep moving forward; the cane helps me cut down on that.

Anyway...any advice on walking with a cane would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Bio

[Lulu54]

All PT folks will tell you the same thing - the cane should be on your strong side, opposite your weak side.  I'm glad to hear the cane is helping you - I carry one in my car trunk but haven't had to pull it out in a while.

be well,
Lulu

[missy142]

Hi,
Had to think back to nursing school however i believe the rule of thumb with a cane is; The cane is held on the strong side.  To walk move the cane  forward first, then move the weak leg forward, then the strong leg.

I had to use a cane for a couple of weeks last month due to bad spine problems and I know it feels more comfortable for me on the weaker side.  But im not sure if thats just because the weaker side is my right side and I am right handed, so it felt more comfortable to hold it in my right hand:)

hope that helps a little

missy.

[shoshin]

When I went to physical therapy, the PT told me that there didn't seem to be too much difference between my legs so I could use the cane on either side. I tend to use it on the right because my right hand is stronger. I don't use it that much though, I think mostly out of stupid stubbornness. My husband thinks I should just get over that.

You might consider a session or two of PT. If you get a good physical therapist, they could probably help you maximize your use of the cane for your specific situation.

sho

[saveone]

My left side is weaker according to my assessments but it is my right knee that buckles.  So I asked the physical therapist the same question.

He said to use it on the side that gave me the best support, that for me there was no right answer.

I agree with Sho about considering some PT.  I have been taking PT for about four months, 3 times a week.  On the days I did not go I did my exercises at home.  

When I started PT I was using a cane.  Yesterday I was discharged and now I can now walk on a treadmill.

I have to say though that I believe the progress is because of the PT and the steroids I am taking.  But even without the steroids I had still made amazing progress.

terry

[missy142]

Bio,

I personally dont think it matters myself that much however the answer I gave you was from a medical nursing textbook of mine, specifically discussing the proper way of using canes and other assistive devices.  Like I said, I used mine on the side that I felt was most comfortable, however I cant vouch for the fact that is the most therapeutic way, but is was most comfortable for me.  Everyone knows there are textbook ways of doing things and there is real life, so explore which is best for you.

missy

[Weakandfalling]

Welcome to the cane club!  I wouldn't do without mine (except for when I'm using my rolator).

I am not a physical therapist.  I, too, have heard the cane should be used opposite the weak side.  However, that never made sense to me because it seems to me that you need support more on your weak side than on your strong side where you already have support with the stronger leg.  

Like you, both of my legs are weak, but it seems a little worse on my right side.  Also my right arm is weaker than my left.  I am right-handed.  I have tried using the cane on my left side and it just didn't feel right.  Consequently, I have been using the cane on my weak side, my right side, and I do just fine, thank you.  It helps buttress the weaker right leg.  I dread the day, if it comes, when I will no longer be able to effectively use my right arm.

After repeatedly falling without warning, culminating in a trip to the ER, after hitting my face on pavement, breaking my glasses, and having to have stitches to my face, I decided I would do whatever it took to avoid any more trips to the ER, any more horrible falls like I had experienced.  So far so good.  Using the cane on my weak side has done the trick for me.  No more bad falls - just rare, occasional falls indoors where I don't use the cane.  I use it on the side that feels more "right" to me, the side that gives me the most support - my weaker side, my right side.

Also, you might want to try the "7" shaped cane handle as well as the standard curved cane handle.  I don't do nearly as well with the curved handle as I do with my "7" shaped handle.  Everyone has their own opinion about this.

I used to dread using a cane, but now I love it because it protects me, enables me to do more, gives me added assurance, and keeps me away from the ER!!

WAF

[Eyesnlegs]

My PT explained that the cane should be on the strong side as it should walk with your weak side and the strong follow through hence:

Cane and weak leg forward then strong leg follows.

If you use it on the weak side it tends to means you are less balanced as you walk.

I checked this out with a chiropractor who told me the same as I had been using mine on my weak side. He altered the height (I always have it too high) and put it on my strong side. It only works well this way if you swing your weak leg forward with the cane on the opposite side - this takes practice.

[PastorDan]

My father-in-law was told the same as PatHC, but I don't know who told him that.

My cane has a T handle, or maybe it's more of an L.  The 7 and the J never felt quite right to me; I think the T is more controllable, thus more stable.  And I use it with my left hand.  I have no leg weakness, only a painful right knee, but I tend to fall more to the left with my balance problems.  Also, being right handed, putting the cane in the left leaves the strong hand free for those things requiring greater dexterity, such as fumbling in my pants pocket for my keys, selecting the right one from the key ring, and opening the front door as I come home with at least the day's mail in my hand.

[toadaleh]

I've been using a cane for about a year, and I've just started using an elbow crutch.  I'm finding the crutch better for stability, although it's taking a bit of getting used to.  Being on the short side, a cane or crutch is really handy for getting hard to reach things in the supermarket.  Oh, and my students are struck dumb by it, they either stare at it (like it's going to sprout legs and run around the lecture theatre), or they studious avoid looking at it.  Only a couple of students have asked my why I use it, and when I tell them they look mortified, so I just have to laugh and tell them that although I'm in limboland, I'm pretty sure it's not catching.
About 6 months ago, a student came to see me after a lecture (I thought they wanted me to clarify something from the lecture) and said 'how do you make using a walking stick look so cool?'.  I was really touched that she thought I made it look good, as like most of us, I felt a bit weird when I first started using one.  It turned out that she has CFS and has been advised to use a cane, but she was a bit shy about doing so, so I told her that as long as she acts like it's ok, everyone else will.  I'm delighted to say, that she has started to use her cane with pride now!

[saveone]

Hey, House uses his on his weak side :0)

[missy142]

I saw the episode where "Cuddy" grabs his cane and yells at him to put it on the other side:) hee hee

[rendean]

PT discussed with me the use of  a cane today. She said the usual standard  was that described by Missy-hold cane on strong side, etc. However, she told me that is for ortho patients . For neuro patients you follow your instincts and use it on the side that gives you best feeling of balance and control.

Hope that helps,
Ren

[ShockedToday]

Thanks for this topic, as I am about to buy my first cane.  I've heard a few people mention some online sites to buy them, but then I've also heard that you need to have one fitted for you.  Do the online sites do that or should I try to find a local place.  I'm not old, so I definitely want a nice looking one.  Also, I've noticed at church that the older people that use them are always dropping them onto the floor.  Should I look for one with a wider base to keep that from happening?

TIA

ST

[biowham]

This is has been an incredibly informative set of responses. Thanks so much, everyone. I've actually been referred now to a PT, so I'll also see what they say. I waddled out with it the other day on my strong side, and I have to say--I think that DID help more.

Shocked--I've read that if balance is your thing, the ones that have the four-point base might be better than the simple walking stick.

Bio