How to Walk With a Cane: Post-Op and With Pain
Medically reviewed by Amy Kwan, PTMedically reviewed by Amy Kwan, PTA cane is an assistive device that can help you walk after injury or surgery. Many people living with chronic pain or balance issues use them. There are a few types of canes, and the ideal one for you depends on your needs. When walking with a cane, hold it on the side opposite your injury or pain and move it with the injured leg when you step.
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
Before You Use a CaneIf you've had surgery or have a serious injury, check with your surgeon or physical therapist before you use a cane. Often, you'll need to limit the amount of weight you put on your leg while it is healing, and a cane does not provide enough support in those situations.
Cane Walking After Surgery or InjuryA cane can help reduce pressure on your leg or back after surgery or injury. Healthcare providers may recommend a cane as a "step-down" device after you have used a walker or crutches because they offer less support than the latter but more than nothing at all.Before walking with your cane, ensure it's at the proper height. Hold the cane's handle at the level of the bend in your wrist when standing with your elbow slightly bent.When using a cane, hold it in the hand on the opposite side of your injury. If you have issues in both legs or are using a cane after back surgery, keep the cane in the hand that feels the most supportive.How to Take Practice StepsTo practice taking steps with your cane, do the following:Reach forward and place the bottom of the cane firmly on the ground.Take a small step forward with your injured leg.Step your other foot forward to meet the injured leg.Continue this three-step process until you can take multiple steps in a row with good balance.Next, try a "step-to" walking pattern:Step forward with your cane and injured leg at the same time.With the cane planted firmly on the ground, step your good leg up to meet your injured leg. Your feet should be side by side.How to Walk NormallyOnce you're comfortable taking practice steps, you can start walking normally with your cane. To do this, advance the cane and your injured leg simultaneously; the cane should be lifted off the ground when your injured leg is in the air. Firmly plant the cane on the ground when you step onto your injured leg.To walk normally, step forward with the cane and your injured leg first, then step past your injured leg with your uninjured leg.Using a Cane on the StairsWhen walking up and down stairs with a cane, it's important to use proper technique to avoid losing balance. When using a cane on the stairs, remember the phrase "Up with the good; down with the bad" to help remind you which leg to step with first.Walking up the stairs:Step up with your good leg.Bring your injured leg and cane up to the step.Walking down the stairs:Step down with the injured leg while lowering the cane to the step below. Make sure the cane is firmly planted on the stairs.Bring your good leg down to the same step.If there's a handrail available, use it. Doing so might require you to move the cane to your other hand, even if it's on the same side as your injured leg, but it will improve your stability and reduce the risk of falling.Once you're proficient with this walking pattern on the stairs, you might be able to progress to alternating placing one foot on each step. Place the cane near your injured leg.
Related: How to Safely Walk With a Cane
How to Walk With Chronic Pain and a CaneWalking with a cane when you have chronic pain is similar to using it with an injury. The location of your pain will dictate in which hand you hold the cane. If you have pain on the right side of your body, keep the cane on the left side (or vice versa).If your chronic pain is not in your legs (for example, you have back pain that makes it difficult to walk), you can hold the cane on either side of your body. If you have weakness on one side of your body or decreased sensation (numbness) in one of your legs or feet, hold the cane in the hand on the opposite side of the pain, weakness, or numbness.Walking with a cane can also be beneficial for people with other medical conditions, even if they are not painful. Using an assistive device is also a good idea if you have issues with your balance.
Related: The 5 Best Walking Canes for Stability and Mobility
Types of Canes and RecommendationsThere are two primary types of canes, which are characterized by their points, as follows, with the right one for you depending on your reason for needing it:Single-point canes: Single-point canes have one tip at the end. Single-point canes are a good choice for people who need to relieve a little bit of pressure off an injured leg or need a small amount of support due to occasional difficulties with balance.Quad canes: Quad canes have four tips (sometimes called feet) to provide a wider support base. They provide more support and are a better choice for people with significant weakness in one leg or difficulty maintaining their balance while walking.The traditional cane is shaped like a candy cane and has a rounded "C" handle. Other types of canes have contoured handles for a more secure grip. If you are unsure which type of cane is best for you, consult a healthcare provider, such as a physical therapist.Losing Balance on a CaneOne potential risk of using a cane is losing your balance. If you can't maintain your balance with a cane, you might need to consider a different walking device, such as a walker or crutches.To reduce your risk of falls with a cane, consider these tips:Arrange your furniture to allow for wide walking paths throughout your home.Carry objects in a backpack or fanny pack rather than holding them in your hands.Remove throw rugs or objects that you might trip over.Turn on the lights so you can see where you are walkingWear shoes with nonskid soles.SummaryA cane can help you be more independent after an injury or surgery. When learning to walk with a cane, hold it in the hand opposite your injured leg. Take practice steps until you feel confident. Choose the correct type of cane for your needs and one that is appropriately sized for you. If you need help with this decision or learning to walk with a cane, consult a physical therapist. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings