Using a Cane

Walking

1.

• Put all your weight on your stronger leg.

• Find your balance.

• Move the cane and your weaker leg forward.

• Place your cane firmly on the ground before you take a step.

• Do not place your cane too far ahead of you or it could slip forward.

2.

• Support your weight on both the cane and the affected leg.

• Then step through with your stronger leg.

• Put your weight on the affected leg and the cane, and start the next step.

• When using a quad cane, place the cane so that all of the tips touch the ground.

Up stairs and curbs

• If there is a railing, hold on to it with your free hand.

• Step up with your stronger leg first.

• Then move the cane and weaker leg together as a unit.

• When you reach the top, stop for a moment to regain your balance and strength before moving on.

Down stairs and curbs

• To walk down, step down with your weaker leg and the cane first.

• Then follow with your stronger leg.

  

Safety tips

• Always look out for wet and slippery surfaces. Water, ice, and snow make walking surfaces wet.

• Make sure your surroundings are free of clutter.

• • Remove slippery rugs.

  • Secure cords and rug corners to the floor.

  • Arrange your furniture so that you have clear, wide pathways between rooms.

  • Keep stairs clear of packages, boxes, or clutter. If needed, add non-slip treads to stairs to prevent slipping.

• Wear supportive shoes that have nonslip rubber soles. Don't wear shoes with heels or leather soles.

• Regularly check the condition of your cane's rubber tip. Replace the tip right away if it is worn down.

• Use a small backpack, fanny pack, or shoulder bag to hold items that you need with you (such as your phone). This will keep your hands free while you are walking.