In the US, 26% of adults live with some type of disability, and 13.7% have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
For some people, it’s only temporary after an injury. But for others, they may be living with long-term or permanent walking impairment.
Regardless of which category you fall in, you might need some help getting around. And the perfect tool for the job is a walking cane!
Read on for a short guide on how to use a walking cane so moving around is a cinch.
Choose the Right Walking Cane
Walking canes are made at different heights, so you need to pick one that’ll fit you.
When browsing walking canes for women or men, choose one where the handle reaches the outside of your wrist bone when you’re standing. That way, it’ll reduce the pressure on your arms and wrists, as well as your shoulders.
There are also different types of walking canes to consider: C, functional grip, and quad canes. C canes are ideal for those who need minimal assistance, while functional grip and quad canes are great for those who need more balance assistance.
There’s also the hemiwalker, which is a combination of a quad cane and a walker. It’s great for transitioning from a walker to a cane.
Use Your Walking Cane on the Correct Side
You might think you should use the walking cane on your dominant side, but that’s wrong in some cases. You should use it on your healthy leg if you’re only impaired/injured on one side.
Be Mindful of Your Posture
It’s easy to lean forward and hunch over when using a walking cane. But this can lead to more pain and injuries.
While walking, you should keep your back as straight as possible. You might have to shorten the distance whenever you put your walking cane down. Making sure the cane and the opposite foot hit the ground simultaneously can help too.
Practice Before Leaving the House
Using a walking cane might seem simple, but it’s actually harder than you think. It can take some getting used to, even if you pick the best walking cane.
Make sure you practice at home before going out and running errands, as you’ll feel more comfortable and confident. Take it slow and if possible, try navigating stairs too. You never know if you’ll run into this obstacle while you’re out.
Learn How to Use a Walking Cane Smoothly
Now that you know how to use a walking cane, it’s time to put everything into practice. Just remember to take it slow and if you’re uncomfortable or in pain, take a break. Never rush, as you might overstep and trip.
Once you’ve mastered walking with a walking cane, you’ll be able to tackle your normal schedule and maintain your quality of life!
Did you find this guide on using a walking cane useful? Then keep reading our blog page for more informative posts!
