As a seasoned physiotherapist, I’ve witnessed numerous clients struggle with the proper use of canes, turning a helpful device into a source of complaint. One common oversight is not getting an assessment of your walking ability before selecting a gait aid.
Whether it is for a temporary situation, like an injury or post-surgery recovery, or a long-term need, especially among seniors looking to get around more safely, the right tools are vital. Many patients come to me currently using a cane that hinders rather than helps, often due to improper height adjustments. Too tall or too short, it can disrupt your natural walk and cause further discomfort.
Additionally, I’ve seen many equate strength with firmness in grip; however, overtripping can lead to fatigue, reducing the cane’s efficacy as a support system.
The goal is always to help my clients become as self-sufficient as possible while improving their confidence and capability in walking. Therefore, matching a person with the correct type of aid, be it crutches, a walker, or canes, is as important as teaching them how to use it.
I would estimate that at least 50% of the time, a client who uses a cane is making one of the following 9 mistakes:
1.Beauty over Function
In my career as a physiotherapist, I have come across quite a few clients who opt for beautifully crafted canes that are more akin to decorative pieces or family heirlooms. While they may be hand-carved and serve as wonderful travel souvenirs or showcase artistic talents, they are often unsuitable as functional gait aids.
I recall feeling sad for a client who proudly used a cane handed down through generations, only to find it contributed to their difficulty in walking. When deciding on a cane, it is not just the handles that are subject to personal choice. A cane handle that looks appealing but doesn’t distribute weight evenly can result in nerve compression in the wrist or palm, and may not provide a stable enough grip.
As tempting as it may be to choose a cane for its looks, such as those made of ornate wood or with a fixed height, the wrong height can cause more harm than benefit.
Consequently, I often suggest soft grip or molded handles, especially for those with arthritic hands – a larger grip can be very helpful. “Offset” handles, which may not always be the most personal preference, can offer better weight distribution. While round handles may seem unsightly to some, they can be a more prudent choice over those that merely complement the colours and patterns of an outfit.
2.Worn Out Cane Tip
As we journey through the topic of common cane mistakes to avoid, another critical area to address is the condition of the cane’s rubber tip. This humble but crucial component is often overlooked, yet without proper wear assessment, it can become a detriment to stability and safety.
Through my experience, I’ve seen patients disregard the visible wearing of the cane tip only to encounter slips on slippery, wet surfaces, or worse, icy surfaces. Ensuring the rubber tip is replaced when necessary is vital for maintaining the correct angle of the cane and promoting full contact with the ground.
Regular checks for wear and prompt replacement can significantly enhance your cane’s grip and support, thus preventing potential accidents and enhancing mobility confidence.
3.Using the Cane on the Wrong Side
A common mistake I often encounter in my practice involves patients using their cane on the same side as their injury, which is contrary to the proper technique and can lead to more pain. Just the other day, I was watching a video where fellow physiotherapists would cringe at the sight of the popular TV character, “House”, improperly wielding his cane on the wrong side.
This misstep resonates with what I frequently correct in my office – the cane must be used on the OPPOSITE side of the injury to effectively unload weight from the painful area.
For instance, if the pain or weakness is in your left leg, hip, knee, ankle, or foot, the cane should be held in your right hand.
This approach promotes a more natural gait pattern and prevents the hobble you might otherwise experience.
4.Wrong Height
In my practice, I always emphasize the critical nature of fitting cane height perfectly for my clients. A scenario too common in my office is when individuals come in using a cane that wasn’t cut to their specific needs. They’ve often chosen wooden canes for their visual appeal, but these are frequently not adjustable. Ensuring a cane is the right height is pivotal, and it can make all the difference in whether the cane offers support or becomes an obstacle. I’ve advised numerous times that when you stand tall, the top of the cane should be level with the crease in your wrist standing in front of a full length mirror can aid in this fitting.
When you hold the cane handle, your arm should have that essential slight bend, ideally at about a 15 degree angle, which allows for leverage while your arm remains mostly relaxed.
Moreover, it’s not just about the cane being too tall; a cane that’s too short is equally detrimental. It urges you to stoop down, which can throw off your gait and detract from the cane’s efficacy. And let’s not forget the importance of holding cane on the correct side; it should always accompany the side opposite to the injury.
When you walk, the cane and tip must be touching ground slightly in front of your toe to ensure the support transfers effectively through your hips—the cane becomes an extension of your body, providing stability with every step.
I teach my clients that while holding cane, the bend in your elbow is subtle, because what we aim for is a relaxed hand and side, promoting the sense of security and balance required for confident walks.
5.Walking Rhythm
In my years of helping clients achieve walking independence, I’ve observed the problem of incorrect walking rhythm quite frequently. It’s crucial to understand that the cane should support in conjunction with the opposite leg. When the weaker leg is moving forward, the cane should be too; this distributes the weight effectively, carrying some of the load to help prevent falls. Unfortunately, some clients initially step using their stronger leg, while the cane follows—a sequence that defeats the purpose of the aid. By making a conscious effort to support the weaker side as you step, you’re using your cane correctly, and this can dramatically improve your mobility and stability.
6.Using the Cane with Stairs
When facing the stairs, whether climbing or descending, the approach must differ from regular walking. Often overlooked, the stairs can be dangerous if not navigated with the correct rhythm. As a cane user myself, I have found that the cane should be treating the staircase as its stage.
When going up, your strong foot should lead, and as you bring your legs up, the cane goes with the weaker leg to provide necessary support. Similarly, when you descend, the cane and your weak foot lead, while your strong foot follows to carry the weight and give your body the control it needs. This method ensures that you’re always supporting the weaker leg with the cane, maintaining balance and safety on stairs, a fundamental but critical adaptation of cane use that I emphasize to my patients.
7.Take It Slow
Instructing my clients on the use of a cane, I often emphasize one common mistake to avoid: the tendency of rushing through the process of walking. The key to utilizing a cane effectively is to understand that its usefulness extends beyond mere physical support—it’s about controlling your speed of movement. Walking too fast before you’re comfortable can compromise properly maintaining balance, and this can lead to potential accidents.
As a physiotherapist and a cane user myself, I stress the importance of being careful to enable the cane to guide you rather than you trying to adjust to its rhythm. Common mistakes can be avoided with a little patience and allowing yourself an easier time to get accustomed to the moving with a cane. Remember, your security is paramount, and by avoiding the initial impulse to hasten, you not only prevent potential mishaps but also embrace a more steady and confident stride.
8.Improper Posture
As a seasoned physiotherapist and daily cane user, I’ve witnessed firsthand the repercussions of Improper Posture. Many fail to realize that the way to stand up straight with shoulders back and chin level is not just for aesthetics—it’s integral to cane usage. When clients neglect to keep their feet apart at a natural width, they jeopardize what I call good posture, which is the cornerstone of efficient cane support.
This seemingly minor adjustment has profound effects, helping to reduce fatigue and making the walk easier, as the body’s weight is distributed more evenly. Ensuring that your cane is a tool to aid mobility rather than a crutch comes down to getting the basics right—and that means respecting the unforgiving laws of biomechanics for a more secure and sustained gait.
9.The Step wise Cane
Selecting the right cane is a balance between finding one that’s lightweight, yet sturdy enough to support you. With my experience, both personal and professional, I have come to value the easy mobility a lighter cane affords. Some individuals gravitate towards heavier canes, believing they offer more stability,
but they also cause more fatigue and potentially joint pain over prolonged periods of time. In my own journey, I’ve found “The Stepwise Cane” at just 12 oz to be perfect for easily getting around. Its heft is minimal, and yet, its design doesn’t compromise on the strength needed for everyday use, embodying an ideal blend of both worlds.
conclusions
In summary, the proficient use of a cane is a culmination of correct side placement, proper walking rhythm, careful navigating of stairs, controlled pace, and maintaining proper posture. Each detail, from the cane’s weight to its handling, coalesces into a symphony of motions that enhances mobility and stability.
The Stepwise Cane, embodying these principles in its lightweight yet sturdy design, proves to be a valuable tool for those needing support. Remember—patience and practice in alignment with these techniques guarantee an improved quality of life.