Canes help people maintain proper balance and avoid putting pressure on painful areas so they can walk more easily. These pieces of medical equipment are most often used by individuals who are experiencing chronic pain, recovering from injuries, or having trouble staying stable while walking. Follow this guide to get the most out of your mobility aid.

How to Choose the Right Cane

Some canes have smooth tips, while others have four prongs. Most people find options with single tips easier to use, but those with foot prongs offer more support and are usually recommended for seniors at risk of falling.

To find the right product, test a few different varieties. If you feel any pain or numbness when gripping a cane, it isn’t a good fit. If you have arthritis, joint pain, or another condition that makes grasping difficult, choose one with a larger grip.

Ensure that your elbow bends at an angle of about 15 degrees (or a little more if you’re using it mainly for balance) when you hold the cane. When you have your arm straight by your side, the top of the rod must be in line with your wrist’s crease. If the product meets both of these height criteria, it’s probably a good fit. 

How to Use Your Cane

When using your cane, hold it in the hand opposite to the leg that feels the weakest. Ensure that the tip or prongs are on the ground, and always look forward while walking. Move the cane when you move your weaker leg, then keep it still as you shift your stronger leg forward. 

When turning or climbing a step, use your stronger leg first. When descending a step, place the cane beneath the step, move your weaker leg down while balancing with the cane, then move the stronger leg. When using stairs, hold onto a handrail and place your cane in the other hand.

If you’re searching for high-quality medical equipment, visit Bernens Medical & Pharmacy. Located in Cincinnati, OH, they’ve carried a range of ambulatory products for over 50 years. They’ll help you find the ideal cane so you can walk comfortably and confidently. Visit them online to learn more about their walking aids, or call (513) 471-7575 to ask about the medical equipment they have in stock.