Roll Mobility Blog
How to Use a Cane
A walking cane gives you back your independence.
If you have a weak leg or unsteady balance, using a walking cane can help restore your confidence and keep you mobile. A single-point or quad cane allows you to live more independently and lowers the chances of re-injury.
Cane Height
For proper posture and support, the cane needs to be a certain height. The top of the walking cane should reach the crease of your wrist when you are standing up straight. Your elbow should be slightly bent (about 30 degrees) when you hold the cane. You should be able to use the cane to support your weight without being forced to stoop.
Walking with a Cane
Hold the cane in the hand opposite your weak or injured leg. When you step forward with your weak leg, use the cane to support some of your weight. The cane and weak leg should strike the ground at the same time.
Sitting with a Cane
With the cane in your hand or leaning against the chair, grab the armrests and lower yourself slowly into the chair. Slide back until you are comfortably seated. To stand, scoot forward to the edge of the chair, grab both armrests with the cane in your strong hand, and push yourself up, letting most of your weight fall on your strong leg.
Using Stairs with a Cane
With the cane in the hand opposite your weak leg, grab the handrail with your free hand. Step up with your good leg first, followed by the weak leg and cane. To come back down the stairs, place the cane on the first step down, followed by your weak leg and finally your good leg. Most of your weight should be on your good leg. Do not use a quad cane on the stairs.
Climbing Stairs with a Walking Cane
Using a cane makes it easier to navigate stairs.
The basic rule for navigating stairs with a single-point cane is “up with the good; down with the bad.” Your strong leg should lead, and your weak leg should follow.
Using the Hand Rails
If there are hand rails, grab on to the hand rail with one hand and hold on to the cane with the hand on your strong side (opposite the injured or weak leg). If there is a hand rail on only one side of the stairs, grab the hand rail and hold the cane in the opposite hand.
To climb the stairs, follow these steps:
- Lift your strong leg up on the first step.
- Push down on the cane and move your weaker leg up on the same step as your strong leg.
- Then move the cane up to the first step.
- Repeat steps 1-3 until you reach the top of the stairs.
To go down the stairs, reverse the steps:
- First, move the cane down one step.
- Lean on the cane as you move your weaker leg down to the same step as the cane.
- Move your strong leg down one step.
- Repeat steps 1-3 until you reach the bottom of the stairs.
The same rules apply to stepping up or down a curb. Whenever possible, have an able-bodied person nearby when you navigate stairs or curbs with a cane. They can provide support as needed to prevent a fall or accident.
Prevent Falls for Seniors while Walking
A rollator can help prevent falls for seniors and rehabilitative patients.
Seniors commonly fall while doing everyday activities like walking to the bathroom or stepping up on a landing. Throw rugs, raised thresholds, and objects on the floor are just a few of the tripping hazards that seniors face. Thanks to mobility devices like rollators and canes, however, seniors can take back their independence and reduce the chances of a fall.
Canes and rollators provide walking support at home, at the mall, around the neighborhood, and almost anywhere your loved one needs to go. Single-point walking canes are best for users who need a slight balance check every once in awhile. For users who need more support, a quad cane is the next step up. With four points of contact with the ground, quad canes are more stable. A small base quad cane is small enough to use on stairs. A large base quad cane is too large for the average flight of stairs but provides more support for users who need it, especially for heavier users.
If a quad cane no longer provides enough support, consider a wrap-around frame. Walkers and rollators wrap around the body to provide support in front and on both sides. To move a walker, the user either slides the walker forward, lifts it and moves it forward, or lifts the back of the walker and rolls it forward on the two front wheels. Rollators are easier to move, but the user must be able to operate the hand brakes for control.
Deciding which type of mobility aid is right for your loved one is a choice that your doctor, health care provider, or physical therapist can help you make. Each individual’s needs and level of mobility is different, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on mobility equipment from your medical support team.
How to Use a Cane for Sitting and Standing
Canes provide support for standing and sitting as well as walking.
Besides helping you keep your balance as you walk, a cane can provide support for sitting down in a chair and getting back up again. Here is how to safely use your cane to help you sit or stand.
Sitting Down in a Chair:
- Using the cane for balance, back up in front of the chair until the back of your legs touch the chair seat.
- Reach back with one or both hands and grasp the arm rest(s) as you bend forward slightly. You can either hold the cane in one hand as you grab the arm rest or rest it against the chair before you sit down.
- Using the arm rest and cane for support, slowly lower yourself into the chair.
- Slide back in the chair until your pelvis touches the backrest.
Standing Up from a Chair:
- Scoot forward in the chair until you are sitting on the edge of the seat.
- To use your cane while standing up, grasp the cane in the hand opposite your affected leg.
- Grasp the arm rest with your other hand.
- Move your weak leg forward a few inches.
- Using both arm rests and the cane for support, bend your upper body forward slightly and slowly stand up.
- With your weak leg slightly in front, the weight of your body should transfer to the strong leg and cane as you stand.
- Wait a minute or two before walking to allow your body to adjust to standing up. The feeling of lightheadedness should pass quickly.
Quad Cane Basics
The four-point base on a quad cane provides added stability for walking.
If you need more support than a single-tip cane can provide, a quad cane may be the answer. A quad cane improves stability and balance because of the wider base and the use of three or four points of contact with the floor rather than just one.
Types of Quad Canes
Small base and large base quad canes are available. The small base is narrow and can be used for going up or down stairs. The large base is wider and provides more support, but the base is too large to be used on stairs.
Walking with a Quad Cane
When walking with a quad cane, it’s important to make sure that the flat side faces the user. If you look closer at a quad cane, you’ll notice that the shaft is off center where it connects to the base. The two legs on the opposite side of the shaft stick out further than the legs on the same side as the shaft. The flat side of the base (where the shaft is closer to the edge of the base) should face towards the user. This prevents the user from tripping over the legs of the cane.
To use the small base quad cane on stairs, turn the base sideways so that all four tips rest firmly on the step. Do not use a quad cane to navigate stairs unless there is enough room on the step for all four legs.
Most quad canes can be modified for right or left handed use. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, rotate the base 180 degrees so that the flat side faces the user.
Walking Cane FAQs
Cane with wrist strap
How do I find the right size cane?
Adjustable walking canes make it easy to find the right height for a cane without knowing the user’s cane size ahead of time. The height range of an adjustable cane is adequate for most users, except for those who are much taller or shorter than average.
To adjust the walking cane, have the user stand up straight with arms relaxed at his sides. The top of the cane should reach the user’s wrist. When the user’s hand is resting on top of the cane, his elbow should be bent at about a 30 degree angle.
How do I adjust the cane?
To adjust the walking cane to a different height, push in the release button and slide the cane up or down to the desired height. Make sure the release button pops all the way out of the new adjustment hole.
Should I get a quad cane or single point cane?
A quad cane is for individuals who need more support than a single-point cane. The larger the base, the more support that the quad cane will provide. A single-point cane is lighter, smaller, and easier to use.
How do I use the wrist strap?
The wrist strap slips over your arm to free both hands when you are not using the cane. Simply slip it over your wrist and slide the strap up your arm. The strap should never be used while you are using the cane to walk.
Why does the cane have a rubber tip?
The rubber tip provides traction to keep the cane from slipping during use. In time, the rubber tip may wear out and need to be replaced.
Tips for Choosing a Walking Cane
An adjustable walking cane provides support and balance.
A walking cane is the “entry level” walking aid for improving balance and providing support. Unlike a walker, a cane can take you almost anywhere. There is no need to worry about doorways being too narrow, folding walkers being too heavy to lift or move, or mobility aids that are too bulky and heavy to easily transport in your vehicle.
Choosing the Correct Height
The most important thing to remember when choosing a walking cane is to make sure the cane can be adjusted to the right height. If the cane is too short or tall, it will affect your posture. You will either lean over too far as you walk (which can cause you to lose your balance), or you will not be able to use the cane to properly bear weight. An ill-fitting cane can contribute to a fall.
Measuring for Cane Height
When you stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, your wrist should meet the top of the cane and your hand should hang just below it. When your hand is resting on top of the cane, your elbow should be bent at about a 30 degree angle.
Some walking canes are adjustable to accommodate a range of heights. This is the easiest way to make sure you get the right height for your cane. Make sure you are wearing the same type of shoes that you typically wear while walking. The thickness of the soles will affect how high you need to adjust the cane.
Custom Walking Canes
You can also order a custom walking cane cut to your specific height. Custom canes can be ordered in all styles and colors to reflect your personal style.
Choosing a Walking Cane
A single-point walking cane is lightweight and offers stability.
When your loved one needs a little extra support for walking, a cane is the first step in making sure they have the stability and balance they need. Using a cane as a walking aid can prevent falls and increase your loved one’s confidence and independence.
There are several different types of canes available, including single point, quad base, and offset canes. Knowing which types of cane is best for your loved one depends on how much support they need.
Types of Walking Canes
Single-point canes add one extra point of contact with the ground to help stabilize the user. They are lightweight and easy to use. The handle style can be derby, Fritz, round, T-handle, offset, palm grip, crook, or any number of options. Some handles offer more stability and ergonomic support than others. Ask your health care professional for a recommendation on which cane handle to choose for your loved one.
A quad base cane offers greater stability.
Quad canes are slightly heavier than single-point canes, but they offer greater support with four extra points of contact. They have a wide base with four legs. The larger the base, the more stable the cane is. Quad canes can stand on their own, so there’s no need to find a place to rest your cane. Just stand it upright.
Walking Cane Height
Most aluminum canes are height adjustable. Wood canes are generally not. If you choose a wood cane, measure the height needed before making your purchase. The top portion of the handle should touch the inside of the wrist when the arm is hanging down naturally at your side.
Weight Capacity
Make sure the walking cane can safely handle the weight of the user. Users over 250 pounds may need to purchase a bariatric or heavy duty walking cane for extra support.
Safety Tips for Using a Walking Cane
Walking canes are designed to increase stability and provide support for people recovering from injuries and for elderly patients. As with any mobility aid, however, a cane must be used properly in order to ensure the safety of the user. The following guidelines provide safety tips and warnings to prevent injury or damage while walking with a cane.
Make sure the walking cane is the right height for the user to ensure their safety.
- Choose a cane that is the right fit for the user, both in height, weight, design, and comfort. Adjust the cane to the proper height before use. The cane should be adjusted so that the top portion of the handle touches the inside of the wrist where it meets the palm.
- Do not use a large base quad cane to go up or down stairs. The base may be too large to fit on the step, resulting in unstable support.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable and the same height as the shoe style that you wear most often when using a cane.
- Before using the cane, make sure the snap button protrudes fully through the selected adjustment hole. This will ensure that the cane is securely locked in position. A loose adjustment snap button could result in a fall, causing bodily injury and/or damage to the cane.
- Inspect the rubber cane tip regularly for cracks, wear, and other damage. Replace the rubber tip immediately if you see any signs of damage. Make sure the replacement tip is the correct size and fits tightly.
- Replace any broken, damaged, or worn parts immediately to prevent a fall or injury.
- Do not rely on the cane to support your full body weight. Walking canes are designed to provide support, increased stability, and assistance and are not designed to support the total weight of an individual.
- Make sure the user falls within the weight capacity limits for using the cane. Bariatric canes are available for heavier users.
- Read all instructions and warnings included with your walking cane before use. Failure to understand all warnings, cautions and instructions may lead to injury. Contact a healthcare professional or customer service technical advisor before use if you have any concerns or questions about your cane.
Walking with a Cane
Used properly, a walking cane can help with balance or provide support after an injury or disability. The two basic types of canes are single tip canes and quad canes with a wide base and four tips. If you use the cane only for balance, a standard cane with a single tip is usually the best solution. If you lean on the cane for support, a heavier and more stable cane may be necessary to bear the extra weight. A quad cane can provide this extra support for weight bearing use.
Walking canes provide balance and help support your weight.
Walking with a Cane
- If you are using the cane only for balance, you may hold the cane in either hand, depending on which is most comfortable for you. If you are using the cane for bearing weight, hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side, opposite of the injury or affected limb.
- Move the cane forward at the same time as the opposite affected leg. The cane and injured leg should move forward and strike the ground at the same time.
- Lean your weight on the cane as needed, while moving your good leg forward.
Climbing Stairs
- When possible, hold on to the handrail for extra support while going up the stairs.
- To climb the stairs, step up on your good leg. The injured leg and cane should still be firmly planted on the floor.
- Step up with the injured leg onto the same step as your good leg, followed by the cane.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 to climb each stairstep.
Coming Down Stairs
- When possible, hold on to the handrail for extra support while going down the stairs.
- To come down the stairs, plant the cane firmly on the first step.
- Step down with your injured leg.
- Then step down with your good leg while leaning on the cane to help support your weight.
- Repeat steps 2-4 to descend the stairs.
Note: Do not use a wide base quad cane to negotiate stairs.
Our Badge
