A cane is a walking aid that offers an extra point of balance and stability when you walk. There are many possible reasons why you might need to learn how to use a cane to support you. It's important to use a cane correctly to get the most benefit from it and to prevent falls and injuries.
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A cane is a walking stick with a handle. It can help provide stability and balance while you walk. If you’re new to walking with a cane, it’s important to learn how to use a cane correctly for safety and support.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
You might want to use a cane temporarily if you’re recovering from an injury, surgery or illness that weakened you. Or you might want to use a cane regularly if you’re just a little unsteady on your feet.
Before you learn how to walk with a cane, it’s important to make sure you have the right type and fit. A healthcare provider can recommend the right type of cane for your needs and help you with the fitting.
Some canes have special or custom features, like:
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A well-fitted cane is the right height for your walking posture and has a handle that suits your grip. A knowledgeable provider can help you determine the height and handle type that will work best for you.
Once you know what you need, you can shop accordingly. Many canes are height-adjustable, while others come in custom sizes. Canes come with certain handles, but sometimes you can swap them out.
To fit your cane to your height, stand up as straight as you comfortably can with your shoulders relaxed and your hands down at your sides. The handle of your cane should line up with the crease of your wrist.
Ask someone to measure the distance from your wrist to the floor. (It’s usually about half of your height with shoes on.) Now, put your hand on the grip. Your elbow should be slightly bent (about 20 degrees).
Picking a handle is mostly a matter of what feels most comfortable to you. This may take some trial and error to work out. If you have joint pain in your hand or wrist, you might need a certain type.
Some options include:
Once you have your cane picked out and fitted, you’re ready to learn how to walk with a cane. But before you start walking, you might have a few questions about how to hold and use a cane correctly.
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If you have an injured or weaker side, hold your cane on the opposite (stronger) side. If you don’t have a weaker side, consider holding your cane in your non-dominant hand to keep your dominant hand free.
Hold your cane at your side, not in front of you. It should hang about 4 to 6 inches out from your leg. With your elbow bent at a slight angle, your hand should grasp the handle like a handlebar, palm down.
Keep your cane lined up with your opposite foot for balance. You don’t need to lean on it all the time, just when you’re wavering. When that happens, you need to know it’s in the right place to support you.
Start with the leg opposite your cane. If you have a weaker or injured leg, this will be the leg opposite your cane. You’ll move this leg forward simultaneously with your cane in your opposite hand.
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If you need to walk on stairs with your cane, the rule of thumb is to lead with your stronger leg when going up and lead with your weaker leg when going down. You may use the railing opposite your cane.
Start with your stronger leg, which will bear your weight up the step. Then bring your cane and other leg up to meet it. Push down on your cane to bear your weight as you step up with your strong leg again.
Step your cane down on the step first, then bring down your opposite leg, using the cane for support. With your weight on your cane, bring your other leg down and shift your weight to this (stronger) leg.
A cane provides walking support for mild to moderate instability or discomfort. Since a cane is a one-sided walking aid, it provides less support than crutches or a walker. But it might be just right for you.
If you have some risk of falling due to weakness, balance or sensory deficits, a cane can offer the extra security you need to venture out on your own. It may even improve your independence and fitness.
You might benefit from using a cane if you:
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A cane might not be the best walking aid for you if you need to put a lot of weight on it. Since it’s on one side, a cane can only safely support up to 25% of your body weight, while a walker might support half.
You’ll also need some upper body strength and an upright posture to use a cane properly. If you have trouble bearing your weight through one arm or walking upright, a cane might not work so well for you.
To reduce your risk of falling:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Using a cane can help you walk more safely and comfortably — but only if you have the right fit and technique. A poor fit or poor technique can cause new stress and strain and raise your risk of falling.
While everyone has seen a cane, not all of us have had the chance to practice using one. Don’t look to actors to show you how to use a cane correctly. Instead, consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Last reviewed on 04/19/2024.
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