Learn how to properly use a cane to stand up and walk, sit down onto a chair and go up and down stairs.
Use your cane in the hand OPPOSITE your injured leg.
To stand up and walk:
To sit down onto a chair:
Back up until you feel the chair against your legs. Instructions based on type of cane are:
To go up the stairs:
Push down on the cane. Step up with your stronger or uninjured leg. Then step up to the same step with your weaker or injured leg. Bring the cane up.
To go down the stairs:
Place your cane down one step. Step down with your weaker or injured leg. Then step down with your uninjured leg.
If you have a railing, hold onto it with your other hand. If you use a large quad cane, you may need to turn it sideways so it fits on the step.
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Follow your physician’s orders regarding any limits on your activities.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/03/2019.
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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