Back
How to Choose the Right Cane
Choosing the correct cane and using it safely can improve balance and help relieve pressure on sore joints.
When used correctly, the right cane improves balance and reduces the risk of falling by widening the base of support, as well as decreasing weight on lower-body jointslike the hips, knees, ankles and feet, says Lori Ramage, a physical therapist and the Joint Club Coordinator at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona.
While canes come in many materials, colors and handle types,it’s most important to choose the right cane type and size for you, to provide the bestfunction and safety.
The most commontypesof canes are single-point,andquad-orthree-point canes.Most people with arthritisonlyneed single-point canes. Those with a neurological impairment,significant weaknesses or balance limitationsare best suited to quad canes, because they canhandle more weight.
When being fitted, wear your walking shoes and stand tall with your arms at your sides. The top or curve of the cane should hit at the crease in your wrist. If the cane is too high, you won’t get the support you need. A cane that istoo lowwill causeslumping.
Hold yourcane on your strong sideand movethe canewith the weak side. When walking, place it abouttwoinches in front or to the side of you, not way out in front. Move the affected leg and the cane together, so that each side shares the load.
“Using the cane in the hand opposite your weakness shifts your body weight to the stronger side,” says Brian Benjamin, a physical therapist and owner ofProActivePhysical Therapy and Exercise Center in Fort Collins, Colorado.
To climb stairs, move your good leg first. Follow with your affected leg and cane simultaneously. When going down stairs, start with the cane, then put your weak leg forward, and follow with your good leg. “’Up with the good, down with the bad’makes this easy to remember,”says Ramage.
Managing Pain
Managing Pain
How to Squat Correctly
Learn how to avoid adding pain to sore knees caused by arthritis by following simple steps for proper squatting and building strength.
Quiz to Help Manage Pain
This eye-opening quiz may be just what you need to help you take control of arthritis pain.
Give & Get Your Best
Your gift does amazing things for the arthritis community. Help yourself and help others.
Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.
Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.
