Written by: Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CKTP, CGFI
If you’ve ever had a leg or foot problem and you’ve been to a physiotherapist, you’ve probably been told that you should use the cane or crutch in the opposite hand… Well, let’s break it down and find out why it works better this way.
Let’s say you sprained your left ankle, you have one cane to use. Which hand do you use it in? Well, if you’re Dr. House, you’d pop a Vicodin and use it in the left arm. And you’d be wrong. It’s better if you use it in the right arm, the side opposite to the injury. This works because of the force couple that happens between the muscles of the left hip and the right torso that decrease the stress on the left ankle.
If you take a step with your left foot, it swings forward and there’s no weight on it, all your weight is on the right foot. If you take a step with your right foot, all your weight goes on the left foot, and that’s what probably cranks up your pain levels. Ouch! You need a system to decrease the weight on that left side while you’re walking around. Holding the cane in the opposite side, does just that.
When you step with your right leg, your left leg has to do all the work to support the body’s weight. Putting the cane in the right hand allows the right arm and left leg to work together to support your weight. The right arm is supported by the cane, which works with the right-sided back muscle (latissimus dorsi), which in turn work with the pelvis, which connects to the left side hip muscles (gluteus medius). See the connections? A force-couple conga line.
What happens when you put the cane in the left hand? The cane supports the left arm, connected to the left back muscle, which connects to the left pelvis, which is already connected to the left hip… see the connections here? All the left side is working, which means more weight stays on that left side, and you have a less efficient weight shift to the right (away from the painful left side).
Just look at the way you walk normally. When you take a step with your left foot, your right arm swings forward. When you step with your right foot, your left arm swings forward. The body already moves in that pattern, using the cane correctly reinforces this pattern. Using it incorrectly results in a “Dr. House” gait pattern, you hobble around being really cynical. Nobody wants that.
Next time you see someone with a cane or a crutch, check to see if they’re using it correctly. Listen to your physiotherapist.
If you would like more information, please call Professional Physical Therapy and Training at 973-270-7417. Our offices are located within the YMCA locations in Madison and Summit, NJ. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to visit with us.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.netFAQs
But when we stride with our left foot, we swing with our right hand; when we stride with our right foot, we swing with our left hand. Handling a cane in the hand opposite our injury replicates this natural arm movement, giving your hand an opportunity to absorb some of your weight while you walk.
Is there a wrong way to use a cane? ›
Proper Positioning
When standing up straight, the top of your cane should reach to the crease in your wrist. Your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold your cane. Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support. For example, if your right leg is injured, hold the cane in your left hand.
Does a cane go on the weaker or stronger side? ›
If you are using a cane because one leg is weak or painful, hold the cane on the opposite side from the weak or painful leg. For example, if your right hip is sore, hold the cane in your left hand. If you are using the cane for a little help with balance and stability, hold it in the hand you use less.
Where should a cane hit you? ›
Fitting to the Proper Height
When holding the handle of the cane, the cane should come to the level of your hip bone on the side of your upper thigh. When you grab the handle of your cane, your elbow should be bent approximately 20 degrees.
Why does House walk with a cane on the wrong side? ›
He is essentially attempting to use the cane as his weight bearing limb, same as if using crutches. The cane use on the opposite side is best used when you are attempting to unload the muscular compressive forces across the hip (acetabulofemoral) joint.
Do you use a cane on the same side as your bad leg? ›
When using a cane, you should hold it in the hand opposite of the leg that needs support. 3 This is far more efficient and helpful than holding it on your weak or injured side. Also, as you walk, you will move the cane at the same time as your weaker leg.
Do canes help with knee pain? ›
In summary, canes can be used to reduce pain, improve function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis with mobility problems.
Which leg do you move first when using a cane? ›
Make sure you keep the cane a few inches out to the side. Step forward with your injured or weaker leg first, putting weight onto the cane. Then take a step with your stronger leg.
When should you not use a cane? ›
In the case of endurance concerns, you should consult your doctor because these issues go beyond your leg. A cane could lead to high-demands on your upper-body, which could be too dangerous for your heart if you have high blood pressure, weak lungs, or an arrhythmia.
When should you stop using a cane? ›
The best time to stop using your walking cane is when you have stop limping and no longer having pain without it. Waiting until this time before doing away with the stick will give the injured leg the proper strength required to carry you effortlessly and painlessly.
Walking With a Cane
Hold the cane on the side of your body as your unaffected (stronger) leg. Position the cane slightly to your side and a few inches forward. Move the cane forward simultaneously with your affected (weaker) leg. Plant the cane firmly on the ground before stepping forward with the stronger leg.
Should your arm be straight when using a cane? ›
Your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold your cane. Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support. For example, if your right leg is injured, hold the cane in your left hand.
How do I know if I need a cane? ›
You're Always Reaching for Support
If you feel unsteady when you walk, or you're always looking for the next piece of furniture to grab on to for support, you may need a cane.
Can you use a cane on the same side as your injury? ›
That is right, NOT on the same side as the injured leg. For use as a balance aid for general mobility, using the cane on your dominant side is recommended. I always tell my patients, should you feel off balance, or not in control....
Why do you use a walking stick on the opposite side? ›
It is a common mistake to use a walking stick on your weak side. This causes you to lean heavily on the stick on the painful side. The stick should go on the strong side and move with the weak side. Using the walking stick on the opposite side to your injury allows you to shift your weight more to the stronger side.
Do you hold a cane in your dominant or non dominant hand? ›
For an injury, you will hold the cane on your good side. That is right, NOT on the same side as the injured leg. For use as a balance aid for general mobility, using the cane on your dominant side is recommended.
