A cane can improve balance or help with mobility after an injury or disability. There are quite a few options to choose from. Learn more about your choices and how to pick a cane that's right for you. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist or another member of your health care team for suggestions too. And before you start using a cane, make sure you know how to move with it safely. Most people do well with a cane that has a single tip.
A quad cane, which has four tips, provides a broader base of support. But that type of cane can be heavier and more cumbersome to use. Quad canes may help lower the risk of falls in people who are recovering from a stroke. Pick a grip that feels comfortable for you. Foam grips or grips shaped to fit the user's hand are popular choices. If you have trouble grasping with your fingers, a larger grip might be a better option.
Choosing a good cane grip eases stress on joints and may help prevent other joint problems. Numbness or pain in your hand or fingers might be a sign that a cane's grip isn't a good fit for your hand. Ask your physical therapist or another member of your health care team to help you choose the best grip for you.
If your cane is too long, you'll need to work harder to pick it up and move it. If your cane is too short, you might lean to one side. That can throw off your balance. Hold your cane in the hand that's opposite of your weak or injured leg. Move the cane along with that leg, so each time you step, you move the cane too.
That gives you support as you walk. When you step forward with the other leg, don't move the cane. As you go up steps, use your free hand to hold onto the railing if there is one. Step up first with your stronger leg.
