CANES

PURPOSES
Improve stability of a client with a lower limb
disability
Maintain balance
Prevent further injury
Provide security while developing confidence in
ambulating
Relieve pressure on weight bearing joints
Assist in increasing speed of ambulation with less
fatigue
Provide for greater mobility and independence
HEMI/ QUAD CANES
provides broader base
for the cane and thus
provides more support
TRIPOD CANES
STAIGHT CANES
Offers least support
Adjustable aluminum canes Fashion canes

Aluminum canes can be adjusted

from 56- 97 cm (22- 38 cm)
Foldable seat canes Canes with flashlight
Candy canes
Straight canes should have rubber caps to improve
traction and prevent slipping.
A standard cane is 91 cm (36 in) long
The length should permit the elbow to be flexed
Client may use 1 or 2 canes depending on how much
support they require
CLIENT TEACHING
Hold the cane with the hand on the stronger side of the
body to provide maximum support and appropriate
body alignment when walking.
Position the tip of the standard cane (and the nearest
tip of other canes) about 15 cm (6 in) to the side and
15 cm (6 in) in front of the near foot, so that the elbow
is slightly flexed.
The right length for adjustable cane
WHEN MAXIMUM SUPPORT IS
REQUIRED
Move the cane forward about 30 cm (1 ft) or a distance
that is comfortable while the body weight is borne by
both legs.
Then move the affected (weak) leg forward to the cane
while the weight is borne by the cane and stronger leg.
Next, move the unaffected (stronger) leg forward
ahead of the cane and weak leg while the weight is
borne by the cane and weak leg.
Repeat the steps. This pattern of moving provides at
least two points of support on the floor at all times.
AS YOU BECOME STRONGER AND
REQUIRES LESS SUPPORT
Move the cane and weak leg forward at the same time,
while the weight is borne by stronger leg
Move the stronger leg forward, while the weight is
borne by the cane and weak leg
IN USING STAIRS
To properly ascend stairs, it is “up with the good.” While holding onto the
rail with one hand, advance the stronger leg first placing it on the step
above where you are standing. After this unaffected leg is appropriately
placed on the step, advance the weaker leg up to the same step that the
stronger leg is on. If there is no rail to hold on to, the cane is placed on the
upper step at the same time or after placement of the weaker leg.
To properly descend stairs, it is “down with the bad.” While holding onto
the rail with one hand, advance the weaker leg first placing it on the step
below where you are standing. After this affected leg is appropriately
placed on the step, advance the stronger leg down to the same step that the
weaker leg is on. If there is no rail to hold on to, the cane is placed on the
lower step at the same time or after placement of the stronger leg.
For safety’s sake, always keep the free hand on the railing when going up or
down stairs that have a railing.
Climbing up and down the stairs
“up with the good, down
with the bad”, or “the good
go up to heaven, the bad go
down to hell”
Using a chair: If a cane is used in sitting, a turn
around is made at the chair or sofa so that the chair or
sofa is behind, then hands are placed on the chair arms
or on an arm of the sofa.  The upper body is bent
forward to slowly lower into the chair. If a cane is used
in getting up from a chair or sofa, the foot opposing
the cane side is moved forward a few inches and the
chair or sofa is pushed by the hand on the same side. 
As the hand is pushed, weight is shifted to the leg of
the cane side and the cane assists to support on rising.