Need to Know
Know what Weight Bearing the Doctor Allows
The doctor will decide how much weight the person you care for can place on their affected leg. In the case of a cane:
- Full weight bearing means all of a person’s weight can be put on the affected leg.
- Weight bearing as tolerated means that a person can place as much weight on the affected leg, including full weight, as is comfortable.
Proper Fitting of a Cane
A cane must be fitted properly to be sure a person is not injured while using it. Ill-fitting canes can cause muscle strains or put a person at risk for falling. The physical therapist or health care provider who prescribes the cane will arrange the initial fitting. You can also get a proper fitting from a medical supply store.
Canes are made out of metal or wood and are easy to adjust.
- With a person holding their arm down at their side, the top of a cane should reach the crease in the wrist. Using a tape measure or yard stick, measure the distance from the wrist joint down to the floor
- The person’s elbow bends at a comfortable angle (about 30 degrees) when holding the cane.
If a cane is too long, it might cause a person to work harder to pick up and move the cane.
If the cane is too short, it might cause a person to lean to one side, making them lose their balance.
Watch How a Person uses a Cane
- When using a cane, a person always holds it in the hand on the stronger side of the body, opposite the side that needs support. So if the person has weakness in the left leg, he will hold the cane in the right hand.
- When walking with a cane, a person stands straight, does not bend over, and looks straight ahead.
- Never use a cane as a device to move something out of the way – this could lead to a fall.
Knowing how to use a cane will help you to watch the person you care for and help prevent injury or falls.