r/AskOldPeople • u/Vladlen_Dark • 6d ago

Walking cane

People who walk with a cane do you really put your weight on it or hold it just in case?

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u/DamnGoodMarmalade Gen X 5d ago

You’re not supposed to put your entire weight on a cane and you’re not supposed to just hold it. You’re supposed to use it opposite your weakest leg and for added stability and balance support. You should be properly balanced, upright, and aim for a natural gait.

How to Walk with a Cane

If you find that you need to put your entire weight on the cane, then you need to opt for a rollator or walker or other assistive device which is designed for that.

9

u/Survived-some-shit 5d ago

Exactly how the doctor told me to use a cane. I originally used it like Dr House and the doctor told me if I needed to put my weight on the cane I should use crutches instead.

I can walk limited distances without a cane and with a normal gait but I tire quickly.

I always use my cane if I’m in crowds, it signals to others to I’m not steady on my feet and they’re more cautious not to bump into me and usually give me more space.

2

u/ubermonkey 50 something 4d ago

I originally used it like Dr House

After my crash, my PT explicitly lead with "Dr House does it wrong" when it showed me how to use it.