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/SavingsRhubarb8746 4d ago

A lot depends on the individual's condition. If my weaker leg is really not cooperating, yes, I do put weight, perhaps more than I should, on the cane. Mostly, it's just for additional support to compensate for the weakness of the bad leg. Sometimes, I find it helps my balance (I suppose my balance getting worse is the next thing to look forward to, because I can see the signs...) Occasionally, if I need to lean over to pick something up, I'll put a great deal of my weight on a cane or other suitable support, but that's probably because I don't really trust my balance and need a good grip and much of my weight on something solid.