Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Skip Navigation. Top of the page. Topic Overview A walking aid—a walker, crutches, or a cane—helps substitute for a decrease in strength, range of motion, joint stability, coordination, or endurance. General safety when using walking aids Look straight ahead, not down at your feet. Clear away small rugs, cords, or anything else that could cause you to trip, slip, or fall.
Be very careful around pets and small children. They can be unpredictable and get in your path when you least expect it. Be sure the rubber tips on your walking aid are clean and in good condition to help prevent slipping.
You can buy replacement tips from medical supply stores and drugstores. Ice tips are also available to use outdoors in winter weather. Avoid slick conditions, such as wet floors and snowy or icy driveways. In bad weather, be especially careful on curbs and steps. Never use your walking aid to help you stand up or sit down. Even if you still have one hand on your walking aid, put the other hand on the surface you are sitting on or the arm of your chair.
Use that hand to guide you as you sit down, and to push with as you stand up. If you are less steady on your feet, rest your walking aid securely nearby, so it doesn't fall and you can reach it easily. And use both hands on the sitting surface to help you sit down or stand up. Always use your strong or uninjured leg to take the first step when you go up stairs or a curb see instructions for curbs and stairs below.
When you go back down, step with your weak or injured leg first. Remember "up with the good, and down with the bad" to help you lead with the correct leg. Ask for help if you feel unsure about going up and, especially, down stairs. Take the first step with your strong leg, then bring the injured leg up to the same step. To walk downstairs with a cane, put your hand on the banister if available and place your cane in the other hand. Take the first step with the injured leg and the cane at the same time, then bring down your strong leg.
Method 2. If you cannot put any weight on an injury, such as if you're recovering from knee or foot surgery, then you'll need one or two crutches preferably two for improved balance. Get the height right. Most crutches are forearm or underarm crutches. After you've been told by a doctor to use one or the other, the only thing you need to worry about is the fit. For underarm crutches, the top should be an inch or a little more below your armpit and the grips should be even with your hips.
Place both crutches on the ground about a foot in front of you, and lean forward slightly. Move as if you're going to step with your injured side, then shift the weight to the crutches and swing forward between them. Come down on your uninjured leg while holding your injured leg elevated so that no pressure is placed on it. Learn how to sit down or stand up on crutches. Put both crutches together in the hand on your good leg side, like a long and extra sturdy cane.
Slowly lower yourself down or up, using the crutches for balance. Learn how to go up or down stairs with crutches. Start by putting both crutches under one arm, parallel to the floor. Then, you can either hop up or down the stairs on your one good leg, using a banister for assistance. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The rubber stoppers on the bottoms of canes and crutches will need to be replaced periodically.
Stoppers are available at most drug stores. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Discuss your options with a doctor, so you know which type of support will be best. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. If you're suffering from a chronic injury too severe for a cane to support, you might start looking into walkers. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1. Try to look straight ahead and not down at your walking aid. This will help you keep your balance. A trolley is an effective way to carry items around the house, and give you support.
With a written prescription from your doctor, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of a cane. To make room it easier to get around the house, move furniture to make more room for your walker. Buy an adjustable cane if you won't need it long; you can then give it to the next person who needs one. Check grips and stoppers often. Helpful 89 Not Helpful Be particularly careful around children and small animals. They can move quickly and be hard to see.
Helpful 85 Not Helpful Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 7. Co-authors: Updated: August 4, Categories: Medical Equipment. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
Article Summary X To hold and use a cane correctly, hold it in your hand on the side of your good leg, because this hand will naturally swing forward when your opposite leg takes a step. Deutsch: Einen Stock richtig benutzen.
Italiano: Impugnare e Usare Correttamente un Bastone. Nederlands: Een wandelstok op de juiste manier gebruiken. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,, times.
Educating yourself about different appliance types can help you make the best decision. A home remedy for congestion is steam inhalation, where you breathe in water vapor. We reviewed the Vicks Portable Steam Inhaler. There are a ton of options for compression gloves out there, and most have additional features that you might want to consider.
Learn more. There are three main types of crutches. The best type for you will depend on why you need crutches and your overall health. Air purifiers can help clean the air in your home from unwanted particles, such as pet dander, allergens, and smoke. We'll discuss what to consider. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. How to use a cane. Cautions and other tips. Types of cane to consider. When to talk with a physical therapist. The bottom line. Read this next. Walking Abnormalities.
Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M. What Causes Poor Balance?
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