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Understanding Cane Use and Techniques

Mar 20, 2025

Lecture on Canes

Speaker: Sarah

Overview

  • Focus on canes as an assistive device.
  • Importance of understanding how to properly fit, walk with, and use canes on stairs and chairs.
  • Part of a series on assistive devices — previous video on crutches, next on walkers.
  • Free quiz available for further study.

Proper Fit of Canes

  • Canes should be adjusted before first use.
  • Two Indicators of Proper Fit:
    1. Top of the cane should align with the greater trochanter (a prominence of the femur).
    2. Top of the cane should be even with the wrist crease closest to the hand.
  • Elbows should be flexed at a 15 to 30-degree angle when holding the cane.

Walking with a Cane

  • Use a gait belt for safety and nurse should stand on the patient's weak side.
  • Cane Positioning:
    • Tip of the cane should be at least 4 inches from the side of the foot.
    • Hold the cane on the strong side of the body.
  • Walking Sequence:
    • Move cane and weak side forward together.
    • Then move the strong side forward.

Using a Cane on Stairs

  • Concept: "Up equals good, down equals bad."
    • Good leg (strong leg) goes up first; bad leg (weak side) goes down first.

Going Up the Stairs

  1. Hold the cane on the good/strong side.
  2. Move the good leg up onto the step.
  3. Weight on the cane, then move the cane and bad leg up.

Going Down the Stairs

  1. Hold cane on the strong side.
  2. Move cane and bad leg down onto the step.
  3. Then move the good leg down.

Sitting Down and Getting Up with a Cane

Sitting Down

  1. Back up to the chair until the back of the legs touch it.
  2. Rest the cane on the side of the chair.
  3. Place both hands on the chair’s armrest.
  4. Place weight on hands, extend weak leg and bend the strong leg to sit.

Getting Up

  1. Place the cane on the strong side.
  2. Lean forward, keep weak leg extended forward.
  3. Push down on cane's hand grip and chair armrest.
  4. Put weight on the strong leg and stand up.

Conclusion

  • Importance of proper technique for safety and effectiveness.
  • Reminder to take the quiz and subscribe for more educational content.

Full transcript