Discover the proper techniques for using crutches, canes, and walkers to regain mobility and independence. Learn how to position, walk, sit, and navigate stairs safely with these essential mobility aids.

Choosing the Right Walking Aid: Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

If you’ve experienced a leg or foot injury, undergone a lower body procedure, or suffered a stroke, your doctor may recommend using a walking aid to assist with your recovery and daily activities. The choice between crutches, a cane, or a walker depends on the extent of your injury or condition.

Crutches are typically used when you need to completely avoid putting any weight on your injured or weak leg. Canes can be helpful for minor balance or stability issues, while walkers provide more overall support and stability for those with significant weakness or mobility challenges.

Proper Positioning and Adjustment

Regardless of which walking aid you use, it’s essential to ensure it’s properly fitted and positioned to provide the necessary support and prevent injury.

Crutches

When standing upright, the top of your crutches should be 1-2 inches below your armpits. The handgrips should be even with your hip line, and your elbows should be slightly bent when holding the grips. Avoid resting your weight on the underarm supports, as this can damage nerves and blood vessels.

Canes

The top of your cane should reach the crease of your wrist when you’re standing upright. Your elbow should be slightly bent when holding the cane. Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support.

Walkers

Walkers should be adjusted so that the handgrips are level with your wrists when your arms are at your sides and your elbows are slightly bent. The walker should be wide enough to provide stability without being so wide that it’s cumbersome to maneuver.

Mastering the Mechanics of Walking

Learning the proper techniques for using your walking aid can take some practice, but it’s essential for maintaining safety and stability.

Crutches

When walking with crutches, lean forward slightly and place the crutches about one foot in front of you. Shift your weight to the crutches, then bring your body forward between them, finishing the step with your good leg. Always look ahead, not down at your feet.

Canes

When using a cane, plant it firmly on the ground slightly ahead of your injured or weak side. Then, step forward with your stronger leg, followed by your weaker leg and the cane. Maintain good posture and keep your eyes focused ahead.

Walkers

With a walker, push the device forward, then step into the space created, leading with your stronger leg. Repeat the process, always maintaining a stable, upright posture.

Navigating Stairs and Transfers

Navigating stairs and moving from sitting to standing can be challenging with a walking aid, but there are techniques to make these tasks safer and more manageable.

Stairs

When going up stairs with crutches, hold the handrail with one hand and tuck the crutches under your opposite arm. Lead with your stronger leg, keeping your weaker leg raised behind you. When going down, lead with your weaker leg, keeping it raised in front of you.

If there are no handrails, use the crutches under both arms and hop up or down each step on your stronger leg. Alternatively, you can sit on each step and scoot up or down using your hands and stronger leg for support.

Transfers

To sit down, back up to a sturdy chair, place your injured foot in front of you, and hold the crutches in one hand. Use your free hand to feel for the chair seat, then slowly lower yourself down. To stand up, inch forward on the chair, hold the crutches in the hand on your injured side, and push yourself up using your stronger leg.

Making Your Home Safe

Adapting your living space can help prevent falls and make it easier to navigate with your walking aid.

Remove any trip hazards, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, or clutter. Arrange furniture to create clear, wide pathways between rooms. Ensure stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles. In the bathroom, use non-slip mats, grab bars, and a raised toilet seat or shower tub seat.

Developing Confidence and Independence

Using a walking aid may feel challenging at first, but with practice and patience, most people are able to regain confidence and independence in their daily activities.

Consider having a friend or family member nearby during the initial learning process to provide support and encouragement. Simplify your household to keep necessary items within easy reach, and use hands-free storage solutions like backpacks or walker pouches to free up your hands.

Remember, the goal of using a walking aid is to help you regain mobility and safety during your recovery or ongoing medical condition. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can master the art of using crutches, canes, or walkers and reclaim your independence.

How to Use Crutches, Canes, and Walkers – OrthoInfo

If you break a bone in your leg or foot, have a procedure on your knee or lower leg, or suffer a stroke, your doctor may recommend that you use a walking aid while you are healing or recovering. Using crutches, a cane, or a walker can help keep your weight off your injured or weak leg, assist with balance, and enable you to perform your daily activities more safely.

When you are first learning to use your walking aid, you may wish to have a friend or family member nearby to help steady you and give you support. In the beginning, everything you do may seem more difficult. With just a few tips and a little practice, though, most people are able to quickly gain confidence and learn how to use a walking aid safely.

Making some simple safety modifications to your home can help prevent slips and falls when using your walking aid:

• Remove throw rugs, electrical cords, food spills, and anything else that may cause you to fall.
• Arrange furniture so that you have clear, sufficiently wide pathways between rooms.
• Keep stairs clear of packages, boxes, or clutter. If necessary, add treads to stairs to prevent slipping.
• Walk only in well-lit rooms and install a nightlight along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom.
• In the bathroom, use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, a raised toilet seat, and a shower tub seat.
• Simplify your household to keep the items you need within easy reach and everything else out of the way.
• Carry things hands-free by using a backpack, fanny pack, or an apron with pockets. Many walkers also come with attached pouches.

If your injury or surgery requires you to get around without putting any weight on your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches.

Proper Positioning

• When standing up straight, the top of your crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits.
• The handgrips of the crutches should be even with the top of your hip line.
• Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.
• To avoid damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your armpits, your weight should rest on your hands, not on the underarm supports.

If you are unable to bear any weight on your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches.

©Thinkstock, 2015

Walking

• Lean forward slightly and put your crutches about one foot in front of you.
• Begin your step as if you were going to use the injured foot or leg but, instead, shift your weight to the crutches.
• Bring your body forward slowly between the crutches.
• Finish the step normally with your good leg.
• When your good leg is on the ground, move your crutches ahead in preparation for your next step.
• Always look forward, not down at your feet.

Sitting

To sit:

• Back up to a sturdy chair.
• Put your injured foot in front of you and hold both crutches in one hand.
• Use the other hand to feel behind you for the seat of your chair.
• Slowly lower yourself into the chair.
• When you are seated, lean your crutches in a nearby spot. Be sure to lean them upside down — crutches tend to fall over when they are leaned on their tips.

To stand up:

• Inch yourself to the front of the chair.
• Hold both crutches in the hand on your injured side.
• Push yourself up and stand on your good leg.

Stairs

To walk up and down stairs with crutches, you need to be both strong and flexible. You may want someone to help you, at least at first.

• Facing the stairway, hold the handrail with one hand and tuck both crutches under your armpit on the other side.
• When you are going up, lead with your good foot, keeping your injured foot raised behind you. When you are going down, hold your injured foot up in front, and hop down each step on your good foot.
• Take it one step at a time.
• If you encounter a stairway with no handrails, use the crutches under both arms and hop up or down each step on your good leg.

If you feel unsteady, it may be easier to sit on each step and move up or down on your bottom.

• Start by sitting on the lowest step with your injured leg out in front.
• Hold both crutches flat against the stairs in your opposite hand.
• Scoot your bottom up to the next step, using your free hand and good leg for support. Face the same direction when you go down the steps in this manner.

A cane can be helpful if you have minor problems with balance or stability, some weakness in your leg or trunk, an injury, or a pain.

If you are elderly, using a single point cane may help you to walk more comfortably and safely and, in some cases, may make it easier for you to continue living independently.

If you need more stability, a quad cane, which has 4 points, can be useful.

Proper Positioning

• When standing up straight, the top of your cane should reach to the crease in your wrist.
• Your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold your cane.
• Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support. For example, if your right leg is injured, hold the cane in your left hand.

A cane can help if you have minor problems with balance or stability or weakness in your leg or trunk.

©Thinkstock, 2015

Walking

• To start, set your cane about one small stride ahead of you and step off on your injured leg.
• Finish the step with your good leg.

Stairs

To climb stairs:

• Place your cane in the hand opposite your injured leg.
• With your free hand, grasp the handrail.
• Step up on your good leg first, thn step up on the injured leg.

To come down stairs:

• Put your cane on the step first
• Then, put your injured leg on the step.
• Finally, put your good leg, which carries your body weight, on the step.

If you have had total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery, or you have another significant problem, you may need more help with balance and walking than you can get with crutches or a cane. A pickup walker with four legs will give you the most stability. A walker lets you keep all or some of your weight off of your lower body as you take steps. With a walker, you use your arms to support some of your body weight. As your strength and endurance get better, you may gradually be able to carry more weight in your legs.

Positioning

• When standing up straight, the top of your walker should reach to the crease in your wrist.
• Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips of the walker.
• Keep your back straight. Don’t hunch over the walker.
• Check to be sure the rubber tips on your walker’s legs are in good shape. If they become uneven or worn, you can purchase new tips at a drug store or medical supply store.

If you have had total knee or total hip replacement, a walker will provide the most stability.

©Thinkstock, 2015

Walking

• First, position your walker about one step ahead of you, making sure that all four legs of the walker are on even ground.
• With both hands, grip the top of the walker for support and move your injured leg into the middle area of the walker. Do not step all the way to the front.
• Push straight down on the handgrips of the walker as you bring your good leg up so it is even with your injured leg. Always take small steps when you turn and move slowly.

Sitting

To sit:

• Back up until your legs touch the chair.
• Use your hands to feel behind you for the seat of the chair.
• Slowly lower yourself into the chair.

To stand up:

• Push yourself up using the strength of your arms and grasp the walker’s handgrips.
• Do not pull on or tilt the walker to help you stand up.

Stairs

Never climb stairs or use an escalator with your walker.

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Using a cane: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

It is important to start walking soon after surgery for a leg injury. But you will need support while your leg is healing. A cane can be used for support. It may be a good choice if you only need a little help with balance and stability, or if your leg is only a little weak or painful.

The 2 main types of canes are:

• Canes with a single tip
• Canes with 4 prongs on the bottom

Your surgeon or physical therapist will help you choose the type of cane that is best for you. The type of cane you use will depend on how much support you need.

Talk to your health care provider if you are having a lot of pain, weakness, or balance problems. Crutches or a walker may be better options for you.

The most common question about using a cane is, “Which hand should I hold it in?” The answer is the hand opposite the leg that you had surgery on, or that is the weakest.

The tip or all 4 prongs need to be on the ground before you put your weight on your cane.

Look forward when you walk, not down at your feet.

Make sure your cane has been adjusted to your height:

• The handle should be at the level of your wrist.
• Your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold the handle.

Choose a cane with a comfortable handle.

Use a chair with armrests when you can to make sitting and standing easier.

Follow these steps when you walk with a cane:

1. Stand with a firm grip on your cane.
2. At the same time that you step forward with your weaker leg, swing the cane the same distance in front of you. The tip of the cane and your forward foot should be even.
3. Take some of the pressure off your weaker leg by placing pressure on the cane.
4. Step past the cane with your strong leg.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 3.
6. Turn by pivoting on your strong leg, not the weaker leg.
7. Go slowly. It may take a while to get used to walking with a cane.

To go up one step or a curb:

• Step up with your stronger leg first.
• Place your weight on your stronger leg and bring your cane and weaker leg up to meet the stronger leg.
• Use the cane to help your balance.

To go down one step or a curb:

• Set your cane down below the step.
• Bring your weaker leg down. Use the cane for balance and support.
• Bring your stronger leg down next to your weaker leg.

If you had surgery on both legs, still lead with your strong leg when going up and your weak leg when going down. Remember, “up with the good, down with the bad.”

If there is a handrail, hold onto it and use your cane in the other hand. Use the same method for a set of stairs that you do for single steps.

Go up the stairs with your stronger leg first, then your weaker leg, and then the cane.

If you are going down the stairs, start with your cane, then your weaker leg, and then your strong leg.

Take the steps one at a time.

When you reach the top, stop for a moment to regain your balance and strength before moving on.

If you had surgery on both legs, lead with your stronger leg when going up and your weaker leg when going down.

Make changes around your house to prevent falls.

• Make sure any loose rugs, rug corners that stick up, or cords are secured to the ground so you do not trip or get tangled in them.
• Remove clutter and keep your floors clean and dry.
• Wear shoes or slippers with rubber or other non-skid soles. Do not wear shoes with heels or leather soles.

Check the tip or tips of your cane daily and replace them if they are worn. You can get new tips at your medical supply store or local drug store.

As you are learning to use your cane, have someone close by to give you extra support if needed.

Use a small backpack, fanny pack, or shoulder bag to hold items that you need with you (such as your phone). This will keep your hands free while you are walking.

Edelstein J. Canes, crutches, and walkers. In: Webster JB, Murphy DP, eds. Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 36.

Meftah M, Ranawat AS, Ranawat AS, Caughran AT. Total hip replacement rehabilitation: progression and restrictions. In: Giangarra CE, Manske RC, eds. Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 66.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Features of using a cane

How to hold a cane correctly

According to the recommendations of traumatologists, the cane should be carried in the hand opposite to the injured or weakened leg – only in this case the load is distributed correctly. That is, if your left leg is injured, then the cane should be held in your right hand. Before you go outside with a cane, you need to practice walking with it at home in someone’s presence.

Walking with a cane

First you need to make sure that the cane is in the right hand. Then, leaning on a healthy leg, step forward with a cane and a sore leg at the same time, and only after that, leaning on a cane, step with a healthy leg. When walking with a cane, the weight of the body should be transferred to it as much as possible, thereby facilitating the load on the injured limb.

How to go up and down stairs

When going up stairs, grab the railing with your free hand, place your good leg on the step above, then place the cane on the step, and already leaning on the cane, step up with your bad foot. In this case, the leg and cane should be on the same line. When descending stairs, reverse the order: first place both feet together and place the cane on the step below, then step with the injured leg, leaning forward slightly and holding onto the handrail with your free hand. After that, put your healthy foot on the same step. In order not to make mistakes when descending or ascent, you can remember the simple phrase “Up – with a healthy leg, down – with a sick one.”

Tip

In order for a cane to be truly reliable, it must be equipped with a tip. Tips are made of plastic or soft rubber with a small metal plate inside to protect the tip from being pierced by the shaft tube. The tips are available in diameters from 2.5 to 5 cm and are selected depending on the thickness of the cane – before you start using the cane, you need to make sure that the tip fits snugly against the shaft and does not slip off while walking. In the cold season, do not neglect various anti-slip devices.

Caring for your cane

To keep your cane longer, keep it clean and wipe it regularly, first with a damp cloth and then with a dry cloth. All plastic parts can be wiped down with special cleaning fluids for plastics. Do not use solvents or oily liquids as a cleaner. The reed should be checked regularly for cracks and wear on the tip. Do not wait until the tip is completely worn out – it is better to replace it at the first sign of damage or wear.

Safety

To be safe when walking with a cane, certain precautions must be taken.

• Before going outside with a cane, check the shaft and tip for damage. Do not use a damaged cane.
• If the cane is telescopic, make sure the locking latch is firmly engaged.
• When buying a cane, please specify how much pressure it can withstand. The indicator of the maximum allowable load on the cane should not be less than your weight.
• Always hold onto the handrail with your free hand when going up or down stairs.
• Keep the cane as vertical as possible while walking.
• Do not place the cane too far away from you.
• Use the cane only for its intended purpose.
• Do not hang bags, packages, etc. on the cane.
• Do not leave the reed in direct sunlight for a long time.
• In winter, do not go outside with a cane that is not equipped with an anti-slip device.
• Move very carefully over tiles and loose rugs and rugs.
• In the event of a fall, try to swing the cane out of the way so as not to fall on it.

Tips for fitting and walking with a cane

Choosing a cane:

H they have one support, three support and four support. Many people wear shoes on different platforms, so it is recommended to choose a telescopic cane with the ability to adjust for height. Canes should be used both in flight and in winter. Therefore, it is recommended to choose walking sticks with an anti-slip device. In almost all models, the UPS can be extended or removed as needed. Or use specialized nozzles for winter.

W To choose the right length of the cane, you need to stand straight, freely lower your arms and slightly bend them at the elbow (about 15-20 degrees) – while the handle of the cane should be at the level of the wrist bend line.

P The patient must wear normal shoes when picking up a cane; and if he plans to wear shoes with heels of various lengths, then it is better to purchase a cane that is adjustable in height. If the cane is too long, the load on the shoulder joint increases and the body is constantly in a skewed position. If the cane is too short, the patient slouches all the time, leaning forward, which puts more pressure on the nerves in the wrist.

In the weight of the canes can vary from 100 to 400 grams on average, and it is very important that the patient determines what weight is optimal for him when choosing a cane. If the reed is too light, it may feel unsteady and unreliable. If the cane is too heavy, the supporting arm will tire more quickly.

E If the cane is to be used daily, the shape of the handle is important, because in this case the cane will be in constant contact with the person’s palm, and it is important that this contact is as comfortable as possible. Due to the inconvenient shape of the handle, a person will experience pain in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe palm and wrist every day. A handle that follows the contours of the palm (anatomically shaped handle) is considered ideal. A handle with a large diameter is always easier to hold, but everyone is individual, and when choosing a handle shape, you need to rely primarily on your own feelings.

Rules for walking with a cane:

Since , according to the recommendations of traumatologists, the cane should be carried in the hand opposite to the injured or weakened leg – only in this case the load is distributed correctly. That is, if your left leg is injured, then the cane should be held in your right hand. Before you go outside with a cane, you need to practice walking with it at home in someone’s presence.

Y First you need to make sure that the cane is in the right hand. Then, leaning on a healthy leg, step forward with a cane and a sore leg at the same time, and only after that, leaning on a cane, step with a healthy leg. When walking with a cane, the weight of the body should be transferred to it as much as possible, thereby facilitating the load on the injured limb.

R while walking up the stairs, grab the railing with your free hand, place your healthy leg on the step above, then place the cane on the step, and already leaning on the cane, step up with your bad leg. In this case, the leg and cane should be on the same line. When descending stairs, reverse the order: first place both feet together and place the cane on the step below, then step with the injured leg, leaning forward slightly and holding onto the handrail with your free hand. After that, put your healthy foot on the same step. In order not to make mistakes when descending or ascent, you can remember the simple phrase “Up – with a healthy leg, down – with a sick one.”

Y In order for a cane to really serve as a reliable support, it must be equipped with a tip. Tips are made of plastic or soft rubber. Before you start using a cane, you need to make sure that the tip fits snugly on the shaft and does not slip off while walking.

W To keep the reed longer, keep it clean and wipe it regularly, first with a damp cloth and then with a dry cloth. All plastic parts can be wiped down with special cleaning fluids for plastics. Do not use solvents or oily liquids as a cleaner. The reed should be checked regularly for cracks and wear on the tip. Do not wait until the tip is completely worn out – it is better to replace it at the first sign of damage or wear.

Safety:

• Check the shaft and tip for damage before going outside with a cane. Do not use a damaged cane.
• If the cane is telescopic, make sure the locking latch is firmly engaged.
• Always hold onto the handrail with your free hand when going up or down stairs.
• Keep the cane as vertical as possible while walking.
• Do not place the cane too far away from you.
• Use the cane only for its intended purpose.
• Do not hang bags, packages, etc. on the cane.
• Do not leave the reed in direct sunlight for a long time.
• In winter, do not go outside with a cane that is not equipped with an anti-slip device (SAS).
• Move very carefully over tiles and loose rugs and rugs.
• In the event of a fall, try to swing the cane out of the way so as not to fall on it.

12/MR.H Cane for walking support

B high-quality, lightweight support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR.H with a soft curved handle in hygroscopic and hypoallergenic PU foam, made in Poland according to European standards. It has telescopic height adjustment, eight positions in 2 cm increments. The product undergoes special processing! Not afraid of moisture and reagents! Maximum load 120 kg.

12/MR.L Walking stick

B High-quality support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR.L with a curved “swan” handle, which, due to its “special” shape, compensates for the shock load when walking, is equipped with a strap for fixing on the wrist. Made in Poland according to European standards. The product undergoes special processing. Not afraid of moisture and reagents.

14/MR Collapsible cane for walking support

C foldable support cane unfolds automatically under its own weight – with a wave of the hand, with an ergonomic handle for any hand, stowed in a bag-case. Will always be at hand at the right time. Takes up little space, has a bag-case. Equipped with a reflective element. Stem material: thin-walled aluminum tubes.

16/MR.L Four-leg cane

For , the design of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The cane has a height adjustment for support under the arm. The rehabilitation tool is equipped with reflective elements. Stem diameter above tip: 20 mm, under handle: 22 mm. Stem material: thin-walled aluminum tubes.

15/MR.L Three-leg cane

For , the design of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The cane has a height adjustment for support under the arm. The rehabilitation tool is equipped with reflective elements. Stem material: thin-walled aluminum tubes.

FS 929L Aluminum walking stick with FS

T can be used for moving indoors or outdoors. The cane is made of lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant aluminum alloy. It has an enamel paint coating. The T-shaped handle is made of durable non-slip plastic.

11/MR/L Cane with an anatomical handle for walking support

In high-quality support cane MIKIRAD 11/MR.L with an anatomical handle, made in Poland according to European standards. Height adjustable. Telescopic height adjustment, eight positions in 2 cm increments. Anatomical handle for the left hand!

12/MR Cane for walking support

In high-quality and lightweight support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR with universal handle, made in Poland according to European standards. Height adjustable.

16/MR.KL04 Four-legged crutch

For , the design of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The crutch has a height adjustment for support under the arm. The rehabilitation tool is equipped with reflective elements.

15/MR.Kr. One adjusts the height for support under the arm, the second adjusts the height of the axillary support. The design of the support legs is designed not to interfere with people when moving. The rehabilitation tool is equipped with reflective elements.

13/MR.P Nozzle

has a highly stable universal nozzle that can be rotated 360° in place without lifting the reed from the surface. Concentric tread for effective grip.

13/MR.Z Nozzle

W The threaded fittings are screwed into a plastic ring which is soldered into the rubber base. This allows you to be both durable and elastic product! The spikes keep snow from accumulating!

FS 913 L Folding walkers “Armed”

Х FS913L walkers are made of aluminum, have rubber and plastic overhead handles.