Patient/caregiver was educated on how to use offset cane while climbing down the stairs as follows:
- Hold the offset cane in the hand opposite to the side of the weaker leg. Place the other hand on the side-rails along the stairways, which can help offer extra support.
- If the side-rails are present only on one side, then hold the offset cane in the hand opposite to the side of the side-rails. The hand on the side of side-rails will be free to hold the rails for additional support.
- While climbing down the stairs, let your offset cane lead you. Advance the offset cane by placing it on one step down, from where you are standing.
- Once the offset cane is firm, stable, and properly placed on the step below, move the weak leg to join the offset cane on the same step below, and lastly, move the strong leg to meet the weak leg and offset cane on the same step below.
- You can repeat the process by advancing the offset cane first, followed by the weak leg, and then, the strong leg. Allow yourself enough time to climb down the stairs, one at a time. Do not take more than one step at a time and do not try rushing through the process of getting down the stairs, which can compromise balance resulting in accidents and falls.
- By doing this, you are making sure that while the strong leg is moved down the stairs, you are supporting yourself with the weak leg, reinforced by the offset cane and holding the side-rails with the hand. Also, when the weak leg is moved down the stairs, you are supporting yourself with the strong leg, reinforced by the offset cane and holding the side-rails with the hand.
