Patient/caregiver was educated on safety precautions to be observed while using an offset cane as follows:
- While walking on a flat surface, the golden rule to remember is the offset cane will lead and the weaker leg always goes with the offset cane simultaneously, followed by the good leg.
- While using the stairs, the golden rule to remember is “up with the good and down with the bad”. While climbing up the stairs, the good leg will lead, followed by offset cane, and then the weak leg. While coming down the stairs, the offset cane will lead, followed by the weak leg, and then the good leg.
- Do not advance the offset cane too far ahead of you while walking. This could lead to the user hunching and leaning forward to hold the offset cane, which can compromise the balance and lead to fall. Consistent hunching over the offset cane can injure the back and lead to backpain.
- Wear comfortable clothes when using offset cane. Loose and frizzy clothing on the lower body can get entangled with the offset cane leg, compromise balance, and lead to fall.
- Clear all the cables and cords that can be on the way for the offset cane. They can entangle to the offset cane leg and lead to impaired balance and fall.
- Maintain the floor dry. Wipe any spillage immediately. Any wetness of the floor can contribute to slipping, loss of balance, and fall injury.
