Patient/caregiver was educated on how to use cane while stepping down the curb as follows:
- Hold the cane in the hand opposite to the side of the weaker leg.
- While stepping down the curb, let your cane lead you. Advance the cane by placing it down the curb, from where you are standing.
- Once the cane is firm, stable, and properly placed down the curb, move the weak leg to join the cane down the curb, and lastly, move the strong leg to meet the weak leg and cane down the curb.
- You can repeat the process by advancing the cane first, followed by the weak leg, and then, the strong leg.
- Allow yourself enough time to step down the curb. Do not stretch yourself out too much down the curb and do not try rushing through the process of stepping down the curb, 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 curb, you are supporting yourself with the weak leg, reinforced by the cane. Also, when the weak leg is moved down the curb, you are supporting yourself with the strong leg, reinforced by the cane.
