Patient/caregiver was educated on safety precautions to be observed while using a cane as follows:
- Clear all the cables and cords that can be on the way for the cane. They can entangle to the cane leg and lead to impaired balance and fall.
- Wear comfortable clothes when using cane. Loose and frizzy clothing on the lower body can get entangled with the cane leg, compromise balance, and lead to fall.
- Make sure the cane in use is of appropriate height. The handle of the cane should be level with the wrist crease with you standing upright against a wall wearing your regular walking shoes and hands falling on the sides freely. The height of the cane can be adjusted accordingly. Do not share your cane with family and friends, as the heights of individuals could differ, and the cane height could have been adjusted without your notice. Using a cane of inappropriate height can compromise your balance resulting in increased risk for fall. Keep a watch on the cane height periodically and adjust it to your requirement, as needed.
- Always wear appropriate non-skid footwear while using cane. Cane users stand the risk of hurting their feet with the cane leg sometimes, while maneuvering with the cane around. Having shoes on can offer protection against any injuries to the feet.
- While the cane is not in use, leave it close by within an arm distance reach and you should be able to grab your cane easily. Stretching too far to reach out to the cane could impair balance and contribute to enhancing fall risk. Also, make sure your cane is not blocking the traffic and contributing to fall risk for someone passing by.
