Patient/caregiver was educated on safety precautions to be observed while using a cane as follows:
- 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 cane, and then the weak leg. While coming down the stairs, the cane will lead, followed by the weak leg, and then the good leg.
- Do not advance the cane too far ahead of you while walking. This could lead to the user hunching and leaning forward to hold the cane, which can compromise the balance and lead to fall. Consistent hunching over the cane can injure the back and lead to backpain.
- Canes can come with a convenient wrist strap. Having the wrist strap helps to keep the cane securely with you hanging at the wrist and yet use both hands to perform tasks. This reduces the chance of the device falling to the ground and posing difficulty for individuals with limitations and balance issues to bend down and pick it.
- While using the cane, plan ahead to change the directions slowly and by taking small steps. Look straight ahead while walking, to be prepared for and avoid the oncoming obstacles on your way. This can also help to be prepared and safely change directions, as needed. Being inattentive during ambulation with the cane and sudden change of directions can lead to the user colliding with the structures around, such as, corners and furniture, lose balance, and trip off resulting in a fall.
