Patient/caregiver was educated on how to use offset cane while climbing up 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 up the stairs, let your stronger leg be the leading leg. Always put your strong leg forward first.
- Advance the strong leg by placing it on one step above, from where you are standing.
- Once the strong leg is firm, stable, and properly placed on the step above, bring the offset cane to meet the strong leg on the step above, and lastly, move the weak leg to meet the strong leg and offset cane on the same step above.
- You can repeat the process by advancing strong leg first, followed by the offset cane, and then, the weak leg.
- Allow yourself enough time to climb up 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 climbing, which can compromise balance resulting in accidents and falls.
- By doing this, you are making sure that while the strong leg is moved up 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 up the stairs, you are supporting yourself with the strong leg, reinforced by the offset cane and holding the side-rails with the hand.
