Patient/caregiver was educated on safety precautions to be observed while using an offset cane as follows:
- Always wear appropriate non-skid footwear while using offset cane. Offset cane users stand the risk of hurting their feet with the offset cane leg sometimes, while maneuvering with the offset cane around. Having shoes on can offer protection against any injuries to the feet.
- Make sure you perform timely inspection on the offset cane or have it inspected, as recommended, to ensure the device is in proper functional state. If the offset cane is wobbly or you notice the structure broken, have the offset cane repaired or replaced. Using a broken offset cane or one with unstable leg can result in serious falls and accidents.
- Make sure the offset cane in use is of appropriate height. The handle of the offset 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 offset cane can be adjusted accordingly. Do not share your offset cane with family and friends, as the heights of individuals could differ, and the offset cane height could have been adjusted without your notice. Using a offset cane of inappropriate height can compromise your balance resulting in increased risk for fall. Keep a watch on the offset cane height periodically and adjust it to your requirement, as needed.
