Can using a cane help individuals after an injury, living with chronic pain or balance issues, or post-surgery?
Table of Contents
A cane is an assistive device that can help individuals walk after injury or surgery and aids with balance and stability. It can be used for:
There are different types of canes, including single-point and quad canes. Single-point canes are generally the least expensive. Quad canes have four points and can provide more stability. It is important to use it correctly to prevent falls and injuries.
A cane can help reduce pressure on the leg or back after surgery or injury. Healthcare providers may recommend a cane as a step-down device after using a walker or crutches. Before walking with the cane, ensure it is at the right height. Hold the cane in the hand on the opposite side of the injury. Hold the cane’s handle at the level of the bend in the wrist when standing with the elbow slightly bent. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020) If there are issues in both legs or a cane is used after back surgery, keep the cane in the hand with the most support.
To practice taking steps with a cane, try the following (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020)
Progress to a step-to-walking pattern (Hirayama K. et al., 2022)
Once comfortable taking practice steps, try walking normally with the cane. Step forward with the cane and injured leg simultaneously. The cane should be off the ground when the wounded leg is in the air. Firmly plant the cane when stepping onto the injured leg. Step forward with the cane and the injured leg first, then step past the injured leg with the good leg.
When walking up and down stairs, it’s important to use proper technique to prevent losing balance. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020)
If a handrail is available, use it. Although doing so may require moving the cane to the other hand, even if it’s on the same side as the injured leg, it will improve stability and reduce the risk of falling. Once proficient on the stairs, individuals may alternate placing one foot on each step.
Walking with a cane with a chronic pain condition is similar to using it with an injury. The location of the pain will determine which hand the cane is held in. If the pain is on the right side of the body, keep the cane on the left side or vice versa. If chronic pain is not in the legs but, for example, back pain makes it difficult to walk, hold the cane on either side, whichever feels more supportive and comfortable. If there is weakness on one side of the body or decreased sensation/numbness in one of the legs or feet, hold the cane on the opposite side of the pain, weakness, or numbness. Walking with a cane can also benefit individuals with other medical conditions. For example, assistive devices may be recommended for those with balance issues. (National Library of Medicine, 2023)
There are two primary types of canes, characterized by their points, and choosing the right one depends on the reason it’s needed. (Arthritis Foundation, N.D.)
The traditional cane has a rounded C handle. Other types have contoured handles for a more secure grip. Talk to a doctor, physical therapist, or other health care professional for suggestions on which cane is right for you.
A potential risk of using a cane is losing balance. If unable to maintain balance with a cane, individuals may want to consider a different walking device, such as a walker or crutches. To reduce the risk of falls, consider the following tips (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020)
Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other associated medical professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve muscle pain, improve the body’s flexibility and mobility, resolve musculoskeletal issues, and prevent future pain symptoms from reoccurring.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). How to use crutches, canes, and walkers. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/how-to-use-crutches-canes-and-walkers/
Hirayama, K., Otaka, Y., Kurayama, T., Takahashi, T., Tomita, Y., Inoue, S., Honaga, K., Kondo, K., & Osu, R. (2022). Efficiency and Stability of Step-To Gait in Slow Walking. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 15, 779920. doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.779920
National Library of Medicine. (2023). Using a cane. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000343.htm
Arthritis Foundation. (N.D.). How to choose the right cane. www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/joint-protection/how-to-choose-the-right-cane
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "The Benefits of Walking with a Cane for Injury Recovery" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Can beginner workouts help individuals who want to improve their health by helping them lose… Read More
Individuals experiencing persistent pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the back could be suffering from… Read More
Can individuals maintain proper hydration levels in their bodies to prevent spinal pain and other… Read More
Does an individual's ideal daily intake of vegetables depend on age, sex, and activity level?… Read More
For individuals with chronic pain conditions, what are the risks of developing peptic ulcers? NSAIDs… Read More
What type of concussion tests are there to help establish the extent of head injuries… Read More
Elbow pain from lifting is a common symptom among individuals who lift weights, heavy objects,… Read More
For pregnant individuals, dehydration during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for the individual… Read More
For individuals that are trying to change up their daily routine, can incorporating the beneficial… Read More
For individuals who may need to take pain medications to manage an injury or condition,… Read More
Lower back leg pain depends on specific symptoms and their duration. Can having a better… Read More
Can physical therapies help individuals with a Colles' or wrist fracture? Colles' Fracture A broken… Read More