If you have degenerative joint conditions you might be having some problems bearing weight while standing or walking. Commonly, doctors or physiotherapist will prescribe walking sticks or canes to alleviate the pain and control joint degeneration.

Using walking sticks and canes allow certain advantages in terms of cost and mobility. Unlike other assistive devices, the cane poses no problems when negotiating stairs. Contrary to this, the cane also offers the least amount of support and weight transfer.

Using walking sticks or canes

Your doctor or physiotherapist will educate you on how to use the cane or walking sticks upon prescription. The first thing you need to know is the proper height of your cane or stick. It should be of the right length if you hold it against the floor about 6 inches 2 o’clock from your small toe, and still have your elbow bent by around 30 degrees.

Remember that your cane should be used on the same side of the injury or the problematic joint. If your right knee hurts then the cane must be held by your right hand. This relieves the knee of the weight and promotes stability on the side of pain or weakness.

When you move your injured leg, the cane or stick should move with it, then the normal leg follows. If you are using it for balance you can move it ahead of the injured leg to achieve stability.

Going up the stairs and going down may sound a bit complicated. It is easier to remember if you use the code, “bad leg goes to hell, good leg goes to heaven”. The code means your injured leg steps down first together with the cane. When going up, the good leg pushes off followed by the cane and the injured leg.

Since the cane is the least stable among assistive devices, extra caution must be taken when walking on wet or soft surfaces. Wearing the appropriate footwear is also vital in avoiding further harm.