Like with any choice of a mobility aid, the choice for a cane is always determined by some quality criteria.
People who are prescribed and advised to use a cane for easy movements during everyday life usually look for a product that is both stable and helpful for balance keeping.
Today, we are going to talk about balance when using a cane…
How to keep balance when using a cane?
Balance is a must no matter what type of mobility accessory you use.
But balance is not only an extra you get when you select a high-quality cane or a walker.
Balance is also a matter of practice, the way you use the cane, and the motivation you have to get used to your mobility aid.
In other words, choosing the right cane for balance is never enough. Although it is important to get appropriate for your condition and a stable cane, your experience plays a huge role in maintaining a proper balance.
General Tips
Below, we will provide a list of general tips you should have in mind when using a cane – whether for the first time or after a couple of days practicing walking and movements with it.
All of the tips, of course, are all focused on the mission to keep a proper balance:
1, Don’t rush! No matter how much experience you’ve got with your cane.
Balance is about sticking to an average speed that is considered with your physical condition.
2, Speaking of experience, with time, you will become more and more confident in your movements.
That is why don’t plan too long-lasting walks if this is your second day with a cane.
3, Know how to hold your hand! In other words, make sure you grab the cane in hand on your healthy side (the side of the leg that is not injured or with reduced movability).
That’s how you are going to provide proper support to the opposite lower limb.
Eventually, your body is going to get the balance it needs.
4, Balance is a skill you acquire with the practice required to keep your entire body (but not only the injured side) in a proper position.
In other words, it’s also the way you carry the weight of the entire body regardless of the fact you’ve got a leg to recover.
What we recommend you is to lean your weight through the arm holding the cane as needed.
5, It’s a good practice to make sure you have a healthy lower limb assume the first full weight-bearing step on level surfaces.
Balance is also a way of thinking and considering the surface you will because different surfaces and obstacles require different attempts to keep yourself balanced.
6, Last but not least, make sure you have a shopping tour and a solid enough choice of cane models to choose from.
Sometimes, an extra promoted cane for balance might be good for 90% of people but extremely inappropriate for you (for your medical condition, your body weight or the lifestyle you have).
