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Using a cane

Description

It is important to start walking soon after hip replacement surgery, but you will need support while your leg is healing. A cane can be used for support if you need only a little help with balance and stability and if your leg is only a little weak or painful.

The two main types of canes are those with a single tip and those with 4 prongs on the bottom. Your surgeon or physical therapist will help you decide which type of cane is best for you, depending on how much support you need.

If you find you are having a lot of pain, weakness, or balance problems talk with your health care provider to see if crutches or a rolling walker would be better for you.

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Cane basics

  • The most common question about canes is, "Which hand should I hold it in?" The answer is the hand opposite the leg that had surgery.
  • The tip or all 4 prongs need to be on the ground before you put your weight on the cane.
  • Look forward when you walk, not down at your feet.
  • Make sure your cane has been adjusted to your height. The handle should be at the level of your wrist with your elbow slightly bent when you hold the handle.
  • Choose a cane with a comfortable handle.
  • Using a chair that is higher with armrests can make sitting and standing easier.

Walking and turning with a cane

Follow these steps when you walk with a cane:

  1. Stand with a firm grip on your cane.
  2. At the same time that you step forward with your weaker leg, swing the cane the same distance in front of you. The tip of the cane and your forward foot should be even.
  3. Take some of the pressure off your weaker leg by placing pressure on the cane.
  4. Step past the cane with your strong leg.
  5. Repeat. Go slowly -- it may take a while to get used to walking with a cane.
  6. Turn by pivoting on your strong leg, not the weaker leg.

Stepping up or down a step or curb

Follow these steps when you go up or down one step or a curb:

To go up:

  • Step up with your strong leg first.
  • Place your weight on the strong leg and bring your cane and weaker leg (the one operated on) up to meet the strong leg.
  • Use the cane to help your balance.

To go down:

  • Set your cane down below the step.
  • Bring down your weak leg. Use the cane for balance and support.
  • Step your strong leg down next to your weak leg.

If you had surgery on both legs, still lead with your strong leg when going up and your weak leg when going down. Remember, "up with the good, down with the bad."

Going up or down a set of stairs

  • If there is a handrail, hold onto it and use your cane in the other hand. Use the same method for a set of stairs that you do for single steps.
  • Go up the stairs with your stronger leg first, then your weaker leg, and then the cane.
  • If you are going down the stairs, start with your cane, then your weaker leg, and then your strong leg.
  • Take the steps one at a time.
  • When you reach the top, stop for a moment to regain your balance and strength before moving on.
  • If you had surgery on both legs, lead with your stronger leg when going up and your weaker leg when going down.

Safety tips

  • Make sure any loose rugs, rug corners that stick up, or cords are secured to the ground so you do not trip or get tangled in them.
  • Remove clutter and keep your floors clean and dry.
  • Check the tip or tips of your cane daily and replace them if they are worn. You can get replacement tips at your medical supply store or local drug store.
  • To prevent falls, wear shoes or slippers with rubber or other non-skid or soles. DO NOT wear shoes with heels or leather soles.
  • As you are learning to use your cane, have someone close by to give you extra support if needed.
  • If you need to carry small items with you, use a small backpack, fanny pack or shoulder bag to keep your hands free while you are walking. This will also help you maintain your balance.
Meet our Orthopedic Services Team.
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Review Date: 12/31/2018

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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