So often I see someone using a cane that probably belonged to someone else and was never re-fitted, which can create a dangerous fall hazard. To make matters even worse, they fight the body's natural reciprocal tendency and use it on the wrong side. Yikes, an accident waiting to happen!

How tall should your cane be? Generally, about one-half your height. More specifically, when the rubber tip is on the floor, the top of the cane should reach the upper inside crease of your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides and you are wearing your usual shoes. From this position, when you grasp a properly adjusted cane, your elbow should be bent approximately 25-30 degrees. Many canes are adjustable with a simple push-button mechanism. You may want to first use this type to get the right height and then as a guide for any cane which needs to be cut.

If my left leg is weak do I use my cane on the left side or the right side? With movements involving upper and lower extremities, the body's natural patterns are reciprocal. Runners and marchers naturally advance the right hand and left foot simultaneously and vice-versa. If you hold your cane on the same side as your weak or injured leg, you are fighting the body's normal coordination patterns and could more easily become unbalanced and stumble. The safest method to use a cane is to advance it along with the opposite foot in a smooth pattern.