Walking stick (cane) is an assistant for the elderly or some people with limited legs, people usually call it the “third leg” of the elderly, known as a good companion for the elderly to spend their twilight years. Whether it is hiking walking, or leisurely standing in the courtyard are indispensable. Cerebrovascular, cerebral atrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoarthritis patients, as well as poor balance, poor muscle strength, slow reaction of 70 to 80 years old, it is best to go out with a cane.
A. Choose the right length cane
The length of the cane is very important, too long or too short will make the support point unnatural: high, it will make the body tilt up, easy to lead to the elderly foot not step on; low, you must bend forward, walking uncomfortable.
Three methods of measuring the length of the cane.
1, the upper extremity will hang down close to the side of the body, the distance between the wrist and the ground is the correct length of the cane should be used.
2, measure the distance from the ground to the upper outer projection of the thigh bone (i.e., the greater trochanter), which should be the length of the cane.
3. Have the elderly person stand with shoes on, with the elbow of the arm flexed at 30 degrees and the back of the hand facing upward, and the distance between the front 15 cm of the little toe of the foot on the outside to the palm of the hand is the length of the cane.
When measuring, the elderly should stand in the shoes they always wear. The right length of cane is good for the elderly to maintain balance, better support their weight and enhance muscle strength. When selecting a cane, it is best for the elderly to hold the cane and try it again and again to increase or decrease the length according to their own requirements.
Second, what do I need to pay attention to before using a cane for activities?
1.When you use the cane, please put on your shoes, stand up straight and relax your shoulders.
2.Grip the cane with your healthy side hand; point the cane to the ground and place it next to your normal leg about 10CM. Distribute the weight evenly between the feet and the cane.
3.The elbow joint can be slightly bent to relax the hand holding the cane.
4, when the arm is naturally down, the cane handle should be positioned flat wrist level.
5, if you are using an adjustable cane, it is recommended to adjust to the above position.
Note: Wooden canes need to be cut to the right length.
Third, the use of canes
How to walk with a cane?
1.Stand firm with the cane in your hand on the healthy side, with the cane next to the healthy foot at a distance of about 10CM.
2, share the weight on the healthy side leg, move the cane forward about 10cm or so.
3, move the affected leg forward (about 10CM or so), flush with the cane.
4, share the weight on the affected leg and the cane at the same time, and then move the healthy leg forward to the front of the cane.
5.Move your cane forward again and then drive the affected leg forward to be flush with the cane position; 6.Repeat these actions to walk forward.
Note: When walking, please maintain good posture: straighten your back and tuck in your stomach.
How to use the cane to sit down?
1.Before sitting down, move your body and use the back of your lower legs to just touch the edge of the chair.
2, place the cane aside to lean on the edge of the chair, then touch and grab the chair armrests or chair seat with both hands backwards.
3, slowly descend the body to the chair, share the body weight as much as possible to the healthy side of the leg, and hands hard to support.
4, if necessary, move the back against the chair.
Note: Try not to sit on an unstable or very short chair.
How to use the cane to stand up?
1. Before standing up, move the cane to the edge of the chair armrest or hold it directly in your hand (healthy side hand).
2. move the body closer to the edge of the chair.
3. Support the armrests of the chair or the surface of the chair downward and then lean your body slightly forward.
4. Place the affected foot slightly forward, and then stand up with the support of the healthy leg.
5. After standing up, keep the body stable. Then move the cane to the side of the healthy leg about 10CM.
6.Then, walk as described before.
How to use a cane on the stairs?
Try to use stairs with safety handrails. Hold the handrail in one hand and the cane in the other.
1. Move your body close to the bottom step of the stairs to be ascended.
2. If there is a handrail, grasp the handrail with one hand and support the cane with the other.
3, first move the healthy side of the leg to step up a step. Share the body weight equally between the cane and the stair handrail.
4, while moving the cane and the affected leg up one step to level with the healthy side leg (if the stairs have a handrail, use the handrail to help go up the stairs).
5, repeat these movements up the stairs. One step up the stairs.
Remember: “good leg goes up first, bad leg goes down first”.
How to use a cane to go down the stairs?
Try to use stairs with safety handrails. Hold the handrail in one hand and the cane in the other.
1. Move your body close to the top of the stairs to be descended.
2.If the stairs have handrails, try to use them.
3.Move the affected leg and the cane downward to the next step at the same time.
4.Shift the weight down and then move the healthy side leg to the next step.
5.Repeat these movements and go down the stairs. One step down the stairs.
Safety tips.
1, try to wear non-slip shoes with support protection. (Do not wear heel open unprotected sandals, wooden-soled shoes or slippers).
2.Ensure that the touchdown foot of the walking stick is intact and not broken.
3.Avoid walking on slippery surfaces. If you have to walk, you need to slow down and shorten your stride.
4.Remove carpets or mats, electrical and telephone wires and other things, which are more dangerous when walking and easy to fall.
5, try not to use revolving doors or escalators.
6.If you need to use a cane after leg surgery, you need to determine when you can abandon the cane under the guidance of your doctor or therapist.