In middle-aged and elderly people, especially middle-aged and elderly women, if there is significant joint pain in the lower extremities with fluid accumulation, there is most likely degeneration of the joints. Since joint degeneration is an irreversible pathology, the main treatment for this disease is to reduce the load on the lower extremities and to enhance the functional exercise of the lower extremities. There are two main ways to reduce the load on the lower extremities: weight control and the use of a cane. We know that weight control is an effective way to reduce the load on the lower extremities and treat joint degeneration. However, for middle-aged and older women, weight control is relatively difficult and cannot be achieved in a short period of time. In this case, using a cane to transfer the weight from the lower extremity to the upper extremity can reduce the load on the lower extremity in a short period of time. Of course, weight control should not be neglected as a treatment modality, and it is best to use both weight control and the cane in a two-pronged approach. In addition, it is worth noting that the use of canes is not exclusive to the middle-aged and elderly, but is recommended whenever there is joint degeneration. Many types of canes, not limited to professional equipment Many people have been hesitant to choose which type of cane, Dr. Lu Zheng believes that the cane is not limited to the elbow crutches, axillary crutches and other professional equipment commonly used in rehabilitation therapy, nor is it necessary to choose the civilized stick (a type of cane with a rounded handle, more sophisticated and beautiful than the average cane) commonly used by the elderly. In fact, a lot of outdoor equipment, such as walking sticks, hiking sticks, which are used for long-distance outdoor walking and have a certain degree of flexibility can be used for rehabilitation exercises. Even the younger generation to the elderly leading crutches, or a random stick can play a role in reducing the load on the lower limbs. How to use canes best when joint degeneration occurs It is best to use a cane bilaterally, alternating hands for support when walking. Because joint degeneration is generally light on one side, and one side focuses on the other, it is rare to have joint degeneration on one side and no symptoms on the other side, so many people are accustomed to using a cane unilaterally. However, because many people do not have formal rehabilitation training, their gait is easily distorted, and the shoulder and spinal segments on one side are prone to problems over time. Therefore, when joint degeneration occurs, using two canes at the same time, when available, can keep the entire body in a more upright posture and provide more comprehensive protection for the joints. Although the use of a cane can reduce the load on the lower limbs in a short period of time and improve joint degeneration, functional exercise is the ultimate solution. However, functional exercise is the ultimate solution to the problem, and if possible, joint damage should be addressed by strengthening joint function. Therefore, while using a cane, functional exercises such as tensing and lifting the leg in a safe manner must be done consistently, otherwise, if you do not exercise for a long time, your leg will easily become “weak”, which means that the muscles have atrophied to the point that you cannot take off the cane at all. The use of a cane is only a temporary measure, our ultimate goal is to lose the cane. Of course, if an elderly person’s leg is already deformed and the joints are worn out, and the problem can only be solved by joint replacement, dropping the cane will lead to a worsening of the condition.