Let’s face it: back pain sucks. Especially when you have to go about your daily life and do things like work, drive, exercise, or even just stand for extended periods of time. Luckily, there are a ton of different tips and tricks out there that can help ease the pain. This article will focus on discussing how to walk with a cane for back pain. It is important to note that this article is not meant as medical advice and is simply an introduction to the topic. If you are looking for more information on walking with a cane specifically for back pain, keep reading!
What is the Correct Way to Walk With a Cane?
Photo Source-strongarmcanes.com
There are many different types of canes, so the best way to hold each one will be different. For general walking, though, you’ll want to make sure that your cane is under your control.
Hold The Cane In Your Hand
The cane should be held in the hand opposite the side of your body that is having the issue. If you’re having pain in your left leg, hold the cane in your right hand.
Use Your Arm
The cane should be used to help you stabilize, not support all of your weight. If you put all your weight on the cane, you risk hurting your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Keep the cane under control; use your other arm to help support some of your weight.
Push From The Center
You don’t want to push from the top or the bottom of the cane. Instead, push from the center and let the cane slide along the ground as you move. This will help prevent you from tripping or catching your cane on the ground.
How To Hold A Cane While Walking?
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The best way to hold a cane while walking is to place the cane in the hand opposite your injured side. If you have knee pain, hold the cane in your right hand. If you have ankle pain, hold it in your left hand. Once you have the cane in your hand, use your other arm to help stabilize your body. Let the arm you are not using to hold the cane rest against your side.
Let the cane slide along the ground as you walk. You can do this by pressing the cane into the ground in the center of the cane. This will help you avoid catching your cane on the ground and falling. – Practice these steps in an empty room until you feel comfortable walking with a cane.
Benefits Of Using A Cane For Back Pain
Photo Source-verywellhealth.com
A cane can help to reduce the stress and pressure on your body as you walk. This can help to prevent and ease back pain. Using a cane will help to improve your posture. This is also helpful for preventing back pain. Wearing good shoes with proper support will help reduce the overall strain on the body.
A good pair of shoes can reduce the stress on your back. Using a cane will help to prevent you from falling. This is especially important if you are also struggling with reduced vision. A cane can make you feel more confident as you walk around. This can help you to continue living your life.
Step by step Instruction to Walk with a Cane
Photo Source-seniorsupported.com
- Hold the cane in your hand – Make sure that you hold the cane in the hand opposite the side of your body where you are experiencing pain. If your pain is in your left knee, hold the cane in your right hand.
- Keep your arm against your side – Let the arm that you are not holding the cane rest against your side, slightly away from your body.
- Press the cane into the ground – As you walk, press the cane into the ground in the center of the cane. This will help to prevent the cane from catching on the ground and you falling.
- Don’t forget to breathe – Take slow, deep breaths as you walk. This will help to keep your body from tensing up.
- Practice walking with the cane in an empty room – Once you have your cane, try taking a few steps. Walk until you are comfortable using the cane.
3 Exercises to Help You Walk with a Cane
Squat
Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, then bend your knees and sit back as if you’re sitting in a chair. Hold that position for 5-10 seconds and then stand back up. Repeat 10 times.
Step up
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then place one foot on a chair or a stair. Hold onto a rail or nearby furniture if you need to. Press down on the foot that is on the chair and step up onto the chair with the other foot. Hold that position for 5-10 seconds and then step back down with the other foot. Repeat 10 times.
Butterfly
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lift your foot off the ground, pressing down on your knees. Hold this pose for 5-10 seconds and then lower your feet back to the ground. Repeat 10 times.
Tips for Safe Cane Walking
- Wear good shoes – Wearing good shoes with support will help reduce the strain on your body. Make sure to replace your shoes every 6 months, even if they don’t look worn out.
- Wear appropriate clothing – Clothing that is loose and lets your skin breathe will help to prevent chafing and blisters. –
- void glare – Glare can make it more difficult to see, so avoid walking near large bodies of water, bright sunlight, and other places where glare is a problem.
- Avoid uneven terrain – Uneven terrain can trip you up and make it more difficult to walk. – Avoid busy areas
- Stay away from busy streets, noisy areas, and areas that have a lot of traffic.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet – This can let first responders know about your medical conditions and medications.
- Get regular exercise – This can help to reduce pain and stiffness.
Conclusion
Although walking with a cane may seem like an old-fashioned form of assistance, it can be an excellent way to support your body while you exercise. The best way to walk with a cane is to use it in the hand opposite your injured side and to let the cane slide along the ground as you walk. If you have been diagnosed with back pain or are experiencing symptoms of arthritis, the simple act of walking can become challenging. Walking with a cane can ease your pain and help you maintain your independence at the same time. It’s both helpful and comforting to know that many others have found t he benefits of the cane to be surprisingly expansive.
I am John Crosby, the founder and author of back backpaincareguides.com. I have been dealing with chronic back pain for almost eight years and have made it my mission to help people who are also suffering from this debilitating condition through my blog. I want to share my knowledge and experience about this condition so that others can find relief from their back pain. I believe that by being open and honest about my struggles, I can inspire others to live better and more fulfilling life.