Fitting a Cane

One of the things I often see in the streets is folks with ill-fitting canes.  Most of the time, they have them sized too tall.  This may force their shoulder to rise up too much, put unnecessary pressure on their wrist, or both.  I've occasionally stopped and asked strangers (after identifying myself as a physical therapist) if they've ever been properly fitted for their assistive device.  Every time the answer is "no".  After allowing me to adjust their cane, they all reported that it felt better.

I'm amazed at how often people have come into the clinic with assistive devices they've received from the hospital or from their doctor's office with NO INSTRUCTION.  I suppose that many doctors just assume that people will figure it out intuitively.  But I've learned over the years that it's a mistake to make assumptions, and that even some of the most basic interventions should not be taken for granted.

Towards that end, here's a brief clip on how to properly fit a straight cane.  With the awful weather we've been experiencing in the northeast this winter, unfortunately there will be an uptick in people in need of such assistance.  If you or someone you know ends up with an injury that requires some "off loading" of a lower extremity, please view and share this.  I hope that it will help make what's already an uncomfortable situation less so.