How To Use A Cane With A Bad Knee

simplestepsmobi... Using a cane for a sore or painful knee is common. A cane is less cumbersome than crutches or a walker. If your knee is weak and not painful, using a single point cane is also a good option.
It's common practice to use your cane on the side of your sore leg. But this is a misconception. You need to use the cane in the opposite hand of the bad leg. This will give you support when the sore leg is in the weight bearing position.

[@davidmckaig8134]

GREAT explanation and great socks too!

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

LOL ! thank you !

[@susanspring3635]

That gave me some reassurance! Thank you💐

[@KarenSelickKAS]

Thanks, this is exactly what I wanted to know.

[@Punketeria1369]

Thanks you, this definitely helps. I've recently hurt my knee and just bought myself a cane.
I also always assumed one uses the cane on the same side; glad you corrected this for me right away :)
chEErs

[@oraliewilhite4902]

Thank you for this great demo! So helpful!

[@joycelerner5862]

It was very explicit & informative.

[@AverageSlav]

Thank you, I recently tore the cartilage and nerves in my left knee and had no idea how to properly use a cane

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

I'm glad I could help

[@pamelaburke9250]

Thank you!

[@lavonnekelly9173]

Thank you ..this was very helpful.

[@jerrijobarkerlove3613]

Thank you for this video.

[@stevew5146]

Makes sense. Thanks

[@barbaras8838]

thanks, useful reminder - I am using a crutch - my bad knee is left, the right hip has followed suit - I have always felt I keep the crutch on the right as the knee is the original problem it feels natural and b) if I ever change, I don't feel any support for my walking. Am I right? Thanks,

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

As physical/physio therapists we usually encourage people to use their single arm support whether crutch or cane in the opposite side of the bad/worse leg. So, if you're left knee gives you the most trouble, a therapist would usually tell you to use it on the right side because it allows you to maintain a proper sequencing and cadence.
But, not everybody can do this. The bottom line is safety first, comfort second.
Use your device in the capacity that you feel gives you the most safety and support, and if it's easy for you to do.
Hope that helps.

[@SmokinZen]

Thanks for the tip I recently had a knee strain and was wondering if the same cane technique applied for a knee that might buckle

[@Blufyre_]

Thanks, in the process of being diagnosed with EDS and had a bad knee injury in February that hasn’t healed :/

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

I'm sorry for your situation. Let me know if there are other topics I may be able to make videos on

[@stephanrobinson4050]

Thank you

[@tefineydesareeboyden3171]

Is it possible to use the cane this way if your knee is very deformed. My right knee is very bad. My leg bows out like a V shape. My foot is way out to the side versus my hip. Probably about 20 degrees out from being straight. I use my cane on my right side, same as my bad knee to hold me up. I can barely walk without it literally. I've always used it this way. I basically support my weight on the cane so I don't collapse but it really wears me out having to walk like this. To understand this better, if I stand on my right knee I'm probably at least 2 inches shorter than standing on my left leg that's straight and shows my actual height. The meniscus is gone and it's bone in bone now. Happened from a surgery when I tore my ACL in half and when the doctor fixed that he also shaved off almost all my meniscus due to it being eat up with arthritis. My knee has progressively bent out more and more over the past 10yrs since that surgery. I need a replacement now to fix it. Anyway, do you think it's possible I could use the cane the way you are saying without collapsing? Or is there a better way to use my cane so I don't get so worn out when walking? Sorry for the long explanation. Any advice would be a blessing. Thank you! 😊

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

I posted the audio file on SoundCloud which you can listen to here: soundcloud.com/simplestepsmobility/how-to-use-a-cane-with-a-bad-knee

[@738polarbear]

But if you cannot put pressure on your LEFT knee ,HOW does having a cane in your RIGHT hand reduce that pressure?

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

738polarbear If a person cannot put pressure on their opposite knee they should be using a walker rather than a cane

[@tonidavis6910]

I understand this but, what if it's your left knee and your left-handed that's the problem I'm having

[@SimpleStepsMobility]

Some people go ahead and use the stronger hand or arm regardless of which side the injured leg is on. Safety is the bottom line.