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A walking cane can improve your posture, provide assistance while walking, and help prevent further damage or injury to your body.
Knowing when to start using one could be tricky unless your physical therapist recommends it.
Some medical conditions require a cane, like arthritis, knee surgery, back pain, etc., but if you do not have such a requirement, you have to decide for yourself whether you need a walking cane.
Read along to find out how you know when you need a cane.
CHECK: Best Walking Cane for Balance and Stability
8 Signs You Need to Use a Walking Cane
Your body gives you signs, and if you pay close attention to it, you’ll know when it requires any assistive devices for the movement.
Here are some symptoms that tell you it’s time to start using a walking cane:
#1 You Are Dragging Your Foot
Have you recently found yourself dragging your foot rather than lifting it while walking?
While it may be due to many reasons like numbness and injury, it is vital to note that dragging your foot can cause imbalance.
Not to mention, continuous dragging of your foot would only result in more damage to the muscles.
If you have been dragging your foot for quite some time now, it’s time to stop asking yourself, do I need a cane? And get one for yourself.
#2 You are Limping
If you notice yourself limping, it is high time you should visit your doctor. Get yourself diagnosed as soon as possible as it may be due to an underlying health condition.
It is also beneficial to ask your doctor if it’s time to start using a walking cane. If you can benefit from it, your doctor will recommend that you walk with a cane.
Mobility aids like canes will help by not allowing all the pressure to fall on your one foot.
#3 You Suffer From Joints Pain
If joint pain has been troubling you for some time, it might be time to start using a walking cane. It will help alleviate the arthritis pain, and you can perform a range of motion.
In most cases, a standard cane must be enough for you, but if you still need assistance, talk to your doctor about getting a wheelchair or walker.
#4 You Suffer From Back Pain
If you have been suffering from back pain over a prolonged period, it could lead to poor posture and stress on your back.
This could further aggravate the problem if not taken care of in time. Consult your doctor and see if a cane could help your condition. A quad cane can be more beneficial with back pain.
#5 You Are Using Furniture to Support Yourself
It’s easy to overlook unless someone points it out for you, but if you find yourself using the furniture in your home to walk around or support every time you stand up, it’s a clear sign to start using a walking cane.
This is because your body needs support every time you walk around and stand up. It’s fine as long as you are in the house, but it becomes dangerous outside.
You might need sudden help, not finding something which can hurt you. In this case, getting a cane for walking will increase your mobility.
#6 Your Doctor Has Recommended it
This is a no-brainer; if your doctor has recommended you to use a walking cane, there’s no point in delaying its use any further.
This could be due to anything from recent surgery to some other medical condition. Still, irrespective of the reason, if your doctor has recommended it, you must start using a walking cane as early as possible.
For women, ladies walking canes come in different styles and fashions, so not getting one because it looks bland is not a good enough reason.
Settle the cane vs. walking stick debate with your doctor and find the best walking aid.
#7 You Find Yourself Feeling Uneasy at Staircases and Uneven Ground
Have you been finding yourself particularly uncomfortable in front of a flight of stairs and uneven grounds? That might be because you are more unstable on uneven floors due to gravity.
It is also a good reason to ponder whether you need to start using a walking cane.
A walking cane would support you on such uneven grounds, and you’ll be able to walk without any assistance from anyone else.
#8 You Are Losing Your Balance More Often
If you have been losing your balance or tripping over frequently recently, it’s a clear indication that you need a walking aid.
In this case, a cane provides the necessary support for your movement. It also safeguards you from tripping over, thus protecting against any further injury in your daily activities.
RELATED: How to Use a Cane Properly
FAQs
Why do people use canes?
Canes help support you and provide you with better posture. This, in turn, protects the body from injury caused by poor posture.
What injuries require a cane?
An injury to the hip or leg requires using a cane, as the body needs assistance while walking or standing up. In any such case, your physical therapist would suggest you use a cane.
Does a cane help with hip pain?
Yes, a cane does help with hip pain. Furthermore, it is more beneficial to use a cane if you are recovering from hip surgery.
Why are seniors in denial that they obviously need a cane?
There could be various reasons for this, from not wanting to look vulnerable to being in denial. Seniors need to acknowledge when they need a cane.
Do not live in denial that you don’t require a cane while the symptoms tell you otherwise. Rather than thinking of it as a sign of vulnerability, think of it as reclaiming your freedom.
With a cane by your side, you won’t need any assistance from anyone else for walking.
It would also improve your posture, prevent you from aggravating an existing injury, and help you live a better quality of life.
Are you having signs that you need to start using a walking cane? Let us know below!
