Basic Care and Comfort

On the stronger (unaffected) side. This widens the base of support and lets the cane share the load of the weaker leg, since the cane and the affected leg move together.

Move the cane forward first, then the affected leg, then the unaffected leg. The cane and weak leg work as a pair so weight is shared (remember COAL: Cane Opposite Affected Leg).

With the client standing, the cane handle should reach the crease of the wrist (level of the greater trochanter) so the elbow flexes about 15–30 degrees when holding it. Too tall or too short alters posture and stability.

Move the walker forward about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), then step forward with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg. All four walker tips should be on the floor before stepping.

Push up from the chair armrests, then grasp the walker handgrips once standing. Pulling up on the walker can tip it and cause a fall because the walker is not weighted.

Two to three finger widths (about 1–1.5 inches / 2.5–4 cm). This prevents pressure on the axilla, which can damage the brachial plexus and cause crutch palsy (arm weakness or numbness).