1) Using a walker or cane improperly can lead to physical issues like back pain and muscle soreness. It is important to maintain good posture by looking forward, keeping shoulders back, and keeping the back straight. 2) When using a walker, one should not rush or push the walker too far in front, and should keep their back leg even with their toes to maintain balance. Leaning over the walker can cause falls. 3) A cane should be the proper length so the elbow is bent 15-20 degrees when holding it. It should be held on the same side as the weaker leg to provide support when stepping with that leg. Proper use helps absorb strain rather than putting more on the weaker

1. Keeping the Body Strong
While Using a Cane or Walker

2. Mistake Number One (Walkers)
• Needing to “aggressively push” the walker.
• Bend forward to keep up with the walker.
• Exaggerating the extension of the arms, thus mimicking the
act of “mowing the lawn”.
• Physical challenges; proper posture, developing back issues,
and experiencing muscle soreness in both the legs, arms and
hands.
• Good posture consists of:
Looking forward.
Shoulders slightly back and relaxed.
Gently tighten your abdominals.
Chin parallel to the ground.
Back straight, not arched forward or backward.
Soft knees, not locking the knees.
PRACTICE!

3. Mowing the Lawn

4. Why is good posture important?

5. Mistake Number Two (Walkers)
• Hurried pace.
• The walker is designed to give you support and
stability while you walk.
• Rushing without proper form can actually cause falls.
By not maintaining proper posture or foot placement
balance is affected.

6. Mistakes (Canes)
•Holding the cane on the
wrong side.
•Slump to one side.
•Leaning over.
•Too far out in front or
behind.

7. Walk Properly (Walkers)
• Do not push your wheeled walker too far in front of you.
• Make sure your back legs remain even with your toes.
• Refrain from leaning forward or over your walker, and
maintain good posture while walking. Leave the mowing for
the landscapers!

8. Walk Properly (Walkers)
• Make sure that the walker is adjusted for your
height by a professional. To check for a good fit:
Place your hands on the grips. Your elbows
should bend at a comfortable angle of about 15
degrees.
Stand inside the walker and relax your arms at
your sides. The top of your walker should line
up with the crease on the inside of your wrist.
Stand up tall and straight positioning yourself in
the middle of your wheeled walker. Place your
hands on the side grips of the wheeled walker
for support…

9. Walk Properly (Walkers)
• Follow these steps when walking:
Bring the walker slightly forward check that the back
legs of your wheeled walker are even with your toes.
Grasp the grips firmly with your hands while you slightly
push the walker in a forward direction.
Step your weaker foot or leg forward and into the
middle part of the walker, using your hands for support
(have a nice firm grip to achieve stability).
Step forward using your stronger leg, and keep the
weight off your injured leg. Allow your arms to support
most of the weight while you shift your legs to move the
wheeled walker.
When you feel yourself leaning too far forward or notice
an almost extension of the arms. Stop and re-position
your body, begin the walk again in a more relaxed pace.

10. Walk Properly (Canes)

11. Walk Properly (Canes)
• Check the length. To select the proper length for a cane, stand
up straight with your shoes on and arms at your sides.
• The top of the cane should reach the crease on the under side
of your wrist. If the cane is a proper fit, your elbow will be
flexed 15-20 degrees when you hold the cane while standing.

12. Walk Properly (Canes)
• Cane length is usually about one half the
cane user's height, in inches, wearing
shoes. Use this as a rule of thumb.
• If your cane is too small, you'll need to
bend over in order to reach it. If your cane
is too big, you'll need to lean over onto
your injured side in order to use it. Neither
option is ideal. A perfectly fitted cane will
keep you upright while providing support.

13. Walk Properly (Canes)
• Hold the cane using the hand that's on the same side as
your good leg.
• It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true.If your left leg is
hurt, you should be holding the cane in your right hand.
If your right leg is hurt, hold the cane in your left hand.
• Start walking. When you step forward on your bad leg,
move the cane forward at the same time and put your
weight on them together, allowing the cane to absorb
more strain than the leg. Don't use the cane to step with
your good leg. As you become accustomed to the cane, it
will ideally feel like a natural extension of yourself.

14. Cane Use

15. LET’S PRACTICE!