There are many types of canes, walkers, and other assistive devices available in the market today. If you feel you need a cane or walker, talk to your physician and/or physical therapist to make sure you get the product that is best for you.

Canes provide balance and support, and may help some people avoid falls. You can support up to 25% of your weight with a cane. The typical reasons for using a cane are arthritis of the hips and knees, injuries to the foot or leg, and mild balance disorders.

Walkers, too, provide balance and support, and may help some people avoid falls. You can support up to 50% of your weight with a walker. The typical reasons for using a walker are arthritis of the hips and knees, generalized weakness of hips and legs, and moderately severe balance and gait disorders.

The correct length of a cane and walker is measured from the wrist to the floor. To measure for a cane and walker, wear your normal shoes and hold your arm with a 20- to 30-degree angle in the elbow. Ask someone else to measure the distance from your wrist to the floor. This measurement should be about equal to the distance from the point where your leg bone fits into the hip socket to the floor. If necessary, adjust the cane or walker to match your measurement.

Wood canes can be cut with a small saw. Remove the rubber tip, measure the cane from the top edge of the handle to the desired length, cut the cane, and replace the rubber tip.

Aluminium canes and walkers are adjusted by pushing the button in and sliding the tube to the new length until the button locks in place.

Unless instructed otherwise, use the cane on the opposite side of your injury or weakness. Put all of your weight on your unaffected leg, and then move the cane and your affected leg a comfortable distance forward. With your weight supported on your cane and your affected leg, step through with your unaffected leg.

Place your cane or walker firmly on the ground before you take a step. Do not place your cane or walker too far ahead of you, or it could slip from under you. Non-skid rubber tips help keep you from slipping. Check tips often and change them if they look worn. These tips are available through your local pharmacy or medical supply store. If your cane or walker does not feel right, ask your physician or physical therapist to check the fit.