At first thought, we tend to associate canes with people who have injured a leg or are unable to walk properly due to various reasons. However, it is not true, as even healthy people prefer to use canes for activities such as trekking and hiking, where one needs to walk for long hours over unfriendly terrain. So, how does using a cane help, you may ask? A cane is used for reasons like maintaining balance while walking and for reducing the load on one particular leg. Using a cane makes it easier for you to walk as the weight of the body is partly supported by the cane, and your legs can easily carry your body weight. Thus, using a cane can help you walk comfortably for long hours. You can use a cane if only one of your legs is injured or operated upon. In case both your legs are hurt, then your doctor would prescribe crutches for you. Canes come in many styles and colors, and it is easy to find one that is just perfect for you. A cane that is either too long or too short will not be comfortable for your body. A cane that is too short for you, requires you to bend forward to hold it. On the other hand, a very long cane forces you to bend your elbows beyond comfort. So, before you choose a cane, consult your doctor to make sure that it is of the perfect size. If you wish to, you can even make a wooden walking stick at home to suit your purpose. Once you have a cane of the right size, a little practice can make walking with the cane a comfortable experience. Ideally, a cane that is half of your total height is considered right for you, and you should be able to hold it just by bending your elbow a little. How to Use a Walking Cane If you have an injury in one of the joints of your legs, using a cane can help ease your pain by decreasing the body weight on the affected joint or muscle. It is important that you are aware of the correct technique to use a cane, for, using it in an improper way can cause you pain or even aggravate your injuries. To reap maximum benefits of using a cane, you should know how to use one. To begin with, using a cane is pretty simple. All you need to do is follow a certain set of instructions when it comes to using your cane to walk or climb a staircase. To provide proper support to the leg that is affected, you should hold the cane in the hand that is on the opposite side of the affected leg. However, if you wish to use the cane for purposes such as trekking, you can hold it in any way that is comfortable for you. However, most people choose to use their dominant hand to hold the cane. Walking with a Cane While walking with a cane, you should walk such that you put the cane forward every time you step ahead using the affected leg. In order to walk smoothly using a cane, follow the steps given below.

• Begin with holding the cane a little in front of you. Allow it to support your body weight.
• Slowly lift the affected leg and take a step forward. Remember that your injured leg and the cane you are using, should touch the ground at the same time, for a correct step.
• Bring your normal leg forward to complete the step. Repeat this for every subsequent step.

Climbing Stairs with a Cane Climbing a fleet of steps with a painful or injured leg might seem impossible, but once you learn how to walk with a cane, climbing stairs is not that difficult. Just follow the steps given below.

• While ascending the stairs, first place your normal leg on the step above. While doing so, hold on to the railings of the staircase with the "free" hand for additional safety and support, or lean on the cane.
• Once your normal leg is on the higher step, bring your injured leg forward and place it on the step, along with the cane.
• To climb down the stairs, place your injured leg on the step below, along with the cane, and then bring your normal leg down to the step below. Repeat this for every step you climb.

Safety Tips for Using a Cane Here are some safety tips that you should keep in mind, to help you walk smoothly with your cane.

• Whenever you place the cane on the floor, place it such that the cane is exactly perpendicular to the ground. This will reduce the chances of slipping. Canes with rubber tips are also a good option.
• Always use a cane that is of a correct height.
• Make it a point to inspect your cane regularly to see if it requires maintenance. A well-maintained cane is always safe for you.
• While walking, it is recommended that you use the unaffected or normal leg to take the first step. However, you might choose to step ahead with your injured leg and the cane first, if you are comfortable.

Thus, we see that walking with a cane isn't difficult, provided you know the rules. Just remember that your cane serves the purpose of an "extra leg" that performs the function of your injured leg. So, whenever you step your injured foot forward, always do so accompanied by the cane. Initially, it is quite normal to feel awkward walking with the help of a cane, but with practice, it will become easy for you.