Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Any advice on using a cane with a cast?
avatar
Reevms posted:
I fell and have two fractures of my fibula. I am in a cast. My dilemna, it is my right leg and my left leg I had a knee replacement 3 l/2 years ago. Since my fall I have been using a walker and a wheelchair when outside my home. I have MS so using the crutches is out of the question because of my balance. It has been a week since the injury. I started using my cane. Any tips on using a cane with a cast? I'm not going any distance.

Take the Poll

Any tips on Cane using with a cast?
  • Any tips on Cane using?
  • Cane usage
vote
View Poll Results
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Any advice on using a cane with a cast?I fell and have two fractures of my fibula. I am in a cast. My dilemna, it is my right leg and my left leg I had a knee replacement 3 l/2 years ago. Since my fall I have been using a walker and a wheelchair when outside my home. I have MS so using the crutches is out of the question because of my balance. It has been a week since the injury. I started using my cane. Any tips on using a cane with a cast? I'm not going any distance.
Reply
 
avatar
TotallyWiggedOut responded:
Since you have balance problems and MS , you really need to get a 4footed cane as they provide way way more stability. When using a cane with cast the idea is that the cane will act as support for that injured leg. So when you take a smal step forward with your bad leg, you have the cane up near the heal of that leg, not so far that you have to reach, because you will be bearing most of the weight on that cane instead of your foot. But the cane goes forward like the leg you are taking a step with, you bear weight on it, get your balance then take another step forward, always leading with the bad leg . You wont be walking like normal nor even like a "tall hatted gentleman with walking stick" simply because you cant bear your full weight just on the injured leg to take a full leading step with the other leg.
Just remember one step at a time, lead with cane and bad leg always, bearing most of your weight on your cane.
Report This| Share this:Any advice on using a cane with a cast?Since you have balance problems and MS , you really need to get a 4footed cane as they provide way way more stability. When using a cane with cast the idea is that the cane will act as support for that injured leg. So when you take a smal step forward with your bad leg, you have the cane up near the heal of that leg, not so far that you have to reach, because you will be bearing most of the weight on that cane instead of your foot. But the cane goes forward like the leg you are taking a step with, you bear weight on it, get your balance then take another step forward, always leading with the bad leg . You wont be walking like normal nor even like a "tall hatted gentleman with walking stick" simply because you cant bear your full weight just on the injured leg to take a full leading step with the other leg. <br />Just remember one step at a time, lead with cane and bad leg always, bearing most of your weight on your cane.
Reply
 
avatar
Rich Weil, MEd, CDE responded:
Hi Reevms,

First, I suggest you speak with your doctor about any limitations on physical activitiy, and also about a referral to physical therapy where they can evaluate your gait and help you with exercises and other advice to keep you moving safely. I also suggest that you ask your doctor or a physical therapist about using walking sticks (one in each hand) instead of a cane once you get the cast off. The sticks will reduce strain on your knees, and unlike a cane in one hand, these will help you distribute your balance more evenly to both legs. Sometimes with a cane the gait becomes uneven, and that never helps balance. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:Any advice on using a cane with a cast?Hi Reevms,<br /> <br />First, I suggest you speak with your doctor about any limitations on physical activitiy, and also about a referral to physical therapy where they can evaluate your gait and help you with exercises and other advice to keep you moving safely. I also suggest that you ask your doctor or a physical therapist about using walking sticks (one in each hand) instead of a cane once you get the cast off. The sticks will reduce strain on your knees, and unlike a cane in one hand, these will help you distribute your balance more evenly to both legs. Sometimes with a cane the gait becomes uneven, and that never helps balance. Good luck.
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Eating & Diet Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Rich Weil, MEd, CDE Expert
Rich is an exercise physiologist and certified diabetes educator. He is director of the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program at St. Lu...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Losing Belly FatExpert
Hello Everyone, Losing belly fat seems to be a popular topic these days (in anticipation of beach season?). There are a couple of points to ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
118 of 145 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.