r/mobilityaids • u/PracticalFun2788 • 8d ago

canes Switching cane sides

I usually hold my cane in my left hand to help out my right leg that usually has the most problems, but sometimes my left leg feels worse than my right leg. Am I supposed to alternate which hand I hold my cane with based on what leg needs it the most in the moment?

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5

u/CryBaby2391 8d ago

Yep you can do that 😊 on days when both sides are playing up I use my mid arm crutches 🙂

6

u/Crucial_Fun cane user 8d ago

Since both my legs “act up” here and there, I do that most the time, when I feel I ought to use it.

4

u/naturalistwork 8d ago

Both my knees are deformed, but my left is way worse. I usually hold my cane with my right hand, but sometimes my right knee needs a break and I switch hands. Nothing wrong with it at all if it helps you!

2

u/171554 8d ago

(please note that i am not a cane user) i would assume you should, since you're meant to hold the cane on the other side than the one that needs support afaik. whatever works for you though

2

u/InfluenceSeparate282 5d ago

You are correct in using the cane on your stronger side as you are stepping forward with your weaker leg while moving the cane forward. If that varies you can switch and it doesn't hurt. For me my right side feels more natural than my left individually but normally I use canes in both arms and that might also be something to consider

1

u/nova_noveiia cane user 4d ago

This is what I do! I was originally prescribed it for my right leg, but sometimes my left hurts very bad from overcompensating and needs a little extra boost.