Picking the right cane, crutches or walker after a crash
A physical therapist on fit, weight limits and moving safely
Canes, crutches and walkers each give a different level of support. Which one suits you depends on your injury and how much weight the leg is allowed to take. Your balance and arm strength count too. A physical therapist weighs all of these together. Grabbing the lightest option because it seems easier can make walking less safe. [1, 2]
Learn your weight bearing rule first
Look for the exact instruction in your discharge papers. Terms like non weight bearing or partial weight bearing can be confusing. Ask what they mean for your own body. Then have a therapist watch you walk and turn with the device. In general, a cane gives less support than crutches or a walker. [1, 2]
Maybe an arm or hand got hurt in the crash too. Speak up before you accept a device that depends on it. [1, 2]
Get a good fit and practice daily tasks
An aid that’s set up wrong can strain your body or lead to a fall. Ask the therapist to adjust it to your height. Then have them watch you stand up, sit down, use the toilet and get into your home. With a walker, make sure the tips or wheels are on the floor before you lean on it. Never pull on a walker to get up. Use the arms of a sturdy chair when there are some. [1, 2]
Stairs call for a separate lesson. Keep a walker off a flight of stairs unless a physical therapist has trained you for it. Ask what to do about a step at home that has no rail. A safe plan might mean a different way in, a second person to help or other equipment. [2]
Free up the hand that holds the aid
Clear loose rugs and clutter from the paths you walk. Wear shoes that grip well. Keep your phone in a pocket or small bag, out of the hand that holds the aid. Look over the rubber tips and wheels for wear. Report repeated near falls, arm pain or an aid that slips. Any of these means your setup needs another look. [1, 2]
Questions for your therapist
- Which device matches my weight bearing rule and my arm strength?
- Can you watch me use it on the kind of stairs I have at home?
- When will we check the device again as I heal?
Try a short practice route at home
Sources and further reading
This is general information from a physical therapy point of view. Your treating team’s weight bearing rule and hands on training come before any general walking tips.
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