Which statement about cane use is correct?

Which statement about cane use is correct?

• A. The elbow should be flexed to 90 degrees.
• B. The cane should be held on the side opposite the affected leg.
• C. The cane should be placed directly under the armpit for support.
• D. The cane should be used on the same side as the affected leg.

Answer: (B)

Using a cane correctly relies on holding it in the hand opposite the affected leg. This setup lets the cane take part of your body weight and broadens your base of support, which helps you stay balanced as you move the weak leg forward. In practice, you advance the cane and the affected leg together, then bring the stronger leg forward. Keep the elbow slightly bent—about 20 to 30 degrees—so you can absorb weight through the arm without locking the joint. A cane is held in the hand, not placed under the armpit, and using it on the same side as the affected leg would reduce the counterbalancing effect and can destabilize your gait.

Using a cane correctly relies on holding it in the hand opposite the affected leg. This setup lets the cane take part of your body weight and broadens your base of support, which helps you stay balanced as you move the weak leg forward. In practice, you advance the cane and the affected leg together, then bring the stronger leg forward. Keep the elbow slightly bent—about 20 to 30 degrees—so you can absorb weight through the arm without locking the joint. A cane is held in the hand, not placed under the armpit, and using it on the same side as the affected leg would reduce the counterbalancing effect and can destabilize your gait.