Avoid cane and walker injuries By Barbara Floria, Pure Matters
Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat more than 47,000
Americans ages 65 and older after they fall while using canes
and walkers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
says. Although these walking aids often help older adults stay
mobile, it's crucial to use them safely. These suggestions can
help you do just that. Canes offer you balance and support, and
when used properly they may help you avoid a fall. Canes can
help if you have arthritis of the knees or hips, a balance
disorder, or an injury to your foot or leg. To make sure your
cane is the right length, wear normal shoes, stand, and hold
your arm with a bend of about 25 degrees in your elbow. Have
someone measure the distance from the floor to your wrist.
Adjust your cane to match. To safely use a cane: - Hold it in
the hand away from the injured or weak part of your body. - Put
all your weight on your "better" leg, then move the cane and
your weaker leg forward by a length you