What it means
A cane takes a small amount of weight off one leg and improves balance. A single-tip cane gives the least support; a quad cane, with four small feet, is steadier. A correctly fitted cane reaches the crease of the wrist when the arm hangs down, so the elbow is slightly bent when holding it.
For the nurse
Teach the client to hold the cane in the hand on the stronger side and to move it forward together with the weaker leg. On stairs: up with the stronger leg first, then the cane and weaker leg; down with the cane and weaker leg first.
Remember it
Cane on the strong side, moving with the weak leg.
At a glance
| Spanish | bastón |
|---|---|
| Also written | canes |