Canes & Crutches
The lightest mobility aids do a surprising amount of work — when they're the right type and fitted correctly. A cane steadies balance; crutches take weight off an injured leg. Matching the aid to how much support the body actually needs is what keeps it safe.
Knowing the family of aids
From a little support to a lot
A single-point cane offers light support for mild balance issues or slight weakness on one side — useful when someone is mostly steady but wants reassurance. A quad cane (four small feet on a wide base) stands up on its own and gives more stability, bridging the gap between a single cane and a walker.
Crutches are a different job: they take significant weight off an injured or healing leg. Underarm crutches suit short-term injuries, while forearm crutches are often used for longer-term needs and give more control. The rule of thumb: canes are mainly for balance, crutches are mainly for offloading weight.
Match the aid to the need
Think about balance versus weight-bearing — that single distinction guides most choices.
A single cane for balance
Mild unsteadiness, slight weakness on one side, or growing confidence after recovery. Held in the hand opposite the weaker leg, it widens the base of support without taking much weight.
For aging in place
A quad cane for more stability
When a single cane isn't quite enough but a walker is more than needed. The four-footed base stands alone and steadies a wobblier gait — a sensible step-down from a walker.
Regaining mobility
Crutches to offload a leg
After a fracture, sprain, or surgery when a leg can't bear full weight. Underarm for short recoveries; forearm crutches for longer-term use and better control.
Acute recoveryFitting and walking with a cane
Cane height is the single most-skipped step — and the one that most affects safety.
Set the height to your wrist crease
Stand upright in your usual shoes, arms relaxed at your sides. The top of the cane should reach the crease of your wrist. If you can, have someone measure from the wrist crease to the floor — that's your length.
Confirm the elbow bend
Holding the cane, your elbow should bend a comfortable 15 to 20 degrees. A little more bend is fine if the cane is mainly for balance. A straight, locked arm means it's too tall.
Hold it on the strong side
A cane goes in the hand opposite the weaker or injured leg. Move the cane and the weak leg forward together, then step through with the strong leg. This mirrors a natural walking rhythm.
Take stairs deliberately
Going up, lead with the stronger leg; coming down, lead with the cane and the weaker leg. "Up with the good, down with the bad" is the old reminder — and a handrail beats a cane on stairs whenever one is available.
Common questions
Why does cane height matter so much?
A cane that's too long forces you to lift your shoulder and work harder with every step, tiring you out. One that's too short makes you lean to that side, which actually worsens balance and can cause a fall. Wrist-crease height gives the elbow its natural slight bend and the best leverage.
Single cane or quad cane?
If a single cane keeps you steady, it's lighter and easier to maneuver — stick with it. If you find yourself wishing the cane would stand on its own or carry more of your weight, a quad cane's wider base is the next step. When a quad cane still feels insufficient, it's time to consider a walker.
Are crutches hard to learn?
There's a short learning curve, especially with underarm crutches. The key safety point: bear weight through your hands and the handgrips, not your armpits — leaning on the underarm pads can pinch nerves. A physical therapist can teach the gait pattern in a single session, which is well worth it.
Choosing between a cane and crutches?
Tell us whether the need is balance or taking weight off a leg, and we'll help you pick the right type and get the height right.