How do you use a walking cane?

To safely use a walking cane, the cane should be held on one's good side and should provide support to the lower limb on the opposite side; users should take their time when stepping with the affected leg, bringing the cane forward with each step, according to JustWalkers.com. Weight should be leaned through the arm that holds the cane.

The first full weight-bearing step on level surfaces should be on the affected leg, or "bad leg," according to JustWalkers.com. Users should move the cane the distance of an average step with each move, and they should never feel as if they are stepping ahead of the cane or stretching to catch up to it.