After a knee or hip replacement, many people will use a walker for a period of time. Eventually, the individual will progress. They will get stronger. More range of motion. More confidence.
Oftentimes, the patient then progresses to the CANE.
Everyone knows what a cane looks like. We often think of that old wooden cane that has been upstairs in our basement for decades.
However, when we actually need one, what is the right cane?
A wooden one? A wider base of support? A hurry cane? A walking stick?
There are sooooo many options out there today. With Amazon, Walmart, CVS, and many other companies, we have hundreds of options.
You can read the reviews. You can ask your neighbor. However, everyone is different.
You should figure out what works best for you and your situation in regards to your strength, balance, and overall mobility.
Most CRUCIAL FACTORS WHEN LOOKING FOR THE BEST CANE after the hip or knee replacement:
When looking and searching for a cane after your knee or hip replacement, the cane must be:
Sturdy and stable (both head and base of cane)
Fit to your size/height
Not collapsible
Whenever I recommend a cane to a particular patient, these are the major points I often hit.
Before just purchasing a cane, talk to your PT.
First of all, some orthopedic physicians have a “protocol” after the hip or knee replacement when each patient can progress off of a walker or cane. Some don’t care at all. So it is important to make sure your surgeon knows the plan.
Secondly, talk to your physical therapist. Most patients after a knee or hip replacement surgery will be seeing home health physical therapy and then Outpatient physical therapy.
Make sure to talk to your physical therapist about your goal to progress to cane and also which one you might like to try. They will have a good idea of what might fit you best (ie. walking stick, quad-base cane, single point cane, etc.) after the hip or knee replacement.
Unfortunately, sometimes patients are not being followed by a physical therapist and at home without any guidance. However, you feel ready and want to get off that walker. Let’s dive into some cane options that might work for you.
Different kind of canes to use after a hip or knee replacement:
The offset cane is probably the one I have issued and recommended the most. You might categorize this cane as “old reliable.” You will see this style of cane the most because it is often issued from ERs, physical therapy offices, etc. Additionally, it is the easiest to use and very lightweight to give you just that extra stability.
Pros:
Sleek and light-weight
Comfortable handle (foam)
Solid base for a single point cane
Easily adjustable
Stable
Cons:
Not a ton of support
Smaller base compared to quad canes
Not for anyone over 300lbs
If you need more stability or you if you feel a little more off balance, this cane is not going to provide the best support. However, if you just need a little support after that knee or hip replacement, this might be your best option.
This is VERY similar to the Medline offset cane. However, now the cane has a more sleek handle in my opinion. With this cane, you still have the benefits of the stable base and the stability of the entire cane, but now you have less of a handle. This really comes down to feeling and what makes you feel more comfortable and confident. I have seen patients like this one a little more because they feel like they can put a little more pressure down on the cane if need be.
Pros:
Light weight
Comfortable handle
Adjustable for height
Stable
Cons:
If you need more support, might not be the right choice
Smaller base compared to quad canes
Not for anyone over 250lbs
This is a little bit more “nontraditional” when it comes to the rehab world. However, the Brazos are still great and supportive "canes" to use after a hip or knee replacement. I have seen patients use two walking poles when walking after a joint replacement or even with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. I like the idea of the walking stick especially for my more active patients. The patients that like to hike or are a little more outdoorsy.
I will usually recommend the walking stick if the patient doesn’t like the idea of using a cane (how they feel), they only need just a hand-hold amount of support, and the patient is more active/outdoorsy.
Pros:
Stable and sturdy
Light weight (1 lb)
Beautiful and “non-traditional” look
Cons:
Less support compared to a traditional cane
More expensive
Must order the correct size (not adjustable)
The Nova cane here is another single point cane, but now is for an
yone over 300lbs. This allows the patient to have the support needed after a knee or hip replacement without having to worry about the cane itself. This cane continues to offer good support and stability as the others mentioned above. This cane is a little heavier comparatively, but still fairly lightweight ( 2 pounds).
This walking cane is very similar to the Medline offset cane mentioned above with the same pros/cons. The only difference is that if you are over 300lbs, this will be a better fit for you.
The quad cane is NOT for everyone. Compared to the singl
e point, this cane allows you to put a little more weight through the cane. The base of support is very wide to allow you to really take some weight off of that involved leg.
I will say that most people will NOT need this cane. Ideally, after a knee or hip replacement, you want a cane that you don't really on TOO much.
Immediately following a hip or knee replacement, you should be using a walker or can start using the single point cane. This cane is often more appropriate for those with a history of stroke, brain injury, etc. where you have one side that is very weak. This is more appropriate for those you can’t hold onto a walker as well with the “weaker” side, but still require some support.
Pros:
Good for those with a weaker side (ie after stroke, brain injury)
Very stable with wide base of support
Sturdy
Cons:
Can be clunky
Heavier (approximately 2 pounds)
The base can tilt easily due to the four prongs
Canes to AVOID after a knee or hip replacement:
Please avoid the collapsible canes if possible after a knee or hip replacement. I understand the need and that it is easier to travel with. However, I have seen and heard many stories about how the cane just gave out from
underneath the individual. If you use the cane for some support, you need to be able to truly trust it.
Additionally, canes that say they can help you stand are really a waste of money. These canes will not help you stand. These canes will not help your gait pattern or make your life any easier. So please avoid those kinds of canes at all costs.
Side note: Rehab is KEY after a hip or knee replacement
After a knee or hip replacement, the progression is usually from walker to cane to no assistive device. However, everyone is different. Some people may be on a walker longer. Some may go straight from a walker to no device. It just depends on your progress and your rehab.
Just remember that REHAB is the most important thing. You might progress quickly off the walker to no assistive device, but you still walk with a limp. You might still have significant weakness in your hips or quadriceps. If you don’t strengthen your muscles, you will not progress how you want to. The most important thing after a knee or hip replacement is not the assistive device, but the strengthening program.
Make sure your exercise program is not just quad sets and mini-squats. Make sure you are able to get off the ground, walk on uneven surfaces, get back to biking, lifting in the gym again, etc. The joint replacement surgery is done to help alleviate pain. But that is all it does. The next step is harder. Strengthen that joint again so you get back to living the way you want!
If you have questions about the recovery/rehab involved after a joint replacement or even just not sure what cane is best for you, please call/text at 412-790-9717 or email at kelly@powerinmotionrehab.com to see how we can help you today! We are always here to help you with your recovery and can even provide in-person physical therapy/fitness programs in the Pittsburgh area or even tele-visits!!!
Kommentare