Canes for Multiple Sclerosis: Proper Walking Technique, Exercise Tips, Safety

How Canes Can Help Improve Mobility with Multiple Sclerosis

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents many challenges when it comes to mobility and walking. Fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, poor balance and coordination, and nerve pain can all make walking difficult. Using a cane offers needed support and stability to help offset these symptoms.

Benefits of Using Canes with MS

Canes provide multiple important benefits for those living with MS including:

• Increasing balance and stability
• Improving safety by reducing falls
• Providing support to weak muscles
• Taking pressure off sensitive nerves
• Conserving precious energy
• Supporting continued independence

Even those with relatively mild MS symptoms can gain confidence, security, and preserve strength by using a cane for walking.

Types of Canes Useful for Multiple Sclerosis

There are many different types of canes that can assist with MS mobility. Common options include:

Standard Canes

These basic straight canes redistribute up to 25% of body weight across the upper body and can vastly improve stability.

Quad Canes

With four feet on the base, these canes provide a larger base of support. The wider footprint enhances balance particularly on uneven terrain.

Offset Canes

The handle on these canes angles to one side so more weight goes through the hip/leg on the opposite side. Helpful for those with more pronounced side-to-side weakness and instability.

Forearm Canes

These support canes have cuffs that secure around the forearm allowing for increased support. Helpful when hand and grip weakness is present.

Trying different styles helps determine what provides the right support, stability and comfort for each unique case.

Proper Cane Technique and Walking Tips for MS Patients

Simply having a cane doesnt automatically equal stability or easier mobility. Using proper technique when walking with a cane is vital. Here are key tips for safe and effective cane use with MS:

Have Proper Cane Height

When standing upright with arms relaxed at your sides, the top of the cane handle should align with the crease of your wrist. This allows a slight bend in the elbow to support some of the weight through the upper body while walking.

Hold the Cane Properly

Keep a loose, comfortable grip on the handle using your fingers and thumb with your hand positioned on top. This is less tiring and allows quicker reactions if losing balance.

Lead with the Cane

When stepping forward with either foot, first move the cane forward about 6 inches, transfer bodyweight onto it, then step the foot forward to meet the cane. This sequence is essential for stability and preventing falls.

Put Weight Through Opposite Side

As you step forward, consciously put about 25% of your weight through the arm on your cane-side, while most weight remains on the leg opposite the cane. This crossed support aids balance significantly.

Use Taller Grips and Cuffs If Needed

Those with hand weakness, poor grip or concerns about hands slipping can utilize cane models with taller handles or forearm cuffs. This provides more secure support.

Touch the Can Tip Lightly

Rather than pushing the cane tip hard into the ground, imagine just lightly touching it to the floor as you walk. This allows for easier maneuverability and less jarring forces.

Take Care on Stairs and Curbs

Curb edges, uneven ground, and stairs present tripping hazards. Go slowly, lead firmly with the cane, and transfer most weight to the leg trailing the cane on stairs. Consider handrails when available.

Choosing the Best Cane for Multiple Sclerosis

With mobility aids like canes, having the proper size, style and fit makes all the difference. When selecting a cane for MS, keep these key factors in mind:

Height

Ensure the cane height allows your elbow to stay bent slightly when holding the handle. This varies by each person's height.

Weight Capacity

Check that any cane can support more than your full body weight without collapsing or bending. This ensures safety and stability.

Comfortable Grip

The handle style should feel secure in your hand without requiring tight squeezing or causing hand pain, numbness or fatigue.

Tip Style

Choose tip styles suited for indoor vs outdoor use. Softer, high-traction tips work best indoors. Harder metal tips provide durability for outdoor walking.

Proper Balance of Support vs Independence

Factor in your overall strength, stability and walking ability when selecting a standard cane vs heavier options. The right cane improves security without hampering mobility.

Consulting a physical therapist or mobility specialist helps determine the most suitable cane specifications and walking programs for each person with MS.

Everyday Safety Tips for Walking with a Cane

While extremely helpful for stability, canes do present some risks if used improperly. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Inspect tips and grips regularly for wear and tear
• Choose nonslip grips and tips for slippery conditions
• Watch for tripping hazards like uneven pavement
• Use adequate lighting to see obstacles and transitions
• Wear supportive footwear with backs and nonslip soles
• Move slowly and carefully on uneven or rough terrain
• Have someone assist as needed for very unsteady walking

Remaining aware and vigilant when navigating the environment prevents hazardous situations that could lead to falls and injuries.

Incorporating Exercise and Stretching Alongside Cane Use

While ambulatory aids like canes provide needed support for those with MS, combining cane walking with regular exercise provides additional benefits. Targeted stretching, strength training, and aerobic activity helps to:

• Maintain and improve overall mobility
• Increase walking endurance and stamina
• Preserve bone density
• Aid circulation
• Manage spasticity
• Support pain relief
• Boost mood through release of endorphins

A customized fitness plan taking MS symptoms and abilities into account should accompany cane walking. This well-rounded approach keeps the body as strong, flexible and pain-free as possible.

Helpful Exercises and Stretches

Some examples of helpful exercise and stretching routines to pair with cane walking include:

• Seated leg lifts
• Gentle yoga poses
• Upper body resistance band routines
• Stretching hip flexors, hamstrings and calves
• Low-impact cardio like recumbent bike use
• Water aerobics classes

Focus on what is possible based on each persons changing symptom profile. Any movement is helpful movement when living with MS.

Seeking Further Assistance to Improve Mobility

While canes provide vital walking assistance, those with MS should stay under the care of their medical providers to monitor changes and explore additional options as needed. This may involve medication management, physical/occupational therapy referrals, orthotic devices, mobility scooters or wheelchairs for extra support.

Support groups also connect people living with MS who understand the challenges and share tips for optimizing quality of life. Seeking help maximizes comfort and capacities while preventing injury or overexertion which can trigger symptom flares.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.