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mnhtnbb

(32,829 posts)

30. I have had 3 joint replacements

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Tue Sep 9, 2025, 01:52 PM

Sep 9

Both hips and a knee. Physical therapists instructed me after each surgery that once I progressed from the walker to a cane, to always hold the cane in the opposite hand of the side with the injured/recovering joint. Left knee replacement, cane in right hand, etc. The reason is that when you walk, the opposite hand swings forward with the leg taking the step. That way, if the left leg has the injury, the right hand holding the cane is helping to stabilize the left leg when weight is put on it.

Call your doctor's office for confirmation. Maybe even ask for a referral to Physical Therapy to help strengthen your leg.

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UTUSN

32 replies

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Highlight:

Which side for a walking cane? - the YouTube advice is counter-intuitive to me. [View all] UTUSN Sep 8 OP

I've used a cane off and on since 1994. The cane is carried in the strong side, and comes forward with the weak leg. rsdsharp Sep 8 #1

Yeah, that's what the experts say and what the video shows. But my weak side carry UTUSN Sep 8 #3

I have vascular issues in both legs Conjuay Sep 8 #2

Are both sides equally weak? If so, what determines your left? UTUSN Sep 8 #4

Seems to me one uses it however it is good for them. I usually use it in my right Srkdqltr Sep 8 #5

"however good for them" - hear hear! UTUSN Sep 8 #6

I know. All the youngsters making the videos have a lot to learn. Srkdqltr Sep 8 #8

I think you have to factor in how the diabetes affects your walking, and carry the cane how it works best for you. Donkees Sep 8 #7

I've so far rarely needed a cane (sprained ankles, temporary extra leg pain) luckily all resolved... electric_blue68 Sep 8 #9

Thanks, I can't tell you how much a positive word is appreciated. UTUSN Sep 8 #12

Oh, You're Very Welcome! Glad to help.... electric_blue68 Sep 8 #13

In this public place I'll leave to the imagination how I fractured the fibula, UTUSN Sep 8 #14

Hey, No Problemo! 🙂 Good Graciousness, what a set of experiences! electric_blue68 Sep 8 #16

Hah! seems like we both have some amusing details! - yeah, a literal Nazi but our Dear USA seems UTUSN Sep 8 #21

I'm not sure it was the worse thing re Wetner Von Braun, etc. I think I remember hearing about Poppy Bush, and Nazis.... electric_blue68 Sep 8 #22

my instinct is same as yours Kali Sep 8 #10

Glad for any validation possible! - But since we're sharing without anybody listening, UTUSN Sep 8 #11

hee hee Kali Sep 8 #15

Hey, enjoy! electric_blue68 Sep 8 #23

Thanks! - but nobody's supposed to be listenting - my reputation!!!!!!!! UTUSN Sep 8 #24

Just between the few of us, then. electric_blue68 Sep 8 #25

I've Heard The Same As You ProfessorGAC Sep 8 #17

"keep weight OFF" - yup UTUSN Sep 8 #20

Because I use one to support my back, I can use either side. OldBaldy1701E Sep 8 #18

"which hand" - yip, for me means whether the dominant is needed for other things. UTUSN Sep 8 #19

I'm with you. I had a sore knee (I think it was my knee)) applegrove Sep 8 #26

Makes sense. I guess i was not putting the cane down on the opposite side when my injured applegrove Sep 8 #27

Interesting question Easterncedar Sep 9 #28

Before the Pain, I did power walking Zackzzzz Sep 9 #29

I have had 3 joint replacements mnhtnbb Sep 9 #30

To elaborate mnhtnbb Sep 9 #31

It is USUALLY carried on the strong side. beemerphill Sep 9 #32