Cane (walking Device) - Handedness

Handedness

Canes are generally used in the hand opposite the injury or weakness. This may appear counter-intuitive, but it allows the cane to be used for stability in a way that lets the user shift much of their weight away from their weaker side and onto their cane, thus preventing their center of balance from swaying from side to side as they walk. It also allows for fluid movement that better matches walking, as the hand opposite the leg generally sways forward in normal human locomotion. Personal preference, or a need to hold the cane in their dominant hand means some cane users choose to hold the cane on the same side as the affected leg.