When using a cane, which leg should the cane be held on?

Using a cane properly is essential for providing support and stability while walking. The cane should always be held on the unaffected leg side. This technique allows for better weight distribution and enhances balance. When a person with a mobility impairment steps with the affected leg, the cane provides support on the opposite side, reducing the strain on that leg and helping to stabilize their body.

Holding the cane on the unaffected side allows the user to shift weight onto the cane as they step forward with the affected leg. This method not only helps in maintaining balance but also promotes a more natural walking pattern. By using the cane in this manner, the individual can effectively compensate for weakness or discomfort in the affected leg side, promoting a safer and more efficient gait.

In contrast, holding the cane on the affected leg side would counteract these benefits, possibly leading to instability or an increased risk of falling, as the support provided by the cane would not effectively counterbalance the weight shift during walking. The other answer choices, specifying left or right leg sides, do not address the principle of using the cane on the unaffected side, which is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of the device in assisting with mobility.