Moving from a walker to a cane after knee replacement
You may feel steady for a few steps, then struggle when you turn into the bathroom. Argan provides one-on-one physical therapy at home across Dallas–Fort Worth. We check your walking, help you practice with the right support and work toward longer walks around your home and outside.
How do you know you're ready for a cane?
A cane gives you less support than a walker. Your physical therapist needs to check that your leg strength and balance are ready for that change.
Follow your surgeon's instructions about how much weight you can put through the operated leg. Keep using your prescribed walking aid until your care team has checked whether a cane is suitable.
Tell your therapist if your knee gives way, you reach for furniture or your limp increases. Those observations help us understand where you still need support.
What we check during a home visit
We start by watching you walk with your current walker. We look at your steps and turns, check knee movement and strength, and ask how far you can walk before tiring.
If a cane trial is suitable, we check its height and teach you how to use it. Your physical therapist stays with you while you practice a short walk.
We can watch you turn through your bathroom doorway. If you become unsteady as you turn, we can practice that turn and choose the support you need there.
We’ll explain which aid to use and what to practice between visits. We check the walk again as your leg gets stronger.
Building strength while you keep walking
Your exercises depend on what makes the walk difficult. We may work on straightening your knee, standing from a chair or taking a step while your therapist supports you.
We also plan how much walking to practice between visits. The aim is to help you walk farther with less help as your knee recovers.
You may still need a walker outside
You might manage a cane inside but need more support on your driveway or a longer outing. We can check those places separately during a home visit.
Stairs need separate instruction. Don't use a walker on a flight of stairs; ask your therapist to teach you a method using the rail and suitable support.
Questions about using a cane
How many weeks after surgery should I switch?
Your care team should decide with you after checking your walking and your surgeon's instructions. Someone else's surgery date or walking aid doesn't tell us what your knee is ready for.
Which hand should hold the cane?
You usually hold it in the hand opposite the leg that needs support. Your therapist should confirm the fit and teach you how to move the cane with your steps.
What if the trial causes more pain or swelling?
Stop the trial and speak with your physical therapist before changing aids again. Tell your surgeon promptly about new or severe swelling, calf pain or worsening wound redness or drainage.
When can I stop using the cane?
Your therapist should watch you walk without it before you stop using it. We check that you can turn and walk the distance you need without becoming unsteady or relying on furniture.
A patient's experience with Argan
“Zak is sharp, patient, and creative. He stuck by my side when complications developed.”
Arrange a visit to check your walking
Tell us when you had surgery and which walking aid you're using. We can arrange a home visit to check your walking and help you practice.
Founder of Argan Physiotherapy