Canes

When is it Time to Start Using a Walking Cane?

For most people, the decision to start using a walking cane isn't a single moment — it's a slow buildup of smaller moments. A stumble on the stairs. Gripping the wall on the way to the bathroom at night. Cutting a walk short because your knee was acting up again.

If you've been wondering whether a cane might be right for you (or someone you love), you're not alone. And the fact that you're asking the question at all is usually a sign worth paying attention to.

The stigma that gets in the way

Let's address it directly: a lot of people resist using a cane because of what they think it means. They associate it with being old, being dependent, or admitting that something is wrong. So they push through — and in doing so, they put themselves at real risk.

Here's the reframe worth holding onto: a cane isn't a sign of weakness. It's a tool. Athletes use tools to perform better. Professionals use tools to work more effectively. A cane is simply a tool that lets you move through the world more safely and confidently. Starting to use one when you need it is a smart, proactive decision — not a defeat.

Signs it might be time

There's no single threshold that applies to everyone, but these are the most common signals that a cane could genuinely help:

You've had a recent fall — or a near-miss. A fall is the clearest signal your body can send. But near-misses count too. If you've caught yourself on furniture, a railing, or another person more than once, your balance is telling you something. A cane gives you a third point of contact with the ground, which dramatically reduces fall risk.

You're avoiding certain activities because of stability concerns. If you've stopped taking evening walks, skipped family outings, or started avoiding stairs — not because you physically can't do those things, but because you're nervous about balance or pain — a cane can give you the confidence to re-engage with your life.

One side of your body carries more pain or weakness than the other. Walking canes are specifically designed to offload weight from a painful or weak side. If you have hip, knee, or ankle issues on one side, a cane held on the opposite hand can reduce the load on that joint by a meaningful amount with every step.

You find yourself holding onto walls, furniture, or other people. This is one of the most telling signs. When your body instinctively reaches for support, it's telling you it needs it. A cane gives you that support in a controlled, reliable way rather than whatever happens to be nearby.

You're recovering from surgery or an injury. Post-surgical recovery — hip replacements, knee replacements, ankle surgery — almost always involves a period where a cane is medically appropriate. Using one properly during recovery protects your healing tissue and helps you regain strength safely.

Your doctor or physical therapist has suggested it. This one should be a straightforward yes. If a medical professional who has examined you recommends a cane, trust that recommendation. They're not suggesting it to be cautious — they're suggesting it because they see a genuine need.

You feel fatigued or unsteady after walking short distances. If a short walk to the mailbox or through a grocery store leaves you feeling unstable or exhausted, a cane can help distribute effort more efficiently and keep you upright with less energy expenditure.

What the research says

Falls are not a minor inconvenience for older adults — they're one of the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations. Studies consistently show that proper use of a walking aid significantly reduces fall risk, improves confidence in mobility, and allows people to stay active longer. The key word is proper — a cane that's the wrong height or held in the wrong hand can actually increase fall risk, which is why fit and technique matter.

Temporary vs. long-term use

It's worth noting that using a cane doesn't have to be permanent. Many people use one during recovery from surgery or injury and phase it out as they regain strength. Others start using one occasionally — on long walks or uneven terrain — and find that's all they need. There's no rule that says once you start, you can't stop. Use it when it helps. Put it down when it doesn't.

How to bring it up with a loved one

If you're reading this not for yourself but for someone you care about, the conversation can feel tricky. A few things that help:

• Lead with what you've noticed, not what you're worried about. "I noticed you grabbed the railing pretty hard on the stairs the other day" lands better than "I think you need a cane."
• Frame it as gaining something, not losing something. A cane means more independence, more confidence, more ability to do the things they love — not less.
• Involve them in choosing. Letting someone pick their own cane — the style, the color, the handle — gives them ownership over the decision rather than feeling like it's being imposed on them.

The bottom line

If the question "should I be using a cane?" has crossed your mind more than once, that's probably your answer. The cost of using a cane when you could technically get by without one is minimal. The cost of not using one when you genuinely need it can be significant.

You don't have to wait for a fall to make a change. Starting early — before things get worse — is almost always the smarter move.

If you're ready to find the right cane for your situation, browse our full collection. And if you're not sure where to start, our sizing guide can help you find the right fit.