Canes

Which Hand Should You Hold Your Cane In? The Answer Might Surprise You

It seems like a simple question. You have a bad knee. You pick up a cane. You hold it on the side that hurts. Makes sense, right?

Actually, no. And this is one of the most common cane mistakes people make — one that can quietly make pain worse, throw off your gait, and increase your fall risk over time.

Here's what you actually need to know.

The rule: hold the cane on the opposite side

If your right hip, knee, or leg is the problem, hold the cane in your left hand. If your left side is the issue, hold the cane in your right hand.

This feels counterintuitive to almost everyone at first. But once you understand the mechanics, it makes complete sense.

Why the opposite side works

When you walk, your body naturally shifts weight from side to side. As your right foot hits the ground, your left arm swings forward — and vice versa. This cross-body movement is built into your natural gait pattern.

When you hold a cane on the opposite side from your injury, it moves forward at the same time as your affected leg. That means as your weak or painful leg takes a step, the cane is already down and bearing load — sharing the impact that would otherwise hit your bad joint alone.

The result: less pressure on the painful side, a more natural walking rhythm, and better overall balance.

If you hold the cane on the same side as the injury, you disrupt that natural swing pattern. Your gait becomes awkward, you're not actually offloading the joint effectively, and you put extra lateral stress on your spine and hips trying to compensate.

How to use it correctly

Getting the hand right is step one. Here's the full technique:

• Hold the cane in the hand opposite your affected side. This is the foundation of everything else.
• Move the cane forward with your affected leg. They should advance together, as a pair.
• Keep the cane close to your body. Reaching the cane out too far in front creates instability rather than support.
• Don't lean heavily into the cane. It should bear some of your weight — not become a crutch you're collapsing onto. Light, consistent contact is the goal.
• Keep your elbow slightly bent. A straight, locked elbow absorbs less shock and puts more stress on the joint. A slight bend — around 15 to 20 degrees — is ideal.

Are there exceptions?

Yes — a few.

Balance issues without a specific weak side. If you're using a cane primarily for general balance rather than to offload a specific joint, you have more flexibility. Use whichever hand feels most natural and stable, and focus on keeping the cane close to your body.

Post-surgical instructions from your doctor or PT. Always defer to specific medical guidance over general rules. If your physical therapist has given you different instructions for your particular situation, follow them. This article covers general best practice — your provider knows your specific anatomy and recovery.

Bilateral issues. If both sides are affected roughly equally, consider a walker or forearm crutches instead, and speak with a physical therapist about what's most appropriate.

What happens if you've been doing it wrong

Don't panic. Millions of people use their cane on the wrong side without realizing it. Switching to the correct hand may feel strange for a few days — your body has gotten used to the incorrect pattern — but most people adapt within a week or two and notice a genuine difference in comfort and stability.

If you've been experiencing increased pain, fatigue, or an uneven gait, incorrect cane technique could be a contributing factor worth addressing.

A quick recap

• Painful or weak right side → cane in the left hand
• Painful or weak left side → cane in the right hand
• Move the cane forward together with the affected leg
• Keep elbow slightly bent, cane close to your body
• When in doubt, ask your doctor or physical therapist to watch you walk

It's a small adjustment with a surprisingly big impact. And if you're in the market for a cane that fits your hand and your lifestyle properly, browse our full collection to find the right match.