[NABS-L] Tips on using a support cane

[Rania Ismail LMT,CMLDT]

Thank you.

On 9/9/18, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello Rania,
>
> I found it easier to use crutches or a walker instead of a support cane. The
> crutches do not take up any more space than a long white cane and a support
> cane. And I know from personal experience that it is possible to get around
> in tight or small spaces while using crutches.
>
> I found crutches to provide more support than a support cane. And using the
> crutches meant that I did not have to switch hands to use my long white
> cane. Instead, I simply used the crutch that was on the side where I
> normally use my long white cane in a similar manner as my long white cane. I
> was already walking rather slow, so I found sweeping one of the crutches out
> in front of me before taking a step forward worked well for me. You already
> need to position the crutches ahead of you as you step. So I simply swept
> one of the crutches across my body to make sure I was stepping in a place
> that was safe for me to step.
>
> I do not have much experience using a support cane or crutches with stairs
> though. I normally use the handrail on the side of my bad ankle. And when I
> step, I place my good ankle on the next step while leaving the bad ankle on
> the previous step. This way I am placing more of my weight on my good ankle
> rather than my bad ankle. I still have problems with my ankle even though my
> injury has healed.
>
> If I were using a support cane or crutches, I would place them on the next
> step to help me keep my balance as I am stepping up to the next step. But
> you can try different things to see what would work best for you. You can
> also find various boots and braces to help provide more support for your
> ankle as it heals. You can get a boot type caste that immobilizes the entire
> ankle from your doctor, or you can get a lace up support brace from a
> rehabilitation supply store or a good athletic store. I have always found
> the lace up support braces to be helpful even though they are a bit of a
> pain to put on.
>
> Anyway, I hope this helps you figure out a way to get around as your ankle
> heals. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
>
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rania Ismail
> LMT,CMLDT via NABS-L
> Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2018 10:22 PM
> To: NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Rania Ismail LMT,CMLDT <raniaismail04 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NABS-L] Tips on using a support cane
>
> Hi everyone, I 'm not sure ware to post this but I was hoping I could find
> some help. I sprained my ankle 3 weeks ago and need to use a support cane
> along with the long white cane but I'm not sure how to use both at once. I
> was hoping I could find a few people who use 2 canes at the same time so  I
> could get some tips my physical therapist and I could use while my ankle
> heals. Thanks for your help. Rania,
>
> --
> Rania Ismail LMT, CMLDT
>
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-- 
Rania Ismail LMT, CMLDT