Canes are often used to assist in balance, widen ones base of support, and decrease weight bearing on a lower extremity.
The cane should be held in the unaffected side so it provides support to the opposite lower limb.
The cane should be advanced simultaneously with the opposite affected lower limb leaning the weight through the arm holding the cane.
The unaffected lower limb assumes the first full weight-bearing step on level surfaces.