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General Guidelines:
Cane: Service user places cane about 12 inches in front of his stronger leg, brings weaker leg even with cane, and then brings stronger leg forward slightly ahead of cane. Repeat.
Walker: Service user picks up or rolls the walker and places it about 12 inches in front of him. All four feet or wheels of the walker should be on the ground before service user steps forward to the walker. The walker should not be advanced again until the service user has moved both feet forward and in a steady position. The service user should never put his feet ahead of the walker.
Crutches: Service user should be fitted for crutches and taught to use them correctly by a physical therapist or nurse. The service user may use the crutches several different ways, depending on what his weakness is. No matter how the service user is using his crutches, weight should be on the service user's hands and arms rather than on the underarm area.
Whether the service user is using a cane, walker or crutches: