Using two canes for walking

Using two canes for walking—sometimes called bilateral canes or cane walking with a two-point or four-point gait—is a strategy employed by people who need more stability, support, or confidence than a single cane can provide.

Benefits of Walking with Two Canes

• Increased Stability and Confidence:
  Research suggests that using two canes can lead to greater confidence and improved walking speed for those with difficulty walking. In one observational study, most participants walked faster and felt more confident when using two canes compared to one, often making meaningful improvements in mobility and independence^[1].
• Improved Posture and Balance:
  Walking with a cane in each hand helps distribute weight more evenly, often resulting in a more upright posture and less leaning than with a single cane. This approach can reduce compensatory movements and the strain placed on the arms, hands, and wrists, especially when the canes are adjusted properly for individual needs—such as with people who have legs of different lengths^[2][3].
• A Transitional Option:
  Some people use two canes after moving from a walker, as part of rehabilitation or after surgery. While not as stable as a walker, two canes are far less cumbersome and can be easier to maneuver^[4].

When to Consider Two Canes

• When you have bilateral leg weakness (i.e., weakness in both legs) rather than just one side.
• If you require more support than a single-point cane offers but do not need (or want) the bulk of a walker^[5].
• During rehabilitation after injuries, surgery, or for certain neurological or orthopedic conditions where balance and even support are both concerns.

How to Walk with Two Canes

• Two main gait patterns are possible:
• Two-point gait: Move the left cane and right leg forward at the same time, then the right cane and left leg together.
• Four-point gait: Move each cane and each leg independently in sequence (right cane, left foot, left cane, right foot) for maximum stability.
• Canes may need to be adjusted to different heights for people with asymmetric limb lengths.
• When using two canes on stairs, you generally lead with your stronger leg going up and with both canes followed by your affected/weaker leg going down^[6][7].

Considerations and Limitations

• Two canes provide increased support and balance but are not as stable as a walker.
• Selecting the appropriate height and type of cane is critical for safety and comfort.
• Not all clinicians routinely recommend two canes; it may be less common but can be very helpful in certain circumstances^[1][5].
• Training and instruction from a physical therapist are advised for learning proper technique and minimizing fall risk.

In summary, using two canes for walking can be an effective way to increase balance, safety, and mobility—especially for those with bilateral weakness or who are transitioning from a walker—when fitted and used properly under guidance from a rehabilitation professional^[1][2][3].

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• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5414541/   
• https://fashionablecanes.com/en-ca/blogs/news/how-canes-can-help  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHl9SSS5Qlg  
• https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/2-canes-instead-of-walker.53861/ 
• https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/assistance-device-training-canes  
• https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/OP-103.15-Safety-information-leaflet-walking-sticks.pdf 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKUX9Y4P0kE