3 Walking Cane Mistakes to AVOID! (Tutorial) 

I'm excited to get my cane. Can't wait, actually. Thank you for the educational videos. Keep 'em coming!!!

As soon as you said people carry their cane backwards, I could see the reason. I hadn't thought of this before. Thanks.

For 10 years I've been using my cane wrong. Not a word from my doctor on what side height or how to use it what so ever. I used to do a lot of hiking off-roading and exploring of mines in Az. After being broadsided on my motorcycle 8 breaks in the left leg and foot alone. I was forced to use a cane but could only walk about 100 yards before the got to much for my arms. And it has really been taken a toll on my body. Thank you. I have more confidence in using my cane again. Will definitely try your method. Have a great day.

My own caveat: If you have a string or strap on your stick, DO NOT wear it around your wrist while walking. Use it to hang the cane while standing at counters or the like. But if you fall with the strap, it could break your wrist! Love the video!

I made a mistake with my first walking stick. I was departing a shuttle bus at Gatwick airport and used my suitcase case on wheels as a walking stick. I stand there as the bus pulls away thinking, my walking stick where’s my walking stick. Whoops it’s still on the bus. Lesson learned I now have a cord on my stick with a loop for my hand to pass through so I don’t leave another stick behind.😂

At a very healthy 75, I have occaisional bouts of sciatica. A cane becomes, for short periods, essential. I found this post very informative and yes, congratulations, you did teach me something valuable

I love these videos. Keep making them. I would never have imagined that Cane Masters would be a favourite channel. Haha

I have arthritis on the sciatic nerves in both hips, along with some balance issues due to a stroke. So I need a cane. Your tips have changed my way of thinking of a cane as a self defense tool. Thanks for these videos, they may someday save my life.

I have walked with a cane since 1977 (M-cycle accident took a kuntscher nail to fix my lft leg). How did I ever manage 46 years without your video.

OMG, That You Mr. Melton. I have loved your media for many years! You're the best!

I wish I saw this video before last weekend. My cane was on my weaker right side. My foot dragged me to the sidewalk and I went to the hospital ER had 11 stitches and 3 wounds. Had to get CT-Scan and over night stay. Rehab is scheduled and a reaction to the iodine contrast now. Well now I know. My mom in law struck her head on her walker and had a hematoma of the brain and died a week later. 😳

Always excellent instruction, Keith! Have a great 2024!

Just got the notification that my cane shipped today! I’m a 100% disabled combat veteran and use my cane for balance issues so I switch my hands as appropriate ✌️🇺🇸

Three good cane use tips. Thanks for sharing this info.

Thank you, Master Caine!

thx for showing the ways of cane masters.

Just subscribed I have to say that your videos are really good and practical. Thank you ☺️

Thank you, I learned a bunch.✅

Thank you for your information video.

TY TEACH, REALLY GOOD STUFF !!!

Thank you I learned something.

Please keep up these great videos there’s great information on them 😊😇

Very good video. Thank you.

Great video! You really helped me

I learned a thing or three from your Video ! Thank You !

Thanks! Very informative!

Great information. Your canes are superior products. Will pass them down to my children when I’m gone. Still waiting on my third cane.

I HAVE to use a cane. I USE my cane for MANY purposes. Opening curtains, turning on and off the lights, even chasing a Bear! 😮 Thank you for thos video. I LEARNED something!

Very informative, well done.

Excellent @2:50 This is EXCELLENT advice based on the mechanics Continued Success! Greg

EXCELLENT VIDEO-- THANK YOU

Great points.

Thanks and Blessings Keith!

Great Video!

My wife just started using a cane - this is great information that the medical supply place never gave.

New Subscriber. Seems to me I chanced on some of your videos about six years back, before I ever thought I might need a cane. But I was intrigued at modifications that enhance the cane for Self Defense. Thanks for your posts.

Thanks from Scotland 72yr i use a kane now and again i have been useing it wrong Thanks for the info best wishes too all from Scotland

Yay! When I use a walking stick, I like to have the handle facing forward just like this. Other people have asked me why, and now I know!

I recently subscribed. I am 84 and new to a cane. I am not running anywhere and my reaction time with a concealed weapon is probably too slow. A cane looks like a good tool since it does not have to be concealed and can be taken anywhere. Even Kalifornistan. I have been watching your beginners videos and have started classes at a local academy. Looking to learn.

Thank you, I use a rattan wood cane as I am coming from an FMA arnis/eskrima background. I have recently got back into doing Tai Chi here in Tacoma, WA and found the teachers have a Tai Chi sword technique that is just as applicable with a cane. Having lots of fun with it.

I own over a half dozen of their canes, and I love them.

Thank you!❤

I didn't know those things, thanks

Superb video. I am a retired, credentialed health care provider, and I need the help of a cane. I see so many using canes improperly, and this video addresses the three biggest issues. For more help using canes, get a referral to a physical therapist to really fine tune the use walking cane.

I didn't know any of this. Thank you. My problem is the back, so days differ and I switch sides where I need support. Standing still is horrible. I hate going down and can't get leverage to get up if there's nothing to "climb".

I love my Veterans cane. Thank you for a beautiful stick that helps with my mobility.

I love your video's, and some day I will own one of your canes. Although, I would like to see a video of All the types of calm rests, there shapes and sizes ? God Bless.

Great information. I am kind of expecting I will be using one once I get to weight baring on my injured ankle. I guess I assumed you would carry it on the weak side but it all makes sense. I will find out this coming Friday what is next. Thanks!

Thanks,can you do one on straight walking sticks?

How does it work that I was just wondering this week if you were still in business? And, then I see your video. Hang in there C.M!!

17th year of neuropathy in my lower legs and I bought a raw stock cane then added my own personal touches to it. Great products.

Thank you

I use a mousetail wax wood kung fu staff as i need both hands when going up hill. Made a nice sageo wrap for it, special staff from the forest near shaolin monastery. Some good tips for staff users here also. Tanjōjutsu was developed for those mobility challenged of us for jō staff. Bartitsu for cane (as used by Mr Holmes). Sadly I'm not even out of my fifties yet and use a roller at times, sometimes a wheelchair. I stubbornly cling to my staff when possible tho.

I have never had a cane with a palm rest and I have used a can for years. I look forward to trying one.

Thanks.

Not quite ready yet, but do hope to live long enough to need a cane. Good to know what to expect in terms of use.

All this time I've been holding the cane backwards. Thanks for setting me straight.

My injury is in my upper back, I use a cane to help take some weight off of my spine when I'm walking.

Great helpful video. My only problem, is what my Drill Sergeant used to say to me, "I CAN'T HEEEAR YOU"! I wear hearing aids and had them turned up all the way. They are fully charged and less than a year old. I also had the volume on the video turned up to the maximum and yet your volume was too low.

Good

As far as measuring the cane goes, some rubber tips add 1 whole a inch to the total length of the cane.

Using your cane on your bad side, has been dubbed "The House Syndrome". Due to the fact the actor on the show always used his cane on the side of his bad leg. That's what my friend's therapist told him a couple of years ago.

Snow +ice cane’s have metal spike wich is removable. Also Leather sling to carry / and around the wrist. It does not fall from you

Mine is a bronze war pick…My grandma was Irish….we trained with blackberry canes bent with her steamer…

Mtn Mel & Aussie Molly Blue - Deweese, say Hello & a big " Bravo Zulu " to all. Great info.

I have two of your cane-the Boxer 32 and the training FTB which I highly recommend as a first cane. The FTB is great for daily training and daily use for walking. The Boxer is a great and very nice cane but not suitable for daily training. I don't have to use a cane to walk but due to a fused back I can't bend below my knees and use the cane to lower myself to my knees to pick something up and to get back up. I am taking cane self-defenses training from Master Gary Hernandez whom I recommend. He has a RU-vid channel. I often carry a concealed handgun and have several hundred hours of self defense training with a handgun, as well as USA 1968-1970, and reserve deputy sheriff. But there are many places you can not legally carry a firearm. Additionally you can't carry a firearm in your hand and it takes at lest 1.5-2 seconds , if well trained, to draw from concealment and fire. The cane is always in your hand. Much faster. So the cane can provide time to draw a handgun or to not use the handgun at all. Even if you are legally justified in using deadly force doesn't mean you should use deadly force. Absolutely no downside to using an appropriate self defense cane if you have sufficient and appropriate training. I am a "recovering lawyer'-don't whack anyone in the head, neck or throat unless you are justified in using deadly force.

My problem is not left or right side, but rather my lower spine at the base of the spine, the lower vertebrates , so my pain while walking is centered in my lower spinal area, so does it matter which side I carry and use my cane on?

GREAT info / demo - THANK YOU ! Mtn Mel , Ret 59-82 USN Para - Rigger / SERE - POW Inst. / P.I. Jungle JEST / VN . I've been planning on ordering soon - like your " Cane Self Defense " ideas, ! At 81, ex boxer, some martial arts skills from long ago. BUT just too tired & slow nowadays for demos , ha. Cane is perfect ! Going to sell my powered para glider, still teaching survival life skils, tipi camp. A bit slower , ha at 11, 000 ft on my snowshoes. Been watching your csne dvs, looking fir a program here in Grand Junction Co. Trying to get Seniors interested. Be Safe.

Bass Pro sells the Eclipse Walking Staff. It’s about $28. It can be a staff but it is an excellent cane. It’s adjustable so if you’re wearing winter boots and need it longer, it adjusts in less than 39 seconds. If you’re barefoot, same thing. What I really love is that it has an internal spring suspension so no jarring.

I will be getting my first cane soon. I lose my balance often. Would like a cool looking as well as self defense in mind.

Standing still or even walking too slow is very painful for me. I leern f to carry a cane after a car accident when I had no choice of how/whete to hold it.

Hi Keith I have 3 of your canes of which my favorite Grand Master. They are all good but with my Grand Master the others collect a little dust. I use it mostly for balance issues and self defense. I occasionally have an issue with my left ankle and obviously use my cane with my right hand. I also carry concealed weapon on my right side which can present a problem with my cane in my right hand. It would be nice if you could make a video addressing these issues. Thanks for a great product Keith.

What if your right leg is severely weak and your right arm has above elbow amputation?? Because that's what I have to deal with.

Brother Melton, After numerous surgeries, including two on my right foot, four on my right knee, and spinal fusion at L3-L4, I have only recently recovered enough to ambulate to a minor degree; however, if I know I am going to be on my feet for a while or walk a distance, I bring my cane. I carry my cane on my right side, which I have been told is incorrect. I am right-handed and don't feel I'm getting support if I hold it on my left. Plus, I always viewed them as defensive weapons like my camera monopod and hiking cane. As a police officer working the streets, I was certified to carry the PR-24 impact weapon and standard batons. They are excellent tools, but I'm limited as to where I can carry them in public. My monopod was my best defense when out of the country or in sketchy places. It matched my camera gear, and no one thought of it as a weapon, but on one occasion, I proved it was. I am considering one of your combat canes, but I want to use it properly. Do you have instructional videos that will guide me? Larry L. Melton

What about the HURRYCANE do like this type of cane this is the type I have any suggestions thanks first time seeing your channel also you look very familiar thanks again

thanks

I got one of your canes early but foresee walking issues as time goes by. I had not taken my cane out and was thinking its a little long but you saying you need your shoes on probably makes it just right.

I've had bad knees since I blew my A/C ligament in the right knee, coming off a ladder. I've had two knee replacements (both knees, fun) so I've used a cane for 30+ years. I figured if I need one, I wanted some style, so I've got a straight wood shaft with a brass bird of prey (hawk/eagle?) Handle. I find mine is more comfortable beak to the rear, with crest/top-notch of the head in the web of the hand. Benn doing it that way forever, reversing it is very awkward....shaft is directly in line w/ first and 2nd finger, left hand. I believe my length is according to your formula, will check that..

Noted that you hold the cane on your "good" side, but what if in certain situations, for eg in knee joint problems, where the cane is used to lessen the weight on the "bad" side?

I had to use a cane for more than a year. Your handle is unfamiliar to me. I used a Fritz handle, and with that handle the short end is definitely toward the front. I tried it the other way to compare, and when the hand is forward with the forefinger around the front of the shaft, under the shorter projection, the weight is aligned with the shaft as you correctly state it should be. One advantage to the Fritz handle which I discovered is that it is comfortable when placed under the armpit. This is important when one's legs are too weak to get up from the floor or ground without an assistive device. A cane alone is sufficient to get to a standing position.

Love you Keith and was planning on ordering one more cane after I’d already purchased 4 from you guys but when you changed the website, prices were hiked 30-50% for every cane. When I emailed to inquire about the huge difference in price overnight, my emails weren’t returned. Sorry, if you don’t value my patronage I’ll just stick with what I have or find somewhere else.

The quickest way I have heard of to find the length of cane you require, is that the top of the handle should be level with your wrist when wearing whatever footwear you normally wear. It has the advantage that it works for people who have shorter or longer limbs than is average for their overall height.

For the past month or so, I hurt my lower back shoveling snow. I use a junior hockey stick with ribbed grips at the mid-staff and palette. This means the palette is at the underarm. But I find it really useful to get up & down from the ground and bending. Of course, I don't hold it like a cane: I hold it up high like a walking stick ... what's the difference?

I have ulnar impaction syndrome and actually have to have the horn facing the back so that my wrist is cocked forward and my thumb and index fingers are wrapped around the wrist rest. I cannot put any kind of weight or pressure with my hand facing at a 90° angle from my wrist or it is bone on bone on the lunate. The only way I can do any push-ups or push off from the ground is to use my fists, not my hands.

I have used a cane for about a decade. And I have been told so many contradictory "correct" ways to use a cane, that I finally just decided to do it however I find it most beneficial for me. The cane that I use is an offset bariatric style. I have both a bad back, and a very weakened right knee. (In fact, I am currently in physical therapy for my knee.) I actually use my cane on my right side, even though that's my weak leg. I don't feel comfortable or confident in the cane, if I have it on my left side. I have tried to use it on my left side. And while doing so, I actually have fallen several times over the years. But while using the cane on my right side, I have never fallen.

I have always walked with my cane with the horn forward. It’s simply more comfortable and less stress on my arms. People always approach me and tell I am carrying it wrong…

The orientation of your cane depends on your usage. I only need a cane to support when bending or squatting to pick something up from the ground or a low supermarket shelf. When walking I don't need support, so I swing my cane, handle pointing back.

I personally like canes with a wide foot/base (4 rubber feet). I get a nice rocking/rolling action in my gate. Also I feel it gives me much more traction. Plus it stands by itself if I step away for a moment.

What is the best ergonomic design of a cane handle at the top

Yes thats why i have an L cane, it naturally points out of my hand.Dont know if i agree on using the other side tho, my leg needs support.

Thank you for info, well explained, good tips. But too much repetition .

My situation is due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy my left leg is super weak and won't fully extend to hold my weight. However, my right arm is weak and won't support my body so I have to use my left arm. I wear a brace to support my left leg but my right arm is still too weak. Any suggestions how I might get around without wearing myself out or losing my balance?

My weak left leg from childhood never needed help till the "good" leg was partially paralyzed from a blood clot un treated till too late to recover. With two legs weak from knee down, my best side to hold the cane seems to be my strongest (right) hand. My favorite cane has a palm rest. I didn't know it was a palm rest and I'll try using it with the "horn" forward. To whom it may concern, my blood clot resulted from my "good" leg filling with waste muscle material, a normal result from over use. After a day cutting firewood, I had severe weakness and pain, after a week becoming total paralysis. Several (so-called) Doctors only provided pain meds. Anyone experiencing similar is advised to find a Doc who didn't sleep thru the lesson about leg clots and compartment syndrome. Medication to dissolve clots and possible surgery is the ONLY hope of full recovery. After a couple weeks it's too late, muscle deteriorates and paralysis becomes permanent. Worst case is gangrene and loss of the limb so don't take it lightly.

He looks just like H. Keith Melton, the famous historian who focused on spy craft !! It is him !!! This is a US Navy Academy graduate, very smart man !!! Very Honest man !!! His books are wonderful.

Very informative video! I didn't know any of the points. I think a cane is not only for help in case of walking issues but also a tool of style. I guess shipping to Germany is no option. 😢 When I have found the right size the cane should have, will it be the size of the cane to the top of the horn or is it the size where my palm comes to rest?

I bet Kieth knows some good defense moves 😊

What if you have long arms as in your wingspan is 4 inches greater than how tall you are? How do I get the right size?

Been using a cane for ages never knew to hold hook fwd

I have a knee that tends to fold occasionally. That why I put the cane on the same side, to catch me if the knee goes out. Is this wrong?

Hey , Keith ! I'm pushin' 80 , really hard . knee surgery , back , neck , bypass ! And right now fighting a losing battle with sciatica ! ! ! ! I once had a chance to buy a cane with a concealed dagger like blade . I've wished OFTEN that I'd gotten it but had not an inkling that I was gonna live THIS LONG ! ! Do you make canes ? I've had a coupl'a "UNCOMFORTABLE" experiences and would like to have multiple options if it comes , Down to It !!! Any chance you might make something like that ? ? ? ? They'll probably get me but it'll get ugly before I go down !! Any help/advise appreciated . Thank You