THE BENEFITS OF CANES AND WALKERS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH HIP OR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

By Dr. Brian Nwannunu, Orthopedic Surgeon

As an orthopedic surgeon, I frequently treat patients over the age of 65 who are struggling with mobility due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. While surgery such as joint replacement can offer lasting relief, not every patient is a candidate, and others may prefer conservative management. For many, the use of a cane or walker can be a game-changer—helping reduce pain, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life.

Reducing Joint Load and Pain

Canes and walkers help redistribute body weight, decreasing the stress placed on arthritic joints. For patients with unilateral hip or knee OA, using a cane on the opposite side of the affected joint can reduce joint forces by up to 25%. This offloading can significantly reduce pain during walking, particularly for patients with moderate to severe arthritis.

Walkers provide even more support, especially for those with pain in both hips or knees, or with advanced joint degeneration. By transferring some of the weight to the upper extremities, walkers allow patients to move with less discomfort and more confidence. This support often enables older adults to continue participating in everyday activities, from household chores to walking in the neighborhood.

Improving Balance and Preventing Falls

Older adults with OA are at increased risk for falls, due to both joint pain and instability. Falls are a leading cause of injury in people over 65, often resulting in serious complications like hip fractures. Mobility aids offer a simple but effective way to improve balance and reduce fall risk.

A cane provides a third point of contact with the ground, which helps stabilize the body during walking. For those with significant balance issues, walkers offer a broader base of support and a safer, more controlled gait. I’ve seen many patients become more confident and secure in their movements after beginning to use a properly fitted mobility aid.

Promoting Independence and Quality of Life

Loss of independence is a major concern for older adults with OA. As joint pain worsens, some patients withdraw from social activities or stop leaving the house altogether. This isolation can lead to depression, reduced physical fitness, and further decline in overall health.

A properly chosen cane or walker can restore a sense of independence. It allows patients to continue participating in the activities they enjoy—whether it’s visiting friends, attending appointments, or simply walking through the park. Maintaining this level of activity is critical not just for physical health, but also for emotional well-being.

Selecting the Right Device

Choosing the correct mobility aid is essential. A cane should be the right height—reaching the wrist when the user stands upright—and should be used on the side opposite the affected joint. Walkers come in different styles, from standard models to two- and four-wheeled versions (rollators), and each has specific uses depending on the patient’s strength and stability.

A standard walker offers the most support but requires lifting with each step. Wheeled walkers provide easier movement and are often preferred by those with more endurance. Rollators, which include a seat and hand brakes, are excellent for those who fatigue easily and need frequent rests.

Professional guidance from a physical therapist or mobility specialist can ensure proper fit and instruction. Improper use of these devices can actually lead to more problems, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or increased fall risk.

Not a Sign of Decline—But a Tool for Living Well

Some patients resist using a cane or walker because they associate it with aging or loss of independence. In reality, the opposite is true. A mobility aid is a practical, empowering tool that helps preserve independence and safety. In many cases, it serves as a temporary measure while patients undergo physical therapy or await surgery. For others, it becomes a long-term solution that supports a more active and fulfilling life.

As an orthopedic surgeon, my goal is to reduce pain, prevent injury, and help patients remain as mobile and independent as possible. Canes and walkers are among the most effective non-surgical tools we have to accomplish that—simple devices with the power to dramatically improve a patient’s day-to-day life.