SUNDAY, Feb. 22, 2009 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes time to use a cane to walk or support yourself after an injury, don't grab any old stick, advises the American Geriatrics Society.
Getting a cane tailored to your body and needs, and using it properly, is vital to its success and your health, according to the society's president.
"A common use of canes is for arthritis in the hip," Dr. Johnny Murphy said in a news release issued by the organization. "For patients using a cane for pain in one hip, the cane should be held in the hand opposite the affected leg. The cane should then move forward with the affected leg."
Murphy offered several tips for selecting a cane:
More information
The Arthritis Foundation has more about arthritis.