Final answer:
Alice should carry the cane in her right hand if her left knee is affected by osteoarthritis, advancing it simultaneously with her left leg for better stability and joint protection. The cane's length should be adjusted to reach the iliac crest to ensure correct posture and support. She should also maintain a healthy weight and engage in low-impact exercises to reduce joint strain.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching Alice, who is 67 years old and suffering from osteoarthritis of her left knee, to use a cane, it is important to stress that she should carry the cane in the hand opposite to the affected leg. In this case, since it is her left knee affected, she should carry the cane in her right hand. This approach helps with joint protection by distributing weight away from the weaker knee and also increases safety and stability as she walks by widening her base of support and lowering her center of gravity, especially when bending the unaffected knee slightly. The cane should move forward as Alice steps forward with her left leg, maintaining balance and proper gait mechanics.
Moreover, the length of the cane is crucial. It should be adjusted so that its top is at the level of the iliac crest, or the top of the hip bone, while Alice's arm is resting at her side. This ensures that her shoulder is in a neutral, relaxed position, and the elbow is slightly bent, typically at about a 15- to 20-degree angle when she holds onto the cane. Proper cane length aids in both joint protection and balance.
It's also imperative to remind Alice to maintain a healthy weight and incorporate low-impact exercises, such as swimming, to reduce the strain on her joints. Using the cane correctly will help her compensate for knee weakness and enhance her overall mobility.