Why do (old) people use one cane, not two?

using one cane barely helps and is kind of uncomfortable (feels like you're limping). using two canes (not crutches though) is very comfortable and offers a lot of support

Weakness in one leg, not two. The cane is just supposed to be a support for the weak side, and not interfere with the normal use of the unaffected side, thus reducing the chance of atrophy in the unaffected side. For weakness in both legs a walker is recommended.

It leaves one handfree to swat the hot waitress on her butt.

because they might not need total support,but just a little bit.with cruthes,u usually need all of th support.the cane is there mostly just in case of their legs,or w/e giving out

quite often one cane is enough and that leaves the other hand to hold a bag or umbrella or whatever. Usually when a person needs two canes then a walking frame is used instead.

Well, a cane is really there to support your weight on the weaker leg. So, the reason why and older person may use a cane is because do to a hip or knee problem they get assistance to bare weight on the weaker leg. The cane is really there to allow them to bare weight not to depend on it as a whole. We humans are by nature are bipedal so we stand upright and walk. For does of us who can walk and fortunate to do so, should maintain good posture and take care of our bodies so to preserve this wonderful gift of life. Good Luck.

Dr. Ali, DC

There are different type of cane. The single tip cane is less stable than the quad canes. The doctors of these people will not allow them to use assistive device that are not appropriate for their patients. If the patient has a balance problem, they are ask to use a walker, they are more stable than canes, but more difficult to use in narrow corridors and in stairways. It also requires more upper extremity strength. On the other hand, canes are lighter. Canes are also use if the patient has a problem on his/her other arm.

Poor mobility is due to a variety of reasons. If one leg is weaker than another it is usual to use one walking stick. If weakness occurs in both legs a walking frame (Zimmer) is used. The advantages of using a walking frame over two sticks are that it offers much more stability and they have a tray or a basket to help the person carry things. A frame is also more useful when helping someone to raise to a standing position.

Poor mobility is often caused by other conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, a Stroke or Arthritis. Stability is a key issue in such conditions as there is usually a weakness down one side also affecting the arms, hands and shoulders which means that two sticks would be unmanageable.