The 3rd Foot Cane needs to be adjusted to leg height not wrist height like a traditional cane. The cane and cane foot move on the outside of your leg with your arm next to your side like in the customer and How To videos.

Adjust The 3rd Foot Cane to leg height or slightly higher When initially adjusting the cane/canes try different cane heights until you find the height that distributes your weight evenly between the cane foot and your feet when standing and walking.

Stand up straight. Do not lean forward or towards the cane handle like you do with a traditional cane that is adjusted to wrist height and uses the cane handle to maintain balance.

Keep the top of the inside of your arm/arms next to your side when walking like you do when walk without a cane. When you extend the top of the inside of your arm/arms away from your side when walking your body becomes less stable and has less balance and alignment.

If you have the cane adjusted high enough and feel stable when standing, but find yourself leaning towards the cane and gripping the handle as you walk, put the hand not holding the cane on the wall and walk. If you feel more stable with the cane on one side of your body and your hand on the wall on the other side then you need 2 canes for the added support.

 At 20 ounces the cane’s weight has been systematically calculated to maintain the body’s balance, stability, upright posture and natural alignment when walking forward, backing up, turning, standing up, sitting down and on the stairs like in the Customer and How To videos.

The cane foot is designed and Patented to maintain or help regain a heel to toe walking gait that allows the body to move better, get stronger and walk longer.

The 3rd Foot Cane can be used with the foot next to the cane or with the opposite foot.

 **Keep your head up with
your line of sight towards the ground ahead of you the way you drive your car or ride a bike to maintain or regain a more stable, balanced, upright walking gait. When you walk looking down at your feet your core muscles stop engaging and you increase your risk of falling because your walking stride is too short and your body has less balance and less stability.

You can glance down at the ground in front of you without dropping your head down when walking.

The only time you should look down towards your feet when walking is when you’re on the stairs, in the dark or on a wet, slippery surface, sitting down, standing up or making a transition from one surface height to another.   

If you change your shoes you may need to adjust the cane height.

How to Hold the Cane Handle

 Hold the cane handle with
your index finger wrapped around the front of the cane shaft and your thumb across the top of the cane handle or wrapped around the front of the cane shaft.

If you find yourself putting too much weight on the cane handle or gripping the cane handle tightly adjust the cane one notch or two notches higher.

Do not hold the cane handle by the back of the cane handle only.

See the Instructions below for how to walk with 2 canes and how to transition from 2 canes to 1 cane and then no cane after surgery.

See the Instructions below for adjusting and using the cane/canes for Drop Foot, Parkinson's, EDS, Stroke Rehab, 2 different length legs, MS and for other conditions that affect mobility.

Aligned as Designed Cane how-to captions.mp4

https://youtu.be/B1xpiIk5exQ?si=-gKffQQFldqhH_sT

https://youtu.be/WKwbvezNqeQ?si=FCBy-Pb6RmlUok2Y

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbeOwfbDU9C/?utm_medium=copy_link

Aligned as Designed Cane how-to captions.mp4

https://youtu.be/B1xpiIk5exQ?si=-gKffQQFldqhH_sT

https://youtu.be/WKwbvezNqeQ?si=FCBy-Pb6RmlUok2Y

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbeOwfbDU9C/?utm_medium=copy_link

Contact Customer Support with any questions, comments or if you need help adjusting and using The 3rd Foot Cane.

Read Part 1 of the Mobility Blog under the Blog Section of the website to understand why it's important to keep your head upright when you walk.

For added stability when going up or down a staircase or on a set of porch steps without railings adjust the cane/canes one to two notches higher.

Tighten the rings after adjusting the cane to prolong the life of the cane foot.

How Do I Know If I Need 1 Cane Or 2

Some people use 1 cane in the house and prefer to use 2 canes when walking outside because it gives them added stability, support, and independence that allows them to move better and walk longer when outside the house.

If you're not sure if you need 1 cane or 2 canes, put the cane in one hand and your other hand on the other side of your body on the wall and walk. If you feel more stable with the added support on both sides of your body you need 2 canes.

Watch the first Customer Video on the Home Page to a Customer walking with 1 cane and then 2 canes.

How To Use The 3rd Foot Cane When You Have Drop Foot

Adjust the cane/canes high enough so your weight is evenly distributed between the cane foot and your feet.

Place the cane on the side of your body without drop foot. Move the cane foot on your stronger side with the foot on the other side of your body with drop foot.

When the cane is adjusted high enough and used on the outside of your leg the front of the cane foot will act as a second point of contact that will stabilize the the foot with drop foot and keep the toes from bending and curling under when walking. 

Let the front of the cane foot and the front of the foot with drop foot contact the ground together at the same time.

If your foot with drop foot does not contact the ground from heel to toe make sure that the cane foot and the foot with drop foot contact the ground together and in the same way. 

Watch the videos on the Homepage and on the website that show people with Drop Foot using the cane.

There are additional cane videos and foot exercises to help reestablish a heel to toe walking gait below and on our Instagram page.

How To Adjust And Use The 3rd Foot Cane If You Have  MS 

Try different cane heights until you find the height that allows you to keep your head up and distributes your weight evenly between the cane/canes foot /feet and your feet when walking.

Keep your underarms and the top of the inside of your arms next to your side with the cane and the cane foot on the outside of your leg when walking.

Maintaining the natural alignment and curvature of the spine with the top of the inside of the arms next to the sides as you walk increases your body's balance and stability. Letting you move better, get stronger and walk longer.

If The 3rd Foot Cane is not adjusted high enough or used out in front of your body or with your arm/arms extended away from your side like a traditional cane you will not feel stable or get the benefit of the cane.

Read the Customer Reviews and watch the videos from Ardra Shephard, Kent Jones and from other people with MS below and under the Review Section. Watch the customer videos on the Home Page and under the Review Section.

Some people with MS will use one 3rd Foot Cane in the house and two outside the house to give them added stability allowing them to walk more.

Watch the first video on the home page of Kent Jones-that_guy_with_ms, walking with one 3rd Foot Cane and then walking with two. See the difference in his mobility, stability and upright posture when walking with two 3rd Foot Canes.

Watch the second video on the Homepage to see Kent talk about his increased mobility after using the 3rd Foot Cane for two years.

Read the customer reviews below from people who use The 3rd Foot Cane who have MS. Then watch the video of Ardra Shephard under the Review Section talking about her experience using The 3rd Foot Canes.

If you, a friend or a loved one has MS sign up for Ardra Shephard's Blog at trippingonair.com to stay updated on the most current lifestyle and health information about MS.

Customer Comments

5.0 out of 5 stars 

I have dropped foot (MS). After trying a LOT of canes, I received mine yesterday...BEST CANE EVER!!

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2022

Kent Jones- that_guy_with_MS

After 20 years of multiple sclerosis and foot drop, I’ve used many different canes, walking sticks, forearm crutches, and wheelchairs (see pic). I’m what you might call a “caneisseur“ 😀

I bought the Aligned as Designed cane 15 months ago, not long after leaving my wheelchairs and working hard to walk again. Since then, I’ve bought three more - two additional for me to use as a pair on longer walks and one as a gift for my uncle with Parkinson’s (he hated regular canes but liked this). My post-wheelchair walking is a work in progress, but check out the video to see how it is now.

This cane looks, balances, and works differently than conventional canes. It’s a tool to help you stand tall and walk better, with less pain. It’s great for all that. Follow the instructions and their helpful videos and you’ll be happily surprised. If you just want a cane to help get out of chairs and get to the bathroom, or you prefer to walk hunched over, then any old regular cane should do. If you want to walk more like you used to and stay at eye level with others, and are a willing to try a new way, the AaD cane is a great choice.

Verified Purchase

Stability, easy to learn, actually took a walk and did NOT stumble!! Wow!

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly has assisted me in controlled and stabile mobility Paul Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2022Having MS compromise my gait and stability, I was needing assistance with regaining normal walking characteristics. While practicing the proper methods to use the third foot cane and engaging in biomechanical lessons of natural body functions such as synchronized movement and alignment, the use of this cane has tremendously helped me function and enjoy activity again. While I had tried a few different styles of canes in the past, none has helped me to the degree that Aligned as Designed Third Foot cane has. So happy to have acquired this. Allows me to continue to move forward and enjoy Williamsburg, VA5.0 out of 5 stars This cane is a game changer!

Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022CI D P is a disease similar to MS. I had been using a rollater, but found myself feeling stooped over. I'm able to stand tall while walking with these canes. Two canes provide me with improved balance and stability. More information is available on the Aligned as Designed website. I have received exceptional customer support from the supplier and enthusiastically recommend this product.

monica5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to use

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2022Verified PurchaseI love this cane, I have MS and it is easy to use going up and down stairs even when I am having a bad day. Just make sure the weak leg and the cane step forward together ❤️

Customer Comment

 Monica April 7,2022I have MS and my drop foot is pretty bad at the moment but I have not had any issues tripping over the 3rd foot cane, it has been a supportive tool for me in my quest for healing-

Watch the Instagram video below to learn How To Walk with The 3rd Foot Canes by @alignedasdesignedcane: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtqGWSuR7s7/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ== 

Adjusting The Canes When Transitioning From A Walker To 2 Canes

Most if not all people transitioning from a walker start with 2 canes for stability and to reestablish a balanced, stable, upright walking gait that maintains the body’s natural alignment and engages the core muscles before transitioning to one cane. 

Maintaining your body’s natural alignment allows you to maintain a long enough step, stride and a heel to toe walking gait. Letting you move better, get stronger and walk longer.

When transitioning from a walker to 2 canes adjust the canes for stability first. Try different cane heights until you find the height that makes you feel stable when standing and then walking. For the first week or two you will probably use the canes higher to help you transition from the walker to the canes.

When the canes are adjusted high enough and positioned on the outside of your legs like in the Customer & How To Videos you should feel stable when standing and walking. If not, adjust the canes higher. Move the canes on the outside of your legs like in the videos and not ahead of your body like a traditional cane or walker that uses the cane or the walker handle that you lean on to maintain balance.

Try to use the canes with the opposite foot when walking. It may take a week or two to do that for some people making the transition from a walker to a cane.

If you have EDS, Parkinson's or CP use the cane or canes with the foot next to the cane or with the opposite foot.

Read the Instructions below and under the FAQ section for more EDS and Parkinson's instructions.

Transitioning From 2 Canes to 1 Cane

If you can walk towards a full-length mirror and feel stable when walking forward, turning, and taking a few steps backward like in the videos you can transition to one cane.

For the average person it takes 6 weeks until they can walk outside the house for an extended period of time and maintain a balanced, stable upright walking gait without getting tired and needing 2 canes.

If you have been using a walker for a long period of time it will take longer for you to transition from 2 canes to 1 cane.

 When you can walk towards a full-length mirror with your head upright when walking forward, turning, and taking a few steps backward inside the house without a cane you can transition outside the house from 1 cane to no cane.  

Contact Customer Support by email at customerservice@alignedasdesigned.com or call or text 310-800-0110 if you have questions before or after you buy the cane or if you need help adjusting and using the canes.

Post-op Rehab

If you are transitioning from a walker to a cane after surgery or you have trouble maintaining your head upright, and aligned and centered over your shoulders when you walk you will need 2 canes before transitioning to one cane or you will not feel stable.

Two canes will help you reestablish a heel to toe walking gait that will engage and strengthen your core muscles .

* If you are using one cane and have a stronger and weaker side or are rehabbing after an injury, surgery, or a stroke put the cane foot next to your stronger leg and move the cane with your weaker side or opposite foot when walking like in the How To and Customer videos.

Post-Op Walking Instructions

Move the cane and the cane foot on the outside of your leg not ahead of it like with a traditional cane.

Keep the top of the inside of your arm next to your side when you walk. Do not extend the top of your arm away from your side like you do when you use a traditional cane that uses the cane handle to maintain balance.

Keep the cane foot on the outside of your leg slightly behind the outside of your foot when you walking post-op or post-injury to distribute more weight onto the cane foot and off your injured or healing leg or foot when walking.

**After an injury or hip, knee or ankle surgery or if you are transitioning from a walker to 2 canes adjust the cane/canes higher than leg height for the first week to give you more stability and to take more weight off your injured side and redistribute it between the cane foot and your feet.

Take smaller steps for the first week to distribute more weight off of your hip, knee or ankle joints and distribute it onto the cane feet.

Start increasing the length of your walking stride to redevelop a heel to toe walking gait that engages and strengthens your core muscles.

**If you have to stand for any length of time without moving place the cane next to your weaker leg. You can adjust the cane higher to make it easier to stand if you need to.

*** When bending down or on the stairs use the cane foot with the opposite foot.

*** Loosen the top ring to adjust the cane. Tighten the rings after adjusting the cane to prolong the life of the cane. 

Canes that are used after surgery are not returnable when no longer needed.

Stroke Rehab

Many people who use The 3rd foot Cane after a stroke can only use one cane to start because they are unable to hold a cane on the side of the body affected by the stroke. They start with one cane and as their affected side becomes stronger they transition to two canes to help reestablish a balanced heel to toe walking gait on both sides of their body. Once a more balanced step, stride and walking gait is reestablished between the two sides they transition back to one cane and then to no cane.

When initially adjusting the cane/canes adjust the cane for stability first, try different cane heights until you find the height that makes you feel the stable when standing and then walking.  After the first week or two or if you feel like the cane height is too high adjust the cane height down one peg. If you have 2 different length legs watch the video for how to adjust the canes for 2 different length legs. Contact Customer Support if you need help or have any questions.

Will The 3rd Foot Cane Work For Everyone?

Dementia affects memory and the body's ability to remember how to coordinate and balance movement between the two sides of the body. People with dementia are at high risk for falls due to decreased physical coordination and disorientation that is associated with dementia.

The 3rd foot Cane is Not recommended for people with Dementia.

*The cane is not recommended for people with severe kyphosis. If your head and shoulders are bent forward and positioned in front of the rest of your body when you stand, sit or walk or if you shuffle and slide your feet along the ground when you walk the cane will not work for you. 

 People with peripheral vertigo which is positional, should use two 3rd Foot Canes to maximize their balance and increase their stability when walking, turning, sitting and standing up. Read the reviews under the Review Section from people with peripheral vertigo, vestibular, ataxia and other conditions that affect balance. 

Central Vertigo: Most if not all physicians recommend using a walker and not a quad cane or any cane if someone has central vertigo which results in severe instability when walking, standing and even sitting.

Contact Customer Support by email at customerservice@alignedasdesigned.com or call or text 310-800-0110 if you have questions before or after you buy the cane or if you need help adjusting and using the canes.

Using The 3rd foot Cane on the stairs. Watch the video below

Aligned as Designed Cane stairs captions.mp4

Read The FAQ Section for More Information

Tighten the rings after adjusting the cane to prolong the life of the cane foot.