Why are teenagers walking with canes? A guide to the real reasons

September 22, 2025 •

3 min read

While the use of canes is often associated with older age, many younger individuals now use them to navigate daily life with stability and confidence. There are numerous legitimate medical reasons why are teenagers walking with canes, from chronic illnesses to temporary injuries, challenging common assumptions about mobility aids.

Quick Summary

Young people use canes for a variety of valid reasons, including managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, recovering from temporary injuries, or addressing neurological issues and balance problems. The increase in usage reflects greater disability visibility, not a trend.

Key Points

Invisible Illnesses: Many teenagers use canes to manage symptoms of invisible chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and POTS, which cause pain, instability, and fatigue.
Not a Fashion Fad: The use of canes is not a trend but a necessity for most teenagers, driven by genuine medical needs rather than aesthetics, although fashionable options are becoming available.
Temporary vs. Long-Term: A teenager might use a cane for short-term recovery from an injury or surgery, or long-term management of a permanent disability, such as multiple sclerosis.
Breaking the Stigma: The visibility of young cane users on social media has helped destigmatize mobility aids, empowering more teenagers to use the tools they need without fear of judgment.
Supporting Mental Health: For some, a cane provides crucial stability and fall prevention, which can alleviate anxiety and enhance independence, improving their overall mental well-being.
Beyond Physical Limitations: A cane offers more than just physical support; it can help with balance issues caused by neurological disorders or chronic fatigue, enabling teens to engage more fully in daily life.

Medical Conditions That Require Mobility Aids

Many teenagers use canes due to chronic, often invisible, medical conditions that affect their mobility and stability. Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are common culprits. EDS is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that can cause joint instability, chronic pain, and easy bruising, making a cane essential for joint support and balance. POTS, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, can cause a rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, and fainting, for which a cane provides crucial stability and fall prevention.

Chronic Pain and Fatigue

Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can profoundly impact a teenager's physical endurance. A cane helps offload weight from painful joints and provides support when fatigue makes walking difficult. These conditions are not always visible, so a teenager who appears healthy might be struggling with significant pain and exhaustion, requiring a mobility aid to conserve energy and manage symptoms.

Neurological and Balance Disorders

Neurological conditions are another significant reason for cane use among teens. Disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which can cause muscle weakness and issues with coordination and balance, can necessitate a walking aid even in younger patients. Additionally, certain types of vertigo or inner ear issues can disrupt balance, making a cane a vital tool for safe navigation.

Mental Health and Visibility

The decision to use a mobility aid can also be tied to mental health. Anxiety about falling can lead some teenagers to use a cane for peace of mind, even if their physical needs are less severe. The rise of disability visibility on social media platforms, including TikTok, has helped destigmatize mobility aid use for young people. This increased visibility has empowered many teenagers to use the tools they need without shame, rather than enduring pain to appear 'normal.' This is a cultural shift away from hiding disability and towards embracing the aids that improve quality of life. For many, a cane is an extension of themselves, a symbol of resilience, not a source of embarrassment.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Cane Use

Not all cane use is permanent. Many teenagers require a cane for a temporary period due to injury or post-operative recovery. From a broken leg to a sprained ankle, a cane can help regain mobility and balance during rehabilitation. Some conditions, such as juvenile arthritis, may also require intermittent cane use, depending on the severity of flares.

Reasons for Cane Use in Teenagers


Reason	Example Conditions	Nature of Use	Visibility of Condition
Chronic Illness	Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Fibromyalgia, POTS, Juvenile Arthritis	Long-term, intermittent	Often invisible
Injury Recovery	Broken leg, severe sprain, post-surgery	Short-term, rehabilitative	Often visible
Neurological Issues	Multiple Sclerosis, balance disorders	Long-term, variable	Can be invisible
Temporary Weakness	Exhaustion from illness, recovery from injury	Intermittent, temporary	Variable
Mental Health Support	Anxiety related to falls, stability concerns	Variable	Invisible

The Evolution of Canes and Social Perception

The perception of canes is changing, influenced by a new generation of users and modern design. Canes are no longer just clunky, medical-grade devices; they are now available in a wide array of stylish, customized options that reflect individual personality. This transformation has helped shift the narrative from a cane being a sign of frailty to a form of self-expression and empowerment. This is particularly relevant for younger individuals who want their mobility aid to be an extension of their personal style, rather than a purely clinical item.

Conclusion: Understanding and Empathy

It is crucial to remember that a teenager using a cane has a valid reason for doing so, whether visible or invisible. Assuming that a young person with a mobility aid is faking or just following a trend is harmful and dismissive of their struggles. The increased presence of canes among teenagers is a positive reflection of greater disability awareness and a more inclusive society where people feel empowered to use the tools they need to live their lives fully. The diverse reasons for cane use among teenagers, from managing complex chronic illnesses to recovering from an injury, highlight the importance of approaching others with understanding and empathy. For more information on disability etiquette and understanding mobility aids, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While many teenagers use canes for permanent disabilities like chronic illness, others use them for temporary reasons, such as recovering from a sports injury, surgery, or a short-term health issue.

An invisible illness is a medical condition that isn't outwardly apparent. A teenager with a chronic invisible illness, like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or POTS, might need a cane for joint support, balance, or to conserve energy, even if they appear healthy.

The best approach is to be respectful and empathetic. Avoid making assumptions or asking intrusive questions. Treat them as you would any other person, and if they choose to share their story, listen with understanding.

While fashionable and customizable canes exist, the vast majority of teenagers using a mobility aid do so out of medical necessity, not for fashion. The idea of it being a trend is often a harmful misconception that dismisses real struggles.

Yes. A cane can help mitigate anxiety related to balance issues or the fear of falling, which provides a sense of security and stability. This can significantly improve a person's mental well-being and independence.

Some conditions require intermittent cane use, meaning a person might only need it for long distances or during flares. Their ability to stand briefly without it does not invalidate their need for the aid. Never assume a person is faking their condition.

Specific conditions include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, juvenile arthritis, and neurological disorders causing balance issues.