You may not have really thought about the purpose of walking canes, until you actually need to use one. A walking cane can help an individual in many ways, depending on their needs.
They can relieve pain, reducing pressure that is placed on certain joints, while also providing more support, so that the individual will fall less.
There are various types of walking canes on the market, so you need to take your time to make sure that you buy one that suits your needs. In this article, we will be discovering how you can choose the right walking cane for you.
Do You Need A Walking Cane?
Before you go out shopping for the right walking cane, you need to make sure that you really need it. This is because walking canes generally provide support to only one side of the body. They are really beneficial for the following people:
- Dealing with arthritis in the knees, back, hip, or ankles,
- Needing more stability or balance,
- Recovering from leg or hip surgery on one side of the body,
- Disabilities or injuries that affect one side of the body,
- Recovering from a stroke.
If you need to support your whole body weight, a wheelchair or walker will be a much more suitable option for you than a walking cane.
Types Of Canes
You need to think about what type of kind is going to be more suitable for you.
- Single Tip – This is the most common and standard type of cane you will find. Weight is distributed over one single point. This kind of cane will give individuals enough support who are trying to keep weight off an injury or have very minor mobility issues.
- Quad Tip – If you require a bit more support, then you should consider a quad tip. These canes will be a lot builder, but it can stand on its own, which will improve the individual’s steadiness. A quad tip cane is ideal for someone who needs extra supper from recovering from a stroke or has major balance issues.
- Folding Cane – Typically folding canes are single tip, but if you look you will be able to find quad tip as well. These canes fold up to a much smaller size, which is ideal for traveling and storage.
It is important to make sure that whichever type of cane you choose can support your weight capacity. You will find this information on the product description of your cane.
This is important, if you are really unstable on your feet, as you want to feel safe that your cane will definitely support your weight.
Types Of Handles
A handle is important on a cane, as you want to choose something that is going to be comfortable for you to use.
A round handle is a very classic looking handle which can be hooked onto door knobs, or chairs when not in use. However, this shape isn’t always the most comfortable, and doesn’t always provide you with the best grip.
This shape can be really challenging to use, and can be difficult to distribute your weight over the cane.
Instead, look for canes with a padded handle. There are various types of handles such as L shaped and T-shaped. They can also be thin or thick. It’s best to try out different styles to find one that feels comfortable to you.
As well as that, you want to make sure that you have plenty of grip, which is really important if you suffer from hand arthritis.
What Is Your Cane Made From?
Walking canes are made from various materials, however, the main choice is whether you want a walking cane made from wood or metal.
Wooden canes are very classic and can look a lot more pleasing and sleek. Also, wooden canes are much easier to cut, if the walking cane needs to be resized, because it is too tall. With that being said, wooden canes can sometimes be quite heavy to carry and use.
Compared with metal canes, they are usually either steel or aluminum. Generally, metal canes are a lot more durable and lightweight than wooden canes. However, you can’t cut a metal walking cane, if it is the wrong height. Yet, there are some height adjustable options out there that you can look out for.
Cane Height
It is important, once you choose the type of cane you want and perfect grip, that you get the right height as well. If your walking cane is either too tall or too short, it will be uncomfortable for you to use. In addition to that, an incorrect height will mean that the cane can’t give you the correct support and stability that you require from the cane.
To measure yourself for a walking cane, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Put on your walking shoes and stand upright.
- Step 2: Let your arms fall down to the side. Then bend your elbow slightly, to around 30 degrees.
- Step 3: Get a family member or friend to make a note of the measurement from the floor to your wrist joint. This will then tell you the height that you need for your walking cane.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right walking cane for you. Think about your needs, and what you want this cane for. In addition, you need to find a handle that you find comfortable to use, and then you can think about which material you want your cane made from.
There are various canes on the market, you just need to do your research and have a look around.
There is a lot to think about, however, we hope this article has helped you understand how you can choose the right walking cane for you or someone you love.
