When you need a little extra help getting where you need to go, it can be confusing to determine exactly what type of walking aid is right for you. This is part one in a series of guides that will help explain the differences in the many products in this category, and will give you the tools you need to pick exactly what you need. This guide will focus on walking canes. Be sure to check our other guides often, as we'll soon be offering information about crutches, walkers, and rollators, as well as a separate series on wheelchairs and scooters.
THE BASICS
There are four categories of basic walk aids available:
Canes
Crutches
Walkers
Rollators
Whether you are selecting a walking aid for short term use because of an injury, or you have a more permanent need for mobility assistance, you should consider the type and amount of support you need when making your decision. Read on for more information about the first option - canes.
CANES
A cane or walking stick is the most basic of mobility aids. It is really not much more than a pole with a handle, but it can help someone with minor difficulty walking have a much easier time getting around. It will provide you with greater balance and stability by giving you a wider support base. It will also redistribute some of the weight an injured or otherwise weakened leg must carry. Choose a walking cane if you need minimal support, want to supplement your muscle action, or need to reduce the load on weight-bearing joints or bones. Many hikers and mountain climbers also use canes for added stability.
Canes are available in a variety of styles, handle types and materials. (You can even get a cane that folds, or has a built in seat!) Whether you choose a cane made of wood (mahogony, walnut, etc.) or metal, or a silver, black, bronze or patterned cane, is really a matter of personal taste. The most important option to consider is the type of handle. The basic handle style is the "J handle". As the name implies, this cane has a handle that looks like an upside down J. While this is not the most ergonomically designed handle, it is convenient, in that it can be hooked over your arm when you aren't using it. If you have arthritis in your hands, this is not the handle for you.
Another handle style is the derby handle. This style handle places your weight over the shaft of the cane, for maximum comfort. This style will work well for you if you suffer from arthritis.
Another popular handle is the offset handle. This is also good for people with arthritic hands, and places your weight directly over the base for the most stability.
If you need a bit more support than a standard walking cane, you might want to consider a quad cane. This type of cane has a base with four "feet", so you get much more stability than the simple walking stick provides.
Quad canes are available with small or large bases. The large bases usually measure 12" x 8", and the small bases measure around 6" x 8". The large base provides more stability than the small base. Quad canes are only available in metal, and most come with the offset handle option.
SIZING A CANE
No matter which cane you choose, it is very important that you get the size that is right for your height. Here are the steps to measure for a cane:
Put on your usual walking shoes
Stand in an upright position, with your arm held naturally and comfortably at your side, and with your elbow slightly bent
Have someone measure from the inside of your wrist to the floor
You'll need a cane that is at least as long as the distance from your wrist to the floor. Most metal canes are adjustable, so just make sure the range of adjustment will work with the measurement you got when you followed the steps above. If you choose a wooden cane, pick one that is longer than you need it to be, so you can have it cut to your needs.
THE RIGHT WAY TO USE YOUR CANE
Learning to use your cane properly will increase your balance and stability. You should hold your cane in the hand opposite your injured or weakened leg, whether you're left-handed or right-handed. Step forward with your unaffected leg first. Then, put all your weight on your unaffected leg, and step forward with the cane and your affected leg at the same time. Remember to step at a comfortable, natural distance, so as not to put strain on your joints and bones. You want your elbow to be just slightly bent. If your elbow is bent at a right angle, or is straight, the height of the cane is incorrect, and should be adjusted. Be sure to maintain a posture that is as upright as possible. With a little practice, you will acheive a gait that is natural and comfortable.
When using your cane to help you stand up from a seated position, it's important to focus on proper posture. Grasp the cane in the hand opposite your affected leg. Keeping your back as straight as you possibly can, put all your weight on your unaffected leg. Use your unaffected leg and the arm holding the cane to support you while you stand, making sure to put as little weight as possible on the injured or weak leg. Do not use your back muscles to lift your body. Instead, concentrate on using the muscles in your "good" leg, and those in the arm holding the cane. Rise slowly and in the most upright direction you can, to maintain the proper balance. As you stand up, make sure you keep all your weight on the unaffected leg, and use the cane for stability on the other side of your body. Then, you're ready to go!
Summary
If you've decided a walking cane is the right mobility aid for you, the information above should tell you what you need to know to choose the perfect one! If you need more support than a cane provides, check back soon for our other guides for information about more options.
See our mobility aids!
Copyright 01/18/2006, Affordable Med Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this work shall not be used, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.
Orignal From: Choosing the Right Walking Aid: Part 1 - Canes
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