Canes

Choosing The Best Walking Cane

Walking canes are the most common mobility aids used by seniors and people with mobility issues. They are simple, convenient, inexpensive and also offer the following benefits: 

• Relieve pressure on the legs, weak or injured foot, ankle, and knee. 
• Provide stability while walking and going up and down stairs.
• Prevent injuries due to falls.
• Allow mobility, activity, and independence.
• Promote proper posture and balance.

How to choose the best walking cane?

Walking canes are available in various styles, materials, handle types and tips. When searching best walking canes, make sure to look for one that is sturdy, adjustable, and easy to use. Don’t forget to check the handle, it should feel comfortable in your hand. The right walking cane will improve mobility, independence, and safety.

Types of Canes

Knowing about the different types of walking canes and their usage can help you make an informed decision.

1. Single Point Cane/Standard Cane

The single-point cane is the most common type of walking cane. It allows users to make better contact with the ground with each step making it easier to maintain a steady balance. It allows one to walk faster and more efficiently than other canes. The standard cane is perfect for those with arthritis, and minor mobility issues, and to keep pressure off of an injury or surgery site.

2. Quad Cane

Also known as a 4-prong cane, a quad cane is designed for complex mobility impairments and significant balance issues. With its broad rectangular base and four small supports, it distributes body weight across four points, providing greater balance and safety. This type of cane also r is ideal for those prone to falling and slipping. An important feature to note is the wider the base, the more stability it provides.

3. Folding Cane

As the name suggests, a folding cane folds for travel and easy storage. The lightweight and compact design fits easily in a handbag or other small storage space. These collapsible canes are most often single-point canes.

4. Bariatric Cane

A bariatric cane is made from durable materials and is sturdy enough to provide substantial weight support for heavier individuals.

5. Walking Cane with Seat

These canes are equipped with a foldable seat that can be unfolded whenever needed. An excellent option for those who get tired easily and cannot walk long distances. Check weight restrictions before purchasing this type of cane. 

6. Blind Cane/White Cane

People with visual impairments use a white cane as a mobility aid or balance assistance. The blind cane provides better sensibility of immediate surroundings and helps assess conditions while walking. The vivid white color also identifies the user as visually challenged.

Walking Cane Handles

When choosing a cane, it is also important to consider the right type of handle for your needs. The best choice can prevent unnecessary stress, discomfort, and hand pain.

1. Crook Cane: This is the most classic style, resembling a shepherd's crook. It provides great grip and allows taller individuals to use it without hunching. The simple design makes it easy to hook over the arm, a chair, or other places when not in use. However, these handles can be uncomfortable to hold, so this might not be right for people who need enhanced comfort. 
2. T-Handle Cane: Also known as straight-handle canes, reduce stress and fatigue of the hands and is perfect for those with arthritis or hand and finger weakness. 
3. Fritz Cane: Another great option for arthritic users. These canes are similar to T-handle canes but have an extra curve that provides better comfort and grip. 
4. Offset Cane: Shaped like a question mark the design helps improve balance and provides necessary support while reducing strain on the wrist. Quad canes usually feature this type of handle. 
5. Derby Cane: Extremely popular for its practicality and elegance. The small hook at the end of the handle can be hung on a table edge or over the elbow for full use of the hands. Derby handles offer great balance and support and is perfect for arthritic hands.  

Handle Grip Types

Handles are also available in several grip types.

1. Foam Grips: Soft, comfortable, and perfect for anyone with arthritis or other hand or wrist issues.
2. Gel Grips: Reduce hand stress and fatigue and make gripping easier.
3. Orthopedic Grips: Ideal for people who have orthopedic issues such as arthritis or wrist pain.

Cane Tips

The tip of the cane is crucial because it makes contact with the ground and is responsible for providing a firm grip or traction to prevent the cane from slipping. Cane tips wear out over time and need to be replaced to ensure safety. When selecting replacement cane tips, take measurements of the bottom of the cane and find a tip to match the size.

Some of the different available options are - 

1. Rubber tip: This is the most common tip type. It is made of rubber and provides great traction. Rubber tips often include a metal disc at the bottom for increased durability.
2. Quad tip: This tip is attached to a single-point cane but has four prongs on the end. This design allows the cane to stand on its own and offers increased traction, stability, and durability. Some users prefer using quad tips instead of the bulkier quad canes.
3. Ice tip: A great accessory for the winter months. These tips are made with durable steel and provide improved grip and security while walking over snow or ice.

Cane material and design

Mobility canes are available in various designs and materials such as wood, aluminum, and steel.

1. Wood Canes

Aesthetically pleasing with its sleek, classic design, a wooden cane can also be much easier to cut if it needs to be resized to a proper height. Wood canes are durable but they can be heavier to use and are typically available as single point cane.

2. Metal Canes

Metal canes are usually made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum canes are lightweight and can be used with folding canes. Metals are used to make both single-point and multi-point canes. Most metal canes are height adjustable.

3. Fashionable Canes

Who says a cane can’t be a fashion statement? Walking canes are available in different colors and designs for function and style.

Weight capacity

Make sure that your walking cane can accommodate your body weight. Standard canes are for people who weigh less than 300 pounds and bariatric canes can accommodate up to 500 pounds. 

Height of the Walking Cane

If a cane is too tall or too short, it can cause pain and discomfort and will not provide the right support and stability. Most metal canes are height adjustable.

How to measure for a Walking Cane?

• Put on your regular walking shoes and stand up straight.
• Let your arms fall to your sides naturally with a normal relaxed bend at the elbow (about 15 to 20 degrees).
• Have a friend or family member measure the height from your wrist joint (bottom crease of the wrist) to the floor.
• Round up to the nearest half-inch - that number is the correct height of your chosen walking cane.

Walking Cane Accessories

Accessories can range from convenience to safety options. There are many options available such as wrist straps to hook the cane to your wrist, hooks to conveniently hang a cane, flashlights to avoid tripping in the dark, metal tips to grip icy surfaces and even cupholders.

Where can I buy the Best Walking Cane?

HPFY carries an extensive range of mobility aids including walking canes, crutches, walkers, upright walkers, rollators, and more from many industry leaders. Visit our website to explore more mobility supplies!

 

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