What is Walking Cane?
A cane is an assistive device that aids people who need mild to moderate support while walking due to pain, injury, or weakness. One may need it for long-term use or while recovering from surgery or a stroke.
The walking cane keeps pressure off the lower leg or hip that is weak or painful and improves balance by increasing the base of support, allowing you to walk safely and steadily.
You should consider using a walking cane if you:
- have an abnormal gait
- have arthritis in your leg or back
- worry about losing balance and falling
- have hip or knee pain during or after walking
- have trouble going up and down stairs
- frequently search for support to steady yourself
- recovering from knee or hip surgery
Canes are available in wide varieties and designs to meet the diverse needs of users. HPFY offers a wide assortment of canes for sale, including adjustable, folding, quad, standard, bariatric, and many more. Choose the one that best suits your requirement today!
Components of a Cane
- Handle: It sits at the top of the walking cane and is the place you put your hand when using it. They come in various styles, such as crook, fritz, offset, derby, T-handles, etc.
- Collar: A small band sits on the joint between the handle and shaft.
- Shaft: It is the whole length of the cane between the handle and the tip. It is what gives the cane its height and supports your weight as you use it.
- Ferrule: It is the tip of the cane that sits at the bottom of the shaft. It contacts the ground and helps protect the cane from wear and tear.
Types of Canes
- Single Point Cane/Standard Cane: It is the most common type of walking cane available. Single-point cane enables users to make better contact on the surface with each step making it easier to keep a stable balance. One can walk with it faster than other models, and it is ideal for those with arthritis and minor mobility issues.
- Quad Cane: Also known as a 4-prong cane, a quad cane has a broad rectangular base and four feet, providing greater balance and safety. It is typically recommended for people with more complex impairments and walking difficulties. Also, ideal for those who are prone to falling and slipping. It is important to note that the wider the base of the cane, the more stability it provides.
- Folding Cane: As the name suggests, it folds for travel and easy storage. The lightweight and compact design makes it fit in a handbag or other small storage space. Folding canes are ideal for active people who are always on the go.
- Adjustable Cane: It is height adjustable to fit users of all heights. Adjustable cane has two or more shaft pieces for a telescoping effect allowing the user to lengthen or shorten their walking cane.
- Walking cane with seat: It has an attached seat that can be unfolded whenever needed. Seat canes are an excellent option for those who get tired frequently and cannot walk long distances.
- Bariatric Cane: It offers more stability than standard canes. Bariatric canes are made up of strong metals and alloys for added strength to support heavier individuals.
- Blind Cane/White Cane: A blind cane is designed for people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate the world around them safely and independently. It provides the user the ability to assess the immediate surroundings.
Benefits of using a Cane for Walking
Walking With a Cane
For beginners, learning to walk with a cane can take some time before getting used to it. The following tips may help you:
- Hold the cane in hand opposite to your weaker leg.
- Position the cane a little to the side and a few inches forward.
- Move the cane forward.
- Step forward with your weaker leg first, putting your weight onto the cane.
- Then walk forward with your stronger leg.
- Repeat.
Where can I buy a Walking Cane online?
Canes can be valuable walking aids for people with arthritis, balance issues, risk of falling, and pain or weakness in the hips, knees, or feet. Health Products For You carries high-quality walking canes from industry leaders like Mabis DMI, Graham-Field, Drive Medical, etc., at affordable prices. Shop now to walk with ease and safety.
Articles on Walking Canes
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
How much a cane will last varies greatly depending on the customer, the pressure put on the cane (light or heavy duty), and the number of mile/kilometres walked all contribute to this measure and have an impact on the wear and tear of the cane. In general a graphite cane will last twice as long as an aluminium cane.
Tip life is depends on usage of the cane. Life expectancy is a combination of mileage and the surface the cane is used on.
Correct height of a cane is when the cane handle reaches the wrist bone. Standing upright with both arms relaxed at your sides and wearing the shoes that you normally wear, measure from the floor to your wrist bone.
A quad cane has four legs, and offers a wider base and greater stability when compared to single platform models.
Types of canes include:
- Adjustable Canes
- Folding Canes
- Quad Canes
- Standard Canes
- Bariatric Canes
- Seat Canes
- Canes for Visually Impaired
- Retractable ice-tip cane
Most walking canes are made of Aluminium as it makes them lightweight and easy to carry for the elderly and those with limited strength, but they are still really strong.
Folding canes are great for travelling. It is a favorable option when you do not always require a cane, it can easily be folded and put into the trunk or a suitcase. While in a flight or car you can always fold and keep them aside.
Folding canes are great for travelling. It is a favorable option when you do not always require a cane, it can easily be folded and put into the trunk or a suitcase. While in a flight or car you can always fold and keep them aside.
Quad canes offer extra support and stability due to the four rubber capped feet in its bottom. It is also free standing which is an added advantage.
