This helps a person distribute their body weight over the cane’s shaft for increased comfort. Offset Canes come with a “J”-shaped handle and are designed to provide balance support with comfort, especially if you have wrist problems and are unable to hold the cane with a firm grip. It will fold down with each section securely sliding into the lower section.ģ. Another type of folding cane is one with a shaft of aluminum tubing with a durable stretch rope inside. Straight walking sticks can also come in what is considered a more stylish handle: “Derby” handled or “Fritz” handled walking sticks.Ģ.ğOLDING CANES are usually adjustable height derby canes that can be folded in sections for easy storage. Inexpensive straight canes come with a one-piece shaft usually made of wood, or an aluminum shaft that can be adjusted for height. Straight canes frequently come with a rounded handle, known as a crook handle or a rounded nose, in wood or light-weight but strong aluminum. Straight Canes focus on balance support and come with one base point usually in the form of a removable/replaceable rubber tip. Before considering the many different style features of a walking cane, such as the color of the cane or whether it featured kittens or butterflies on the shaft, Sophia needed to look at four types of canes to determine which type best suited her safety needs:ġ. Sophia’s next step is to think carefully about the type of cane that would work best for her. What Type of Cane to Choose for Safe Support These components come in a wide variety of types and styles, all designed to suit a person’s safety needs as well as a person’s style desires. Keeping the cane tip or ferrule in good condition is vital for safe walking. Some canes have four ferrules at the bottom instead of just one. In some canes the tip may be removed and replaced with an “ice-gripper” for better traction in icy conditions. This is usually covered in rubber to provide better stability. For safety purposes, it is important that the cane shaft be the correct length.Īt the very bottom of the cane is the tip or ferrule. Some shafts are collapsible for easy portability. The shaft is the long part of the cane, and can be composed of wood, metal, carbon fiber polymer and other materials. Sometimes this collar is made of fancy material or is engraved with a person’s initials. Next, is a collar that surrounds the area where the handle is attached to the shaft. It is important that the grip fits you well and feels comfortable when walking. As you will see when we look at the different types of walking canes, there are many different types and styles of grips. At the top of the cane is the handle or grip. 1 – Fitting You for a Walking Cane, so now she may look at the types of canes that can provide her with the safest support.Īlthough there are many different types of canes all canes have similar components. We have properly measured Sophia for a cane, see Walking Cane Safety Step No.
#WALKING CANES FOR BALANCE HOW TO#
I understand Sophia’s misgivings and am helping her learn how to choose and use a cane safely and with style. She also believes that using a cane will make her look like a “little old lady”. She didn’t yet need the assistance of a walker or rollator (a walker with wheels.)Īlthough urged by her doctor to use a cane to keep her mobile and interacting with friends, she is reluctant to even consider using a cane. Her doctor had told her that a cane, which is the lightest walking aid one can use for support, should help her to improve her balance when walking outside her home. She has good health otherwise, but just needs a little extra balance support when walking. Sophia is a 78-year-old senior with weakness on one side of her body due to a recent knee replacement. Walking Cane Safety Step 2 – Choosing the Right Walking Cane for Safe Support
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