Our experience at SeniorShoppingNetwork.com is that, while most people will readily acknowledge the need/benefits of using a cane (or walking stick), never before has there been such a variety of choices to fit form, function and personal tastes. However, there are some cane basics that must be addressed before deciding if one wants a Norman Rockwell pattern folding cane or a custom cut cherry wood finished cane.

~FINDING THE RIGHT LENGTH FOR A CANE

To measure the correct length for a cane, do the following:

1) Stand comfortably in the shoes you will be wearing when using the cane.

2) With your arms at your sides, measure the distance from the floor to the center of your wrist (you may wish to pencil mark on a wall or door frame then measure the distance from the floor to the mark).

3) Round up or down to the nearest whole inch…this is the optimum cane length for you.

Unless you are among the very tall, nearly all cane length needs can be easily accommodated by using the above measurement or by buying an adjustable model. Most “typical” adjustable canes can be expanded from about 31 inches up to 37 or 40 inches in 1 inch increments (depending upon the model) and, for the very tall, extra long canes are available in lengths up to 42 inches.

SeniorShoppingNetwork.com does have several canes that can be custom cut to your desired length.

~WEIGHT BEARING LIMITS ON CANES

This is an important concern for many people and should not be overlooked when buying a cane. Merchants will often advertise the weight bearing limit on particular canes or they can access the information from the manufacturer. While it is always good to check, most typical canes have a limit up to 250 lbs. Slimline and some fashion canes have a limit of around 175 lbs, and certain canes made expressly for a higher weight bearing limit will go up to 500 lbs.

~LEFT HAND OR RIGHT HAND? FOR AN INJURY OR JUST ASSISTANCE?

Remembering that canes are used for weight bearing, stability, and balance, most people will use a cane in the manner that gives them the desired effect, or in the way prescribed by their healthcare professional. However, in the absence of a recommendation specific to one’s own condition, it is common to use the cane on the side opposite the side of the injured or compromised foot or leg. Remember to always consult your healthcare professional or physical therapist for his/her specific recommendation based on your condition.

If a cane doesn’t specify a choice between right or left hand, it is generally acceptable to use it on either side. Certain canes, such as quad canes, can be used for either right or left hand by rotating the handle on the base.

~ATTRIBUTES OF VARIOUS MATERIALS FROM WHICH CANES ARE MADE

The Shaft

The oldest cane material is, of course, wood or possibly bone. In addition to relatively light weight, moderate cost, and material resilience (with a little natural cushioning), various woods can be selected to fit one’s personal taste, from rustic and rugged to refined and elegant. Several people report having different canes to fit various occasions. Tubular materials (mostly aluminum) have several attributes that may include being adjustable, foldable, light weight, durable, and able to take a variety of fashionable finishes, color prints and patterns. Composite materials such as graphite and fiberglass are very light weight and yet very strong. Usually being solid molded, composites are typically not adjustable and may be comparatively expensive. Other materials such as acrylics may also be used to make canes.

The Handle

Since handles can be made of nearly any material, varying from the same material as the shaft to sponge rubber, wood, bone or even precious metals, the handle is more a matter of personal preference, cost, and form and function (discussed below) than a matter of material advantages.

~CANE STYLES: FORM AND FUNCTION.

The Crook Cane is the long enduring standard for cane design. It is thought that the “crook” dates back in history making reference to the shepherds staff with a crook on the end. These canes, with their simple lines and curved handle, remain a popular choice. Crook canes can be fashioned from any cane material and, with tubular material, they can also be made adjustable. The crook can be easily draped over one’s arm or a chair back when not in use.

Offset Canes and variations of offset canes include a number of styles that, when compared to a crook cane, place the users weight more directly over the shaft. The earliest and still very popular standard design for an offset cane has a handle in the shape of the number “7.” Most standard offset canes are made of tubular materials and are typically adjustable. The offset handle design is also popular with broad base canes (see below). Other handle designs that perform a weight shifting function similar to the standard offset include the T-handle, York, Derby (and Derby Hook), and the shovel handle. Some ergonomic canes may also be offset.

Ergonomics is the study of designing objects better adapted to the shape of the human body. In cane terminology, ergonomic canes are sometimes also called anatomical canes for their ability to conform the shape and contour of the human hand.

The best examples of ergonomic or anatomical canes are the Palm Grip cane designed to comfortably support the palm when placed flat on the handle and the Contour Grip (also called comfort handle) where the front of the cane fits comfortably between the thumb and forefinger. The contour cane is also somewhat offset. Both the palm grip and the contour cane must be ordered for left or right hand use. Some Derby and Derby Hook canes have a narrow rise in front to allow them to better conform to the contour of the space between the thumb and forefinger and, thus, have an ergonomic/anatomical element.

As the name implies, Folding Canes are intended to be partially disassembled into a convenient, compact package that can be carried in a large handbag, briefcase, or in its own carrying case. Folded, these canes can be reduced to as small as 5 X 11 inches and 1 inch thick. Folding canes are made of light weight tubular material with a rubber or elastic connecting cord through the center so, with the flick of the wrist, they can be snapped into full working length. Most folding canes are also adjustable and come with a wide variety of finishes, patterns and handle designs. This is a very popular choice for the traveler, persons who don’t always use their cane and those who don’t want to worry about where to put their cane when they are seated.

Broad Base refers to any one of a number of canes designed to stand upright on a base of three or four legs. The latter are often called Quad Canes. This cane is designed to provide greater stability when sitting or standing and distributes weight over a greater area (from multiple points of contact) when used for walking. Broad base canes are also adjustable and many may be rotated on the base for right or left side use. Individuals who need the assistance of a cane but also have balance or arm strength concerns may find a broad base cane a good choice. Most quad models come with a small base (as small as 5 X 7 inches), or a large base (as large as 8 X 12 inches). Small base canes have advantages of being more convenient for maneuvering and using stairs whereas the large base has an added measure of stability. In order to provide intended strength and the stability of a base, broad base canes are typically a bit heavier that other canes.

Canes that perform more than the primary intended function are called Multi-Function Canes. The shepherd’s crook and the sword cane are likely the earliest multi-function canes. Today canes can be found with imbedded flashlights, red warning lights, vibrating handles and even sirens. Canes can double function as umbrellas, and one of the most popular options is the portable seat walking stick. These light but sturdy walking sticks can be easily folded out onto three or four legs to provide a handy seat then folded back up to resume their function as a walking stick as one moves on.