How to Pick the Cane That’s Right for You

Whether we want to or not, some of us need to use a cane to help keep us stable while either up and around or out and about.  Traditionally, canes were made out of wood – think of your grandparent’s cane. Today’s canes are primarily constructed of aluminum and come in a variety of colors, styles and sizes.  They can express your personality, interests and/or sense of style; you might even get all three in one cane given the depth of selections these days! From a purple or pink cane to a camouflage print to a Scottish plaid, there is a cane for every person and every style.  For some of us, our cane is as important as the clothes we wear; an accessory to our wardrobe. Types of Canes

• Single-point canes – the most prevalent type of cane used for minimal assistance
• Quad canes (4-prongs at the bottom) – provide more stability
• Tri-point canes (3-prongs) with a seat – really helpful if you tire easily while out and about
• Folding canes – as sturdy and stable as a regular cane, but fold into to a manageable size for traveling or storing
• Walking stick – think of what a shepherd or a hiker would use
• There is also a wide variety of grips on canes to promote ease of use:
  • Off-set or T-handles – simply a personal preference for your hand grip
  • Ergonomic handles – a very comfortable palm grip

Some of us are short, some are tall and some of us are somewhere in the middle.  As a result, most canes are adjustable in height to insure proper posture and support while walking.  It would be uncomfortable to be bent over all the time because your cane was too short!  And, if it’s too tall, you lose the stability the cane is designed for.  The proper height of your cane would be aligning the top of the hand grip with your wrist bone while standing with good posture. Cane accessories Believe it or not, canes have accessories in the 21^st century!  Some are designed for your safety, while others are for convenience, as well as style:

• LED Light – a small attachment that helps with visibility at night or in poorly lit areas for safer walking
• Ice Grip Attachment – an essential accessory for those of us in snowy/icy climates – attaches easily to your cane tip and flips down when you’re outside, giving your cane “teeth” to grip on icy surfaces
• Mobility Clutch – a small pouch that carries your personal accessories like eyeglasses, pens, tissues, wallets or cell phones

If you need to use a cane for your personal safety, why not make the most of it?  Express yourself and make a statement will all the options your grandparents only wished they had!