Walking Canes – Choosing a Walking Cane
Walking canes, what a brilliant and simple idea. People today use walking canes to aid them in mobility, for exercise while hiking or even just for style. And don't let the variety of names fool you. A walking cane and a walking stick are the same thing.
Find, Compare, and Buy Walking Canes in Seconds
There is so much to choose from when looking for walking canes. The style, material and size you choose are dependant upon your needs and physical requirements.
For instance you may need a more stable cane with 3 or 4 feet on the bottom. If you travel, you may require a folding cane. Yet again, if you are a collector and like to have several canes, you may want an antique walking cane.
Regardless of the style or material of your cane, there are a few rules of thumb that can help you choose the cane that is right for you:
The length of a walking cane:
A cane should be fit to the height of the user. You can get a rough estimate by calculating ½ of their height. As a matter of fact, the cane height of 90% of people measured came within one inch of ½ their height. But since you can make a cane shorter but not longer, it is a better idea to follow the procedure below to calculate correct cane height. Please note that certain users with specific conditions may require a deviation from this calculation.
First – have the user put on their usual walking shoes
Second – have the user stand as naturally upright as they can
Third - let their arms fall to the sides naturally with a normal relaxed bend at the elbow
Fourth - using a tape measure or a yard stick measure the distance from the user's wrist joint (bottom crease at the wrist) down to the floor.
Choosing a handle for you walking cane:
J Handle – this is the classic "J" shaped cane. This is the most commonly shaped handle but is not the most ergonomic.
Fritz Handle - developed in the 16th century by a German Count, it lends itself to use by arthritis sufferers.
Derby Handle – this handle is shaped for comfort and directs the weight of the individual over the shaft ensuring maximum comfort. It has a horizontal orientation with slight curve – like a rolling mountain.
Palm Grip Handle – this design has a large flat handle that is designed to fit the palm of the hand.
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