How to Choose a Walking Cane or Stick

It is always a good idea to talk to a doctor or other medical professional about using a walking cane. They can advise on how specifically to use the cane, i.e. dependent on individual needs and circumstances.

Those recovering from illness or an operation may be able to borrow a walking cane from the doctor or hospital.

Here are some general points to keep in mind when buying a cane.

• A walking cane is to help with balance only and must not take the user’s full weight.
• Length of the walking cane is an important factor. Make sure the body is not leaning to one side or too upright. It is possible to buy adjustable walking canes, although a specialist retailer can also shorten a cane to suit the user.

• When choosing a walking cane, wear shoes that would be worn when using the cane.
• There are special walking canes, such as the SupaCane, that are adapted with a special grip to make it easier to rise from a chair.
• A folding walking cane can fit in briefcase or bag.
• Some walking canes have seats which unfold for when the user needs to rest. They have weight restrictions.
• A new innovation is the Slik-Stik. This is a lightweight, robust cane with LED lighting down the shaft. The handle has LED lamps which face downwards and ahead to enable safe passage in the dark. There is also a panic button siren alert in the handle, plus an internal magnet for retrieving dropped keys.

 The handle of the walking cane is a vital factor in terms of individual grip, comfort and security.

• The most well-known handle is the crook type. It directs the weight of the user over the shaft of the walking cane.
• For those who suffer from arthritis, there are handles specifically made for this condition. These are called Fritz handles, after a German who designed them for arthritis patients.
• It is possible to buy handles for both left and right handed users – these are known as "anatomically correct" handles. Choosing which handle will depend on the area of the pain or disability, as well as whether the user is left or right handed.
• Handles are available with foam rubber grips for extra comfort.
• Some walking canes have interchangeable handles.

The shaft of the walking cane is the straight part which can be made of a number of materials such as wood, aluminium and even bone or bamboo.

Medically speaking, the most popular materials for the shaft of walking canes are aluminum and carbon fibre. They are hard-wearing, light, and relatively cheap. The choice of shaft will be dependent on personal factors.

The ferrule is the tip of the walking cane. It is usually made from rubber to ensure safe grip of the walking surface. There are ferrules for different situations.

• Ferrules are removable. Therefore it is essential to check that the ferrule is secure.
• Replace the ferrule regularly, checking for wear and tear. Replacement ferrules can be bought on the internet or in some shoe shops, cobblers and specialty outlets.
• Some rubber ferrules have steel washers inserted into their bases to make them more durable. However, these tips are a bit larger and slightly heavier.
• Sometimes a steel tipped ferrule may make a tapping noise when walking. This can be annoying to some users.
• For greater security and balance, there are attachments which fit onto the end of the walking cane consisting of four small steel legs with ferrules. These are known as Quad walking sticks.
• For icy weather, a specialist ice grip which covers the ferrule is available. There are varying styles for different icy conditions which are attached to the shaft and can easily be flipped over the ferrule when needed.

Yes - it's true!  The Japanese are in the process of inventing a cane with a built-in satellite navigation mechanism.  Their population is aging rapidly and I imagine they are wondering how to cope with the many Japanese elderly who might get lost or suffer a fall!

The sat nav walking canes will be able to detect the position of the elderly individual so that worried relatives can track where they might be!

I am not sure I would want one of these myself.  After all, do I really want my children knowing that I spend all my afternoons in the pub, or frequenting low dives of a disreputable nature?

Let's hope there is an on/off switch!

Purchasing a walking cane or stick can lead to greater comfort, security and independence.

Understanding the complexities of choosing the correct model, with the help of a medical professional or a specialist retailer, can help to empower the user.

***********************