Canes

Should I use a cane?  Should I not use a cane?  It depends on your preference and how much support that you need.

Walking canes are great for people that need a bit of added support when walking or for the “just in case” moment where they lose their balance.  And, as mentioned in an earlier Resource entry, carrying a walking cane is a great tool to use in case you need to distance yourself from trouble. 

There are three main types of canes made of lots of different materials such as oak, hickory, titanium, hard plastic, etc.  There are many handle choices (flat, traditional curved J-shape, foam, wood, bone, brass, etc.), and it is mostly personal preference regarding which one you choose.  This article is going to primarily focus on the tip, where the end of the cane meets the surface of the ground.  The three most popular cane tips are the single point, the 3-point, and the quad tip.

The cane tips are just like they sound.  The single point cane tip is one where the bottom of the cane touches the ground.  Simple.  It is lightweight, very portable (easily slides into a vehicle or the overhead storage space on an airplane), and great for someone that doesn’t need to put a lot of body weight on it.  Additionally, it is the best choice for a self-defense tool since it will not give the bad guy much of a target to grab.

The 3-point and quad tips provide a broader base of support and are a great choice for someone that needs to “lean in” to the cane for balance and stability.  Since they are larger, the 3-point and quad tips weigh more and are heavier than the single point tip.  Don’t want to lay your cane on the ground and bend over to pick it up? Problem solved.  The 3-point and quad tips allow you to “park” your cane where it stands upright when you take a break.  On a side note—please be careful when you use a cane with a 3-point or quad tip on an uneven surface.  They are not great in that environment and may even lead to falls.

There are folding canes available, but I’ve never been a big fan of those because of the slight possibility of them folding on me when I need it for support.  I don’t want to use a cane that might crumble.  I’ve also seen a cane on a tripod that folds down and has a small seat.  Same thing.  I’m not confident that it won’t snap and the seat won’t break if/when I use this version…so I don’t.

I bought an inexpensive cane at my local pharmacy, and it serves its purpose.  It is made of decent material (aluminum, I think) and it’s lightweight and adjustable for height.  Since it is adjustable, it makes a clicking noise when I use it and that drives me absolutely nuts.  I don’t use it often.  My preference is a one-piece cane made of hickory with a single tip and a traditional handle that I purchased online at CaneMasters (https://canemasters.com).  That’s mine seen in the photo of a single point cane.

When choosing your cane, make sure that it is the right height for you.  The top or curve of the handle should hit at the crease of your hand, and your shoulders should be level when using the cane.  If the cane is too tall for your body type, you won’t get the support you need.  If it is too short, it will cause you to slump and lead to stiffness in your back. 

Look around and you’ll see a variety of walking canes to choose from.  If you need some added balance, support, and confidence while moving around, pick out a cane that fits your needs and get after it.

Keep moving!

****Many thanks to Traci Kendricks of Mobility Plus in Lawrenceville, GA, for showing me around her store and for letting me take photos of some of the canes that they offer.  Mobility Plus offers a mobility solution for almost every situation and stage of life.  Their products and services include scooters, rollators, ramps, lifts, maintenance, deliveries, and repairs.  If you are in the NE Georgia area and have a short-term or long-term mobility need, please contact her at https://MobilityPlus.com/Lawrenceville-GA   or by calling 470-294-1046.