Grip. Some canes are meant to be held with your palm and fingers, while others can also provide support for your forearm. Whatever you select, make sure the grip feels solid and manageable, not slippery or too big. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Shaft. The shaft is the long part of the cane, and can be composed of wood, metal, carbon fiber polymer and other materials. Some shafts are collapsible for easy portability. Ferrule. The tip or bottom of the cane is usually covered in rubber to provide better stability. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some canes have three or four ferrules at the bottom instead of just one; this enables them to carry more weight. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Color. Although many canes are plain or unadorned, you don’t have to settle for a pedestrian grey cane if you don’t want to. You may even be able to find a customizable cane that matches your personality as much as it supports your frame.
Cane length is usually about one half the cane user’s height, in inches, wearing shoes. Use this as a rule of thumb. If your cane is too small, you’ll need to bend over in order to reach it. If your cane is too big, you’ll need to lean over onto your injured side in order to use it. Neither option is ideal. A perfectly fitted cane will keep you upright while providing support.
Why is this? When humans walk, we stride with our feet and swing our hands at the same time. But when we stride with our left foot, we swing with our right hand; when we stride with our right foot, we swing with our left hand. Handling a cane in the hand opposite our injury replicates this natural arm movement, giving your hand an opportunity to absorb some of your weight while you walk. If you’re using a cane for better balance, consider putting it in your non-dominant hand so that you can continue to use your dominant hand for everyday tasks.
Alternatively, you can lay your crutches down on steps, sit down, and pull them along with you as you use your good leg to sit on the next step.
