A walking cane serves as a mobility aid, offering an additional point of contact with the ground to improve stability. Utilizing a cane reduces the weight and stress placed on the joints of the lower body, particularly the hips and knees. This reduction in load eases pain and prevents fatigue during movement. For the cane to provide these benefits and ensure user safety, it must be properly sized and adjusted to the individual’s body.
Identifying Different Cane Styles
Canes are generally categorized by the design of their base and handle, which determines the level of support they offer. The single-point cane is the most common type, featuring a simple shaft and a single rubber tip at the bottom. This style is best suited for individuals who need minor assistance with balance.
Offset handle canes are also single-point but incorporate a slight bend in the upper shaft, which positions the user’s weight directly over the cane’s base for slightly better stability. The quad cane provides the greatest stability because it has four small feet spread across a wider base. While the adjustment mechanisms, usually involving a push-button and sliding shaft, remain standard across most adjustable metal canes, the stability offered by the base varies greatly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Height Adjustment
The initial step in fitting a cane is to ensure the user is standing upright in their normal walking posture while wearing the shoes they use daily. The user’s arms should be relaxed and hanging naturally at their sides. This standing position establishes the correct starting point for measurement.
The primary measurement technique involves aligning the top of the cane’s handle with the crease of the user’s wrist. An assistant can measure the distance from the floor to the wrist crease to determine the appropriate cane length. This measurement ensures the cane is neither too long, which causes leaning, nor too short, which causes hunching.
Once the cane is adjusted to the wrist height, the user should grip the handle firmly. At this point, a final check should confirm that the user’s elbow is bent slightly, ideally between a 15 to 20-degree angle. This angle allows for a natural and comfortable swing during walking. A cane that is too tall can lead to shoulder pain, while one that is too short may cause lower back discomfort due to improper posture.
For adjustable metal canes, the adjustment process requires pushing the brass button on the shaft and sliding the lower section until the desired height is achieved. It is important to ensure the button fully pops out and engages securely in one of the height holes. If the cane has a locking collar or tension screw, it must be tightened after adjustment to prevent the shaft from wobbling during use.
Ensuring Correct Posture and Gait
After the cane is correctly sized, its proper application involves both correct posture and gait sequencing. The user should always hold the cane on the side of their stronger or uninjured leg, which is opposite the limb that requires support. This placement mimics the natural arm-and-leg swing pattern, where the arm swings forward opposite the leg that is stepping.
When walking, the user should move the cane forward simultaneously with their weaker or injured leg. This action creates a wider base of support and allows the user to shift a portion of their weight onto the cane, offloading the affected joint. The stronger leg then steps through past the cane and the weaker leg to complete the sequence.
Throughout the gait cycle, maintaining an upright posture is essential; the user should not lean or hunch over the cane. Leaning onto a cane that is either too tall or too short can introduce strain on the back and shoulders, defeating the purpose of the mobility aid. The cane should be placed about six inches to the side and slightly in front of the foot to offer maximum stability without interfering with the stepping pattern.