Canes

How To Choose a Walking Cane?

Measuring your proper cane height before using a walking cane is essential. This ensures that the cane you choose provides you with stable support. Selecting the right cane is imperative, as using the wrong type can lead to bad posture or unsafe walking, resulting in an increased risk of injury. 

One of the most important things to do before using a cane is to ensure it is the correct size. If a cane is too long, picking up and moving while walking can be challenging. On the other hand, a cane that is too short can cause the user to lean to one side, which can worsen balance.

Measuring an Old Cane

If you currently use a cane and need a new one, measuring its height is simple. Just measure the current walking cane from the lowest part of the top handle to the bottom of the tip and round up to the nearest half-inch. 

However, if you are getting a walking cane for the first time, there are two ways to determine the ideal length - by measuring yourself or half of your height. These steps will differ if the cane you want to purchase is adjustable.

Measuring the Cane User When They Are Available

If you buy a cane that cannot be adjusted, the first step is to measure the person using it. If you are the one who needs the cane, then you will need someone else to measure you. This is the most accurate way to determine the height of a non-adjustable cane. Follow these simple steps:

1. Put on your everyday walking shoes
2. Stand comfortably upright as much as possible
3. Let your arms hang by your sides with a relaxed bend at the elbow.
4. Ask the other person to use a measuring tape from your wrist joint to the floor.
5. Round the number up to the nearest half-inch

If you purchase an adjustable cane, you should follow steps 1 to 3 as usual. However, for step 4, adjust the cane's height to land at your wrist joint. This way, you won't need to take any measurements.

Measuring When the User Is Unavailable

The second method for sizing a non-adjustable cane involves measuring half of the cane user's height in inches. This is commonly used when the user is unavailable for measurement, as most cane measurements fall within one inch of half the user's height. 

However, it should be noted that this technique is less accurate than the previous one and may occasionally result in selecting the wrong size of cane.

Here's an example of how to apply this technique: If a user is 6 feet and 1 inch tall, that's equivalent to 73 inches. To determine the appropriate length for a cane, divide the user's height in inches by 2, which gives you 36.5 inches. Round up to the nearest half-inch for a final measurement of 37 inches. This means that a cane that is 37 inches long should be comfortable for this user.