There are a few times in a person’s life when the use of a cane is necessary. A sprained ankle, a ruptured tendon, surgery, ailing joints, and other musculoskeletal issues can all make walking without support very difficult. If you’ve been prescribed a cane from your doctor, here is a list of cane varieties and their uses:
Forearm Crutches
Forearm crutches aren’t canes, but they can be confused for such. Forearm crutches are also called elbow crutches and are used by patients who require additional support in long-term situations, but who can also handle more weight on their legs than underarm crutches. Forearm crutches are used after an acute injury.
Single-Point Cane
A single-point cane is the most common style of cane and has one grip point at the end and a handle that comes in a few different shapes. Choose the handle that is the most comfortable, but avoid the crook shape as it makes gripping more of a challenge. The height of your cane should be at the crease of your wrist. If you live in the Edmonton area, make a small investment in an Ice-o-grip, which is useful for treading across snow and ice.
Quad Canes
Quad canes are all about safety after illness or injury when your muscles and joints are at their weakest, and your balance is compromised. Quad canes feature a metal base at the bottom of the shaft with four equidistant tips, which allow the cane to stand up on its own and give the patient extra support. Because of the added material, quad canes are typically made out of adjustable aluminum, which is lighter than wood. Although quad canes can stand next to you, do not hold onto your cane for support when standing up from a seated position, as it could fall over.
Cane with Offset Handgrip
The offset handle style has become widely popular for its comfort. It’s designed to redistribute your weight along the length of the shaft, which takes the pressure off your wrist. You’ll find the offset handle style in most quad canes.
Cane with T-Handle
Sitting perpendicular on the cane shaft, the T-handle has a slight groove and is designed to mitigate hand fatigue and wrist stress. Also called a straight-handle cane, this style is suitable for people with weak wrists or arthritis.
Shop online at Healthcare Solutions to find the best cane for your mobility needs.
