The market is littered with an assortment of canes, with every seller providing a slightly different kind of aid.
A doctor or a physical therapist will prescribe for you a cane that fits well with your current health needs and function level.
Using a type of cane that isn’t right for you can cause you to develop poor gait and may consequently lead to injury.
Types of canes
The canes mentioned below are listed in order of which one gives more support to the patient than the other and helps with balance; that is, simplest to the most complex.
The shepherd crook walking stick or the “C” cane
This cane is a single straight walking cane with a curve forming a handle at its top. This is the simplest of all canes.
Straight canes should be used by the patient needing only slight assistance with balance or only minimal unloading of the opposite leg. Most are readily available at local drug stores.
Do you need to see a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon?
The orthopaedic grip cane or the functional grip cane
The orthopaedic grip canes are similar to the C-cane except for the handle as a functional grip cane has a straight grip handle rather than a sleek curve.
This allows for a better grip.
Also, an improved grip allows for better cane control and hence offers more support than the C-cane.
Caution; Walking canes predispose individuals to put increased weight onto their wrist joints, and over time, this can cause many different medical conditions.
Pro; The “C” cane however displaces this pressure, evenly distributing the weight across the palm.
The offset cane
The offset cane is distinguished by the shape and relationship of the handle to the shaft. The handle is shaped facing backwards
This is a good walking cane for individuals who require the cane to bear their weight. It is fit for individuals who have had an injury to the lower limbs and are not allowed to bear weight.
The shape of the handle affords you the room to put greater pressure that is transmitted through the shaft of the cane.
This cane is also great for those who do not have a lot of strength in their wrists as there is no requisite to grip the cane tightly.
A forearm cane is a variant of an offset cane. It provides additional forearm support, enabling increased stability and load shifted from the wrist to the forearm.
Quad cane
The base of this cane is what makes it special. It has a rectangular base and four small supports that contact the floor hence the name quad cane.
This large base provides more support as compared to the above two canes.
Often there are two varieties of quad canes based on the size of the base;
1. Small base
2. Large base quad canes.
Quad canes are often used by persons needing more balance and support like morbidly obese patients, hemiplegics, or patients with paralysis of one arm, leg, or both.
The large base and four feet allow it to stand on its own so you don’t need to set it up against a wall when you’re not using it.
The Hemiwalker
This cane combines the features of a quad cane and a walker. With its large base, it provides ample support to the patient.
Hemi walkers also provide an additional amount of lateral/side support. Patients with more severe support problems or those transitioning from using a walker to a cane will benefit from the use of a Hemi walker.
Other types of canes
Seat canes are walking canes with seats that can be unfolded whenever the user needs to rest and sit down.
In conclusion, there are various types of canes which are designed to meet different needs.
Canes provide extra support while helping to correct your gait and can range from a “C” shaped cane to a walker.
If you know of any-other canes that we forgot to list, share them with us in our email.
