Cane Types
Walking canes are designed to assist people with difficulties walking or sustaining balance. Waling canes are most commonly associated with elderly people, but walking canes are also used by younger people recovering from injury or suffering from degenerative bone conditions such as arthritis. There are several kind of canes available, and each is suited to address different needs.
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C Canes
- The C cane stick, also referred to as the candy cane stick or crook-handled cane, is perhaps the most instantly recognizable and commonly used walking cane. It is usually made from wood and has a straight and solid vertical structure that is usually 2.5 to 3.5 feet in height. It curves around to make a "C" shape at its peak. A C cane also has a rubber tip at the base of the cane to prevent slipping. C canes can help individuals with minor balance or walking problems by offering a support mechanism that can take some body weight and ease pressure on a leg or weaker side of the body.
Folding Canes
- Folding canes are usually comprised of four or five collapsible sections that make a single straight support, but it can fold down for ease of storage when not being used. Due to their sectional structure, however, folding canes are typically weaker than standard canes meaning they may be prone to bend or snap under exertion. According to the Clearwell mobility website, the maximum weight allowance for a folding cane is usually around 16 stone, or 101 kg. Folding sticks can also be prone to "clicking" during usage as the separate sections strike together.
Quad Canes
- Quad canes have a similar handler grip to C canes, but the base area is structured differently. Quad canes have a rectangular or square-shaped base with four individual points of support at each corner of the shape. This broader, multi-supported cane provides much more stability than the C cane and is usually used by those with more serious impairments, who may get inadequate support from a standard C cane. Quad canes can be made from either wood, metal or fibreglass.
Hemicanes
- The hemicane, also known as the side-stepper cane and the hemi-walker, has a broader base than any other type of walking cane, meaning it can withstand much more body weight without the risk of slipping and accidents. Some hemicanes come with additional grips so that users can help themselves up from a sitting position using the cane. Hemicanes are usually constructed from aluminum and can be used on range of surfaces including steps. The hemicane shares some of the functions of a walker, so is often used by people recovering from injury who no longer need a walker but are not quite ready to manage a standard C cane either.
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