Different Styles of Canes
The biggest misconception people might tend to have about walking canes is that they are exactly the same thing as a walker. This, in fact, could not be further from the truth. Walkers have a support bar that connects the two bars together and many even have wheels whereas a cane is used more for partial support as opposed to full body support. Canes are often used for people with hip injuries or patients who are relearning how to walk. Since there are so many unique reasons people need to walk with a cane, there are several unique canes to choose from. There are four styles of canes you should familiarize yourself with before purchasing one.
1. Quad cane: This type of cane comes in two different styles; one with a small base and one with a large base. The quad cane is the most unique out of the group and offers the most support for its user. It also has a strong handle for the best grip action.
2. C cane: The “C” is also referred to as the crook cane and is one of the more popular styles. They have a curved handle at the top that fits nicely in the crook of your arm or wrist. Another plus is that they tend to be on the less pricey side and are also easy to store and light to carry.
3. Offset cane also known as the functional grip cane: The offset cane is a perfect selection for people, especially senior citizens, who might need a little extra support. Instead of making a C-shape like the “C” cane, the offset cane has a flat handle at its head, making it easier to get a grip on it.
4. Hemiwalker cane: The Hemiwalker can be confusing to people because it fuses both cane and walker technologies. It’s the largest in the cane family and is often used with patients in physical rehab who are learning to walk again because it helps equalize support throughout the entire body.
Choosing the right cane is important in improving your health or the health of a loved one. Make sure to contact a health professional if you have questions or concerns about which style is right for you because each unique style can affect your physical wellbeing and growth. The last thing you want to do is re-injure or freshly injure your body.
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