When To Consider Using a Cane and How to Choose One

For those who are at mild risk of falls, having difficulty with walking, stairs, hip pain, etc., it might be time to consider using a cane. As an occupational therapist, I often see people in public struggling to use stairs, walk, or even stand. People with difficulties completing these tasks may progressively be worsening their hip pain, knee pain, and mobility in the short run, and greatly in the long run. For these reasons, a cane can be an easy fix to correct your body mechanics, decrease pain, and improve quality of life.

However, before running to Walmart or using uncle Larry’s old cane, there are considerations.

For example, about 75% of the time I work with a new client, their cane is not sized correctly, ultimately leading to poor body mechanics and inappropriate support in standing or walking. Without choosing the correct cane and using it correctly the benefits of a cane are diminished.

To consider if a cane is a correct option for you, see these common mobility difficulties below:

When a cane should be considered:

· Walking with pain in a single hip, knee, or ankle

· Favoring a leg when walking

· Searching for or holding onto furniture, ledges, or bars when walking

· Occasional loss of balance

· Difficulty managing stairs without railings

· Walking is no longer leisurely

When a cane is not needed:

· Walking without pain in either leg

· Not favoring a leg

· Not holding or searching for furniture, ledges, or bars

· No loss of balance

· Stairs are easy

· Walking freely

These factors are opposite, but it paints a clear picture of when it may be time to consider asking your doctor or therapist if a cane is right for you. When choosing a cane, whether it be uncle Larry’s, from the store, or Amazon, there are two main types; a quad cane and a single point cane. A single point cane is the right choice for people who have mild difficulties with mobility. A quad cane, or a cane that base 4-points is typically used with people who need extensive support on one side such as the bariatric population, a person with severe hip pain, or neurologic conditions.

The Cane Body:

When picking your cane, a wooden one, which is non-adjustable, must be custom fitted based on height, versus a metal frame which is adjustable.
How to Fit a Cane:

1) The cane must allow you to have about a 15-degree bend in the elbow when placed in your hand.

2) With your arm hanging at your side, the cane should line up with the crease of your wrist.

If the cane is too high, it will require more effort to move and may not provide adequate support. If the cane is too short, it may force you to lean more to one side, leading to a possible fall risk

Choosing a cane grip:

The grip of your cane, whether it is wooden, rubber, plastic, or marble is chosen to your comfort level. For people who have hand pain, grip difficulties, or sensitive skin; a foam handle may be the best option.

Checking the Cane Tip:

The tip of the cane, when brand new, should always include a rubber tip for gripping surfaces. If it doesn’t, choose a different one off the shelf or buy a replacement tip. Tips can be purchased on Amazon or any medical supply store.

Have fun and choose a design that fits your style!

This guide should lead you in the right direction for choosing a properly fitted cane. Please consider consulting with your physician if you are having difficulty with stairs, ambulation or pain, to prevent the problem from getting worse. Ask for a referral for physical therapy to begin an exercise program. If you want to bill your cane to insurance, please consider that once billed, Medicare or Medicaid will not pay for a new ambulation device, (cane, quad cane, hemi-walker, wheeled walker, rollator walker), for another 5 years; each of these are progressively more expensive. If you cannot afford to buy one yourself, ask a friend for help, search the Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or call your local loan closet.