When Is a Cane More Than a Walking Stick?

 

It is not unusual for older seniors to rely on a cane or a walking stick to give them stability when they walk.  Many of them are not overly fond of this idea and they will conveniently forget to take them along with them, or they leave them hooked over various pieces of furniture along the way.  We can’t do a lot about this kind of memory loss or about the obvious resistance to using a cane, but we can find ways to make them so comfortable and so artistic that they become a welcome adjunct to everyday living.

 

Did you know that walking canes come in a variety of styles and designs?  Materials and handle styles can all be a matter of preference as long as you keep in mind why you are using a cane in the first place.

 

Style and function are the keys.  The right cane, used correctly, can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling, as well as decreasing impact on lower body joints.

 

I have written about decorative canes in the past, so you already know that you can make your cane a fashion statement.  This morning I came across an article by Elizabeth Chang (The Washington Post – July 14, 2009) about the artistic walking canes crafted by Meilie May-Hodnett.  To an artist, a cane can be a usable but portable art form.  She incorporates the concept of comfort and sturdiness, as well as aesthetic appeal into her designs.  She embellishes standard canes as well as making custom made models for her clients.  She hand crafts them and sells them on the Internet and at Craft and Health Shows.

 

I have also written about cane fighting, which I find very appealing as I hate to think of anyone being a victim just because they need to use an assistive device.  This is a real sport.  Doesn’t the idea that an oldster with a walking cane could very well be a “Cane-Fu” fighter capture your imagination?

 

Most of us tend to be a little more practical and find ourselves settling for something a bit more generic but other avenues can have a certain appeal. If you can swallow your pride and accept the help that a cane can give you, it is a good thing.

 

The new Arthritis Today magazine (January/February 2010) offers some practical suggestions in an article by Heather Larson.  Ms. Larson writes about canes for people with arthritis and other neurological impairments.  The most common styles are the single point and the quad or three-point canes.

 

She recommends wearing your walking shoes when being fitted for a new cane.  Stand tall with your arms at your side, as the top or curve of the cane should hit at the crease of your wrist.  If a cane is too high, you won’t get the support that you need and if it is too low, you will slump. The cane should be used on your strong side instead of on the weaker side as one might imagine.  Using the cane in the hand opposite the weaker side shifts your weight to the stronger side.  When walking you should keep your cane about 2 inches in front or to the side, instead of way out in front.  Move the weak leg and the cane together.  I would recommend working with a Physical Therapist to learn how to get the maximum benefit out of using a cane, especially when it comes to tackling stair steps.

 

Hopefully if you find your new cane comfortable and stylish you will be less apt to leave it at home.  Last but not least, the article mentioned a new cane design called The StrongArm Forearm Cane that provides additional stability and maneuverability (www.strongarmmobility.com).