With around 350 million people around the world suffering from arthritis, it’s no wonder that such prevalence of assistive devices and medication for the ailment exists. Canes and walking sticks rank among the oldest of these devices, and yet the public still tends to possess only a general knowledge of their use at best.
So should you get a cane or walking stick when going out? And what are the differences between the two?
Well, we’re glad you asked. It’s time to dive into our expert guide to canes and walking sticks! Now without further ado, let’s jump right into things!
Canes vs. Walking Sticks
Intended use stands out as the key difference between canes and walking sticks. Walking sticks are meant to provide support during brief periods, like hiking along a mountain trail. As a result, they aren’t as comfortable and can’t take on as much body weight.
Canes, on the other hand, aim to provide steady balance and support to someone who has difficulty walking anywhere (be it from arthritis, decreased balance, and so on). The trade-off is that they are heavier and tend to carry a higher price tag than walking sticks.
The Different Types of Canes and Walking Sticks
The first type of cane or walking stick you’ll see is the standard cane, which consists of a stick of aluminum or wood curving up into a “C”-like handle. This is the cheapest type, but also offers the least support. As a result, only people who need slight assistance with walking should get this one.
Some canes will also come with a straight handle on the top rather than a curved one. This allows for the user to put more weight on the cane. You can also customize your walking cane replacement grips to find one that provides the most comfort and endurance.
If you still need more support, you’ll want to look into getting the quadruped cane. With a straight handle going down into four legs with rubber grips on the bottom, this cane will provide a lot of stability for those with movement issues and joint pain.
Finally, the hemiwalker comes in as the strongest cane, with four legs and a wide base to provide bonus support to the user. However, it is the most expensive of all the canes.
Tips Before You Purchase a Cane or Walking Stick
If you’re considering purchasing a cane or walking stick for yourself, make sure to get one that’s measured to your body. You can do this by standing straight and laying your arms at your sides while letting your elbows bend at an angle. Then, you need to measure how far it is from the floor to around your wrist area.
This can get alleviated, however, by purchasing an adjustable cane. This way, you can change the height without needing a brand-new cane.
A More Comfortable Future
So, now that you have this expert guide to canes and walking sticks, you’re ready to find the support you need to travel with comfort!
But what if you’re looking for more ways to reduce joint pain and let you walk around with ease? In that case, feel free to check out the other posts on our website!