What is a cane (Functionality)?
Choosing a cane
Why should a cane fit?
Determining the height of a cane
Shortening a cane
Which kind of handle/grip should I choose?
Cane anatomy
Walking with a cane
Safety Tips

Canes offer support and improve balance when walking. They can also help to compensate for an injury or disability. Canes can help prevent falls and make it easier to get around.

Canes are not just for elderly people - crook canes are for anyone who needs a little extra sturdy support.

Once you are used to using standard or adjustable canes, you'll wonder how you did without it for so long.

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Canes come in many different styles, designs, colors, and materials. You might be overwhelmed with the numerous choices you have.

When choosing a cane, first consider the functionality you need. Choose a cane that best suits your type of condition and the amount of support you need. Seek advice from your doctor or a physical therapist.

Once you have made this basic decision you are ready to look at the multitude of canes available that offer the functionality you need. There are well-known handle styles like sleek Fritz canes or elegant Derby canes, canes designed for travel, such as folding canes and umbrella canes, and even anatomic canes designed to fit your hand.

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Only a cane with a good fit will help to prevent falls and make it easier to get around. A cane that does not fit you properly will be uncomfortable to use and it can even increase your chance of falling.

A cane that is too tall will make you work harder to pick it up and move it.  A cane that's too short may cause you to lean to one side, making you off-balance.

For the proper sizing of a cane, please read our section about sizing a cane.

Please follow the advice of your doctor.

Note: When determining the length of your cane, please keep in mind that it can always be made shorter but it cannot be made longer. So, if in doubt, always choose the longer size.

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To select the proper length of cane, seek the advice of a healthcare professional and take your measurements according to the following method.

Before getting started, make sure you have the assistance of a second person to take the measurements.

Step 1:
Stand up straight with your regular walking shoes on (the kind you will wear when using your cane) and your arms loosely at your sides.

Step 2:
Have the second person measure the length from the floor to the first crease of your wrist. The length you determined this way tells you the ideal length of your cane from the bottom to the top of its handle.

If your cane is an ideal fit your elbow should be bent at an angle of about 30° when you hold it in your hand while standing. Should you intend to wear different styles of shoes (different heights of heels) while using your cane, please consider buying a cane that is adjustable in height.

Note: This is only a rough guide to determine the ideal length of your cane. A healthcare professional can offer more individualized advice.

Always remember, if in doubt, order the cane a little bit longer, try it out, and if necessary trim it a little bit shorter. You can always shorten your cane but it cannot be made longer.

Canes that are ordered cut to size are considered personalized and cannot be returned. If you would like us to cut your cane to size please take your time determining the proper length or trim it yourself. The process of trimming can be done with a wood saw or a hack saw depending on the material of your cane.

If you are unable to take measurements before ordering the cane (ordering as a gift) do not order a cane cut to size. Order the cane, take the measurements, and then trim it yourself. Please refer to our section about Shortening a Cane.

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1. A cane can always be shortened but it cannot be made longer once it is cut to size. If in doubt leave the cane a bit longer and try it out before cutting it too short.
2. Remove the rubber tip by twisting it off the cane. The tip sits tight on the shaft but by applying a few drops of a lubricant (e.g. WD-40) it can be easily removed.
3. Shorten the cane with a wood saw or a hack saw (depending on the material of the cane) with a flat cut.
4. Reattach the rubber tip to the shaft.

Note: Some styles of canes cannot be shortened. If this is the case, you will be mentioned in the product description of that particular product.

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Choosing a grip is a matter of personal preference. For the greatest comfort, choose a grip that feels good in your hand. When making your decision, please consider that the handle is where your weight rests on the cane.

As you can see from the following short descriptions there is a great variety of different handles available to choose from.

Anatomic Handle
Anatomically correct handles are available for the right or left hand. They are carefully designed and molded to offer the user the ultimate in comfort and support.

Crook Handle / J Handle / Tourist Handle

Very classic and widely known handle shape. Rounded, j-shaped grip that is fit more for the leisurely user or for those who are used to canes with this specific handle shape.

Derby Handle

The Derby Handle is probably the most popular handle. It is designed and shaped to provide the user with a maximum of comfort. Canes with a Derby Handle are ideal for users that are looking for sturdy support. The Derby Handle guides the user’s weight directly over the shaft and thus ensures maximum comfort and support. Unlike canes with anatomically correct handles, canes with a Derby Handle can be used with the right or left hand.

Fritz Handle

The Fritz Handle was developed in the 16th century by a German count. This handle was specifically designed to provide maximum comfort to individuals suffering from arthritis.

This handle is fit for the more leisurely user seeking only minimal support. It is also fit as a second or third for other users. It is great as a gift or fashionable accessory.

Palm Handle
The Palm Handle is an anatomically-shaped handle designed to match the contours of the user’s hand. It offers maximum comfort and support, without the necessity of a very tight grip. Canes with a Palm Handle work very well for users suffering from arthritis.

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Handle
The handle is a very important part of the cane. Its shape determines how comfortable the cane is for the user and it determines the way the user’s weight is directed towards the cane shaft. Handles are available in many different shapes. Please see our section about Choosing a handle for reference.

Collar
The collar is usually a metal band that connects the handle part of the cane to the shaft. Not all canes have or need a collar.

Eyelet
Used in the past to attach the wristband.

Wrist Cord / Wrist Strap
The wrist cord / wrist strap enables the user to hang the cane on his wrist when not in use, thus lowering the risk of loosing the cane. Not all canes are equipped with a wrist band. Wrist bands can be purchased separately.

Shaft The shaft is the straight part of the cane. Many times the shaft is made of wood, but it can also be made of a wide variety of other materials.

Ferrule / Tip
The ferrule / tip is located at the very end of the cane where it strikes the ground. Sometimes this part of the cane is made of metal but the most common material used is rubber. A rubber tip grips the ground much like the tread of a tire. It helps to prevent slipping and traction, and it protects the cane from general wear and tear.

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• Walking: Hold the cane in the hand opposite the injury or weakness (for example, you would hold the cane in your right hand if your left leg is the injured or weak leg). Keep your elbow close to your body and your hand near your hip. Move the cane forward as you step forward with your affected leg. Each time you step with your affected leg, the cane will move, too, giving you support. If you use your cane just for balance and stability you can hold your cane in whichever hand you feel more comfortable. Move your cane in unison with the opposite leg.
• Going up stairs: When you are going upstairs, start out with your stronger (not affected) leg, then follow with the weaker (affected) leg and cane up the step.
• Going down stairs: Take the first step with your cane and the weaker (affected) leg, then follow with your stronger (not affected) leg down the stairs.
• Getting up from a chair: When getting out of a chair slide the foot of your weak (affected) leg forward a little, push out of the chair using the hand on the weak or injured side and stand with your weight on the strong (not affected) leg. Use the cane to support your weight over the weak leg.

Note: These are just some general tips. Seek more detailed advice from your healthcare provider.

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• Wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes with nonskid soles.
• Avoid wet floors and sidewalks that are slippery.
• Remove throw rugs from your path and watch for electrical and telephone cords that may cause falls.
• Keep your free hand on the railing when you go up or down stairs.
• Avoid revolving doors and escalators.

Slow down and take extra time to stay safe

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