Single-Point Canes
A cane, also known as a walking stick, is a very popular type of walking aid. Some people use canes as a fashion accessory, but a cane is designed to be a hand held aid that is used to support your body and to help relieve some of the pressure off your legs.
A single-point cane is the simplest and probably one of the oldest types of supportive devices or walking aids. A single-point cane has a shaft that touches the ground, whereas a quad-point cane has a base at the bottom with four short legs.
Single-point canes are effective for helping people with minor instability and balance difficulties. They are often used by people with mobility impairments, the elderly and by people undergoing therapy or rehabilitation. Single-point canes often help to prevent people from falling during walks and are often used by seniors for this purpose.
When shopping for a single-point cane, make sure the cane is the proper size for your body. A cane that is either too high or too short can do more damage to your body. The approximate height of your cane can be determined by measuring the distance from your wrist to the floor when you are standing with your arms at your sides. If you are unsure how to measure for a cane, get help from your physical therapist or doctor before you purchase one.
Canes are generally lightweight and have rubber tips attached to the bottom of them for extra stability. You can also fit your cane with grips that cover the handle and cushion your hand. Most cane shafts are made of wood, aluminum or Lucite and can be cut with a wood saw or hack saw. If you're not sure what size to order, it's a good idea to get a cane that's a little longer. This way you can always cut it down to size.
Many canes are built to carry a certain weight capacity so make sure your cane can handle your body weight. Single point canes come in a variety of sizes, colors, styles and designs. Some canes are adjustable and some are foldable. There are also many beautifully hand crafted and decorative canes on the market. However, remember that a cane is built to serve you as a walking aid, so buy the one that fulfills your walking needs first.
