Cane Measurements and Use
Thanks to the cane, we can reduce the weight that our body exerts on the legs and joints, thus decreasing fatigue in them while walking.
The cane is a very useful tool for people who suffer from loss of balance or weakness in one of the two legs. But what is the most suitable cane? How do you know the correct measurement? And how should we use it correctly?
Broadly speaking, there are three main types of canes, excluding mountain and hiking sticks.
1- Curved canes: usually made of metal or wood with a curved handle.
2- Canes with straight or "T-shaped" handles, also called "muletillas": these can also be made of wood or metal. They are very useful for people who cannot fully close their hand, which prevents them from properly gripping a cane with a curved handle.
3- English cane (Forearm/Crutch): Uses a cuff that wraps around the forearm and a handle to grip with the hand.
How to adjust the cane's measurement
The most important thing is the length of the cane; it should not be too short or too long.
Improper height adjustment can cause injuries or worsen the user's condition.
But how to know the correct measurement?
The correct cane length allows the user to maintain an upright posture with the elbow slightly bent. This way, body weight rests on the cane while walking.
It’s important to note that the measurement should include the cane’s handle or grip. This is essential because not all canes are adjustable.
1º- Wear the shoes you regularly use.
2º- Place the cane handle on the floor. If you don't have a cane, measure the distance from the floor to your wrist with a tape measure.
3º- Relax your arm naturally at your side (elbow bent approximately 20 to 30 degrees).
4º- The correct cane length is measured from the wrist to the floor. It is advisable to ask someone else to take this measurement.
If necessary, adjust the cane to match this length.
If the cane is adjustable, simply set it. Aluminum canes adjust by pressing a button and sliding the tube to the new length until the button locks into the desired position.
Most canes are normally around 92/93 cm long.
If you deem it necessary, you can contact Customer Service.
If the cane has a special tip (horn, antler, methacrylate, etc.) and needs length adjustment, in some cases it will be necessary to remove it and install a similar or rubber tip.
If you purchase a cane and want to pay cash on delivery, but need to customize it in any way, it will be necessary to pay 50% of the total amount in advance via bank transfer. The sales department will contact you before shipping.
How to shorten the cane yourself
Wooden canes can be easily cut with a small saw.
Remove the rubber tip and cut off the excess (remember to account for the length of the tip).
Make sure before cutting—it’s better to have to cut again because it’s too long than to cut it too short.
Reattach the rubber tip.
Canes with non-standard measurements cannot be exchanged or refunded.
If it’s necessary to use two canes, they should be slightly longer since they are used in front of the body.
English Cane (Forearm/Crutch)
Increases stability and provides great support by improving balance through a wider base of support, and also reduces the load on one or both lower limbs.
The user must have good muscular strength, a wide range of motion in the upper limbs, good hand grip, and solid trunk balance to achieve safer walking.
The height adjustment is made so that the forearm cuff does not block the elbow joint. To do this, it should be placed approximately 5 cm from the elbow joint.
Cane position
When only one cane is needed, a common mistake is not knowing which hand to use.
In the case of injury recovery, the cane is not meant to replace the leg (as in to cancel or act in place of it), but rather to help the injured leg bear the body’s weight.
Therefore, unless otherwise directed by a specialist, the cane should be used on the opposite side of the injured leg.
This provides a normal trajectory for the center of gravity.
Otherwise, the cane would cause an exaggerated and unnecessary shift of the trunk.
If you think about it for a moment, it makes perfect sense: when walking, arms move opposite to legs; therefore, the hand on one side moves forward with the opposite foot. In this way, if we place the cane in the hand opposite the injured leg, we ensure that when the leg moves forward, the cane hand is also forward, sharing the body’s weight between the affected leg and the cane hand. This is the way to walk as normally as possible without overstraining the still-injured leg.
Using the cane for walking
Incorrect cane use while walking can also cause problems. Below are some instructions on how to use the cane when walking on flat surfaces:
Let’s give an example assuming the affected leg is the left one. Our starting position will be both feet aligned. We will place the cane next to the right leg and slightly ahead of the right foot, and then:
1º- Move the cane forward about ten centimeters, placing most of the weight on the cane and the right leg (the unaffected one).
2º- Step forward with the left leg (the affected one) until it reaches the cane, and at this point, all the weight will rest on the left leg and the cane.
3º- Move the right leg forward past the left leg and the cane.
4º- Start a new sequence, keeping in mind that the affected leg should always be accompanied when touching the ground (either by the cane or the other leg).
Press the cane firmly into the ground before stepping.
Do not place the cane too far forward, as it may slip.
Non-slip rubber tips help avoid slipping.
Check the tips frequently and replace them if worn out.
You can buy these tips in our store.
Using the cane on stairs
When using a cane on stairs, it is highly recommended to go up one step at a time and, if possible, to use a handrail.
Let’s see how to use a cane on stairs with a handrail:
1º- To go up: first, step up with the unaffected leg, transferring body weight to it, then bring up the affected leg while using the handrail. The cane can be held in the hand on the opposite side of the handrail. Repeat this process.
2º- To go down: first step down with the affected leg and support yourself with the handrail at the same level as the leg. Then step down with the unaffected leg to the same step (never below the step where the affected leg is).
Now let’s see how to use the cane on stairs without a handrail:
1º- To go up: first step up with the unaffected leg (just one step), then bring up both the affected leg and the cane simultaneously to reach the same step.
2º- To go down: step down (only one step) with the cane and the affected leg simultaneously, then bring down the unaffected leg to the same step where the other leg and cane are.