Common Mistakes Made When Picking a Walking Cane

If you’re looking to purchase a new cane, there are a few things you must consider to avoid choosing the wrong one. Although it might not seem too challenging, picking an unsuitable walking stick could put you in harm’s way.

Canes can come with various handles, tips, styles, and features, so you need to understand these different components if you want to choose the best one for your needs. With this in mind, continue reading for some common mistakes made when picking a walking cane.

Purchasing the Wrong Kind

There are countless types of canes available today, so research your options to ensure that you don’t purchase the wrong kind. One of the most common types of canes is the traditional crook cane, which is ideal for people who only need a small amount of mobility assistance. For example, this cane works well for those recovering from surgery.

However, individuals who require more support might want to look at a quad cane because it offers more stability thanks to its four-pronged base. Think about your preferences and the amount of support you need before deciding which model to purchase.

Choosing the Wrong Length

One of the most important tasks to perform before purchasing a cane is measuring how long it needs to be. The length of your cane will dictate how much support it can offer you. To measure properly, start from the ground and measure upward to where your hand would be if you bend your arm slightly.

Thankfully, some canes come with adjustable heights, so you won’t have to worry about being 100 percent accurate in your measurements with these. However, if you want the dignified look of a wooden cane, you won’t be able to adjust its length, so it’s imperative to get the measurements right. Don’t forget that we offer free cane sizing with any order! Click here to see our cane sizing.

Settling for a Low-Quality Tip

Before purchasing a cane, try turning it upside down to see if the rubber tip will fall off. If it does, you can put that cane back on the shelf.

The rubber tip at the end of your cane creates friction to strengthen your support, so a low-quality tip could lead to slips, stumbles, and dangerous accidents.

Overall, canes are necessary devices for mobile assistance, but if you choose the wrong kind, all you’ll have is an overpriced stick. Now that you know common mistakes made when picking a walking cane, you can avoid them and choose the best model for your needs.