Practical tips for selecting canes and walkers
Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource has published a review.
You’ll need a subscription to read the entire article, but here’s a summary, courtesy of Medical News Today.
Canes
- Provide balance and support for walking.
- Support up to 25% of body weight.
- The top of the cane should reach the crease of the wrist when the user is standing straight with arms hanging comfortably.
- A cane that’s too long puts strain on the arms, shoulders and back muscles.
- Too short, a cane throws off balance.
- Normally, a cane is held in the hand opposite of the weaker side.
- When used for stability, it can be held in either hand.
Walkers
- Provide a wider base of support and stability.
- Support up to 50% of body weight
- Helpful for moderately severe balance and gait problems, or when there’s a risk of falling.
- Available in 0, 2, and 4 wheel designs
- No wheels give best stability
- 2 wheels when the user places a moderate amount of weight on the walker.
- 4 wheels for those who don’t have to lean on the walker.
The bottom line?
Yes, they’re a sign of aging and disability.
On the other hand, they help avoid injury and maintain independence.
3/28/09 21:20 JR