Aluminum Canes Are Adjustable And Lightweight

If you have noticed that you tend to hold on to furniture or walls to help maintain your balance, or you are having difficulty bearing weight on your legs, then you may want to consider using a cane. Aluminum canes are a great choice for beginners because they are very lightweight and easily stored. However, it is always advisable to check with your healthcare provider so that they can be sure of the right treatment for you.

Walking sticks and canes have four main parts, including the cane handle which can be pretty much any shape but more often than not it is a knob, an L shape, hook or a crutch type handle. The shaft is the straight portion of the cane, although it can have more of a twisted or bent look, and is usually made of a metal such as aluminum, or wood. However, there are fancy canes available, such as silver canes, ballroom canes and formal canes, for example. Next is the collar and that is what attaches the handle to the shaft and this is normally some type of a metal band. Finally there is the ferrule, which is the tip of the cane. This is usually made of copper, rubber or other metals and it protects the tip from wear and tear.

When you purchase an aluminum cane, keep in mind that you get specific benefits from using it as they are very light and have adjustable heights. Aluminum canes provide an accurate fit and they can be fitted with extra legs or a wide base to help increase stability. There are several different tips that can be used on the cane including rubber or metal tips that help grip ice and suction cups that grip the floor. Their main function is to provide traction and absorb shock when walking.

The aluminum cane normally has holes and pins to adjust it to your desired height; you push in the button that is on the shaft to shorten or lengthen it as needed. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the height where it just reaches the crease in your wrist while aligning the hole over the button until the button pops out and you are done.

Of course, aluminum canes are just like any other type of cane and there are safety precautions that you should be aware of, like checking it often for wear and making sure the tip is good and strong. If you live in an area that gets cold and ice, then cane tips should have an ice pick added during the winter. Make sure it is the correct height for you by asking your doctor or therapist to check it for you and be sure that you have enough strength and coordination to use the walking cane safely.

More about aluminum canes

Quad Canes

If you have a long term injury or impairment, then the greater stability offered with a quad cane may be worth considering as a viable option to the more standard stick cane. Durability is also a strong suit with quad canes, even more so than the functional grip and wooden canes that many use.