Canes Facts

It is not hard to miss someone walking with a cane. But do you actually know to what uses a cane can be used for? Movies have portrayed smartly dressed men with canes as being elegant and refined. At one point a man going to a formal affair was not properly dressed until he had his cane at his side. Where would wizards in fiction be without their staffs? Even the elderly lady down the street uses a cane to help her in her everyday motions. The cane is a versatile instrument that can help in many situations. It can be stylish and elegant or simply hewn from a piece of stick to help a camper climb a tough terrain. In this article we will discuss some of the reasons why the cane is so popular. Perhaps you will want to own a cane of your own.

Is a cane the same thing as a walking stick?

Yes, a cane is technically the same thing as a walking stick or rather, it used to be. Today's walking sticks are quite tall and primarily used by hikers as a means of balancing themselves. Canes, on the other hand, tend to be much shorter. It allows the person to bear more of their weight on it. It also fits better in their hands and is easily stored when not needed. Canes did come about from walking sticks.

What types of canes are there?

There are many different types of canes on the market these days. You can find the straight cane many gentlemen uses for formal events. There are canes that are used for medical purposes. The bottoms of the canes have four tips so that more weight can be put onto the canes. It also serves the purpose of allowing the users to have more balance. Then of course in the BDSM community canes are used as an instrument of punishment. The canes in those instances are usually thin and made from bamboo or plastic. Then there are the individuals who use canes to hide alcohol inside. Those are referred to as "tippling canes." There are also canes that are made to conceal weaponry from firearms to swords. There are many different shapes, sizes and colors of canes.

Where can I purchase a cane?

There are many places where you can purchase a cane. You can find canes at outdoor sporting shops, retail stores and the internet. If you are looking for antique canes, your best luck may come from a flea market. Often there will be a barrel of canes and you have to sort through them to find the one you want. If you know someone who owns a woodworking shop you may be able to have them build you a cane to your exact specifications at a very low cost. Another great avenue to try is Ebay. You can find canes in every shape and size and you get to bid what you wish for the items. This can help if you want to stay under a certain dollar amount. Just do not forget to factor in shipping and handling to the total cost.

If a cane is a medical necessity, will my insurance pay for it?

If it is determined by your physician that you must have a cane as a medical necessity, most insurances will cover the cost. You will not be able to have a fashionable cane but you will have one that is fully functioning and can help you walk. If you know that you are going to be using the cane for a long time, you may want to pay for a more fashionable and comfortable cane instead of using the medical canes that medical supply stores and pharmacies sell.

More about canes

Walking Canes

Regular canes, fancy canes or custom canes are considered a proper fit if your elbow is flexed about 15 to 19 degrees when holding your cane when standing. Experts advise that you choose a cane that is the lightest it can be while still supporting your weight.