Quad Canes Offer More Support

While the traditional walking cane is a good choice for many people, it may not provide enough assistance to others. If you need more help than the average individual requires from a cane, then check out the quad canes. They are available with both large and small rectangular bases that have 4 small supports that contact with the ground.

The quad cane is very helpful for people who need more balance assistance than the normal functional grip of wooden canes, for example. Many times they are used by people with paresis of an arm or leg, or someone with hemiplegia. For a little additional help there is a step-up quad cane that has a retractable platform that can be used as a "half step" while going up stairs or curbs.

Even though both standard and quad canes are prescribed for patients with hemiparesis, the differences between the two canes on postural control is clear. Studies have been done and it was found that postural sway was reduced only in the patients that used a quad cane versus a standard walking cane. The use of a regular cane did not adversely affect the patient, yet the quad cane recipients were the only ones who were actually helped.

Arthritis is another problem that can impair mobility and walking, and while canes do offer additional support, sometimes balance is more of a problem with the standard wooden canes. What they call C canes usually have a rubberized bottom that helps to prevent slipping, but they really do not offer much help with a balance control problem. Of course, there is also what is called functional grip canes and they do offer a little more balance help due to the shape of the cane handle. This type of walking cane has a straight handle which has a better grip, but aside from the grip there is not much difference between the two. Because a quad cane does not end in a rubber tip but in a rectangular base with four points, it offers more stability at the base.

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. Not only have they recently come up with a much sleeker design, there are now more colors than ever so that you can change them to fit your style and mood. Another recent addition is the Quest quad cane that has a superior shock absorbing technology and a very ergonomic handle grip that most people enjoy.

Related topics about quad canes

Lucite Canes

You may be pleasantly surprised when you see how many different styles are available today to ensure that your cane is also fashionable. Not all canes come with regular handles, as you can order a custom cane handle that is twisted or has a grip that is comfortable for you.