About Canes

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E {:-}Greetings: Wherever one acquires a cane it is important to

remember two things. For adjustable canes always be sure that should

the cane have a screw nut, that the screw nut is always done up tight.

A fair percentage of adjustable canes make a ticking noise when the

screw nut is loose.

The second point to remember is do you have the cane at the proper

height. Below is a list that you might find interesting.

How to Measure a Cane For Proper Walking

If your walking aid is too short or too tall, you won't get the support

you need to walk safely and comfortably. Check your cane height and see

if your walking stick measures up.

Here's How:

1. For a straight cane: first, stand up.

2. Turn cane upside down so that curved end is on the floor.

3. While standing tall, check the position of end of the cane tip.

4. The end of the cane tip should cross at the wrist joint.

5. The cane is too tall if it crosses above the wrist joint.

6. The cane is too short if it is lower than the wrist joint.

7. A second method for checking cane height is with the cane in a

regular upright position.

8. This second method is good for all types of canes and not just a

straight cane.

9. Stand tall without holding onto the top of the cane. Keep arm and

body straight.

Look straight ahead.

10. Have a second person hold onto the cane and place it beside your

straight arm and hand.

11. Don't hold onto the cane. Your fingers should be free and pointing

straight down to the floor.

12. Have a second person check to see if the very tip top of the cane

matches the height of the wrist joint.

13. Cane height should match the crease in your wrist joint.

14. Now, hold on to the handle of the cane.

15. When the hand grasps the cane, the elbow should be bent slightly

(20-30 degrees of elbow flexion).

Tips:

1. Replace cane tips frequently. Worn tips shorten cane height and are

unsafe for walking.

2. Worn cane tips are easily removed by placing a tip in a slightly

closed door.

Twist cane in the closed door to twist and pull off the rubber cane

tip.

Be Blessed

E. Darwent

Moderator, Chronic Pain

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These are my three treasures,

Compassion, Frugality, & Humility.

Being Compassionate one has Courage,

Being Frugal one has Abundance.

Being Humble one becomes the chief of all vessels.

~~Lao Tzu~~

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