Projections show that the global walking aids market will reach a value of $3.3 billion by 2025.
There are several types of walking canes with different qualities focused on peoples’ optimal health. If you’re looking for a walking cane you’ll want to understand the different types so that you can find the best one for you.
For a rundown of the different types of canes available, keep reading.
What Are the Different Types of Walking Canes?
Walking canes provide support, helping people with limited mobility to walk. Canes help to improve balance and stability while reducing the amount of weight put on joints like the knees, ankles, and feet.
Various types are available to meet the needs of different individuals.
Different Cane Handles
The handle of a crane is an important factor when choosing a cane. It has to fit comfortably in the hand and be functional based on the shape and grip.
Crook Handle
The most common handle, this has a traditions ‘C’ shape to it. The user has plenty of space to find a comfortable grip, and the hook is convenient for opening doors or hanging the cane over a wall/tail.
T-Handle
A straight handle in the shape of a ‘T’. The design reduces stress and hand fatigue, making them suitable for anyone with weakness in their hand.
Fritz Handle
These are quite similar to T-handle canes but more curved. The curve increases comfort and reduces the pressure on the user’s hand and fingers.
Fritz handles are the most popular type of handle due to their distinguished appearance and comfort, common amongst stylish wooden walking canes.
Offset Handle
The area underneath these handles juts out, giving them a question mark-like appearance. This distributes the weight of the user over the shaft of the cane.
Single-Point Canes
The most typical design, these have one point of contact with the ground. Several Types of handles are available for single-point canes:
- Crook Cane
- T-Handle
- Fritz Handle
- Offset Handle
Multiple-Point Canes
As the name suggests these have multiple points of contact with the ground. This is usually 3 or 4, making them capable of standing up on their own.
These provide more stability than single-point canes and generally have offset handles to help maintain balance.
Hemi Walker Canes
With four points of contact and a wider base than multiple-point canes, these are very stable. They are somewhat in the middle ground between a cane and a walker.
Hemi Walker canes are ideal for someone whose mobility is reduced due to weakness, paralysis, or loss of function of an arm/leg.
Folding Canes
A folding cane gives an element of convenience, as you can fold one down making it suitable for storage. This does make them weigh a bit more but could be the best walking canes if you are looking for versatility.
When extended folding canes are essentially identical to single-point canes. They generally have T-handles or Fritz handles.
The Best Walking Cane for You
When comparing different types of walking canes the choice you make must be dependent on your needs. Consider your health and wellbeing to help make the best decision.
If you’re interested in more lifestyle and health articles check out some of our other blog posts.
