ArticlesBy Ross Bryan
Weight-bearing healthcare products such as canes, crutches, and walkers all have an optimal height setting. This setting, as one might expect, has to do with the size of the person using it.
What I notice most is that the vast majority of people I observe using these products have not had them fitted, or they have chosen, despite the instructions from the healthcare professional, to use it either too tall or too short for their proper use.
"Aunt Harriet's heirloom" cane: Aunt Harriet, of course, was only 5 foot nothing while Mabel is 5'7" and long in the leg. Mabel, either to save the $10-30 or to display this antique cane, insists on using this cane much to the distress of her back; to the extra energy expended by her legs and her arm; and the danger of losing the footing under the cane and falling.
Much the same can be said for the cane that is too long, although this has a potential cure in that it can be shortened. This suggestion by myself to a number of clients has resulted in icy stares as though I should have been aware that Uncle Jack used this cane to harvest maple syrup back in the '40's.
My suggestion to all of you who are out there guilty of the above, or know a friend or relative who is, give yourself or your friend a very big present and display the heirloom prominently over the mantel or on the wall and get a proper fitting cane.
Take a friend (or be the friend) to your local healthcare equipment store and have the clerk properly fit you with a sturdy but light cane. Or you can fit a cane yourself with one of the two following methods:
This first method involves two people (remember that friend, or it could be the clerk). Stand up quite straight without exaggeration with your arms hanging relaxed beside you and your eyes looking straight ahead (don't look down to see how things are going). Adjust the cane or measure the distance from the floor to the break of the wrist (this is where the crease is when you bend your wrist inward). This is the length that will offer a person the greatest control, the least strain, and the best security.
The second method is not quite as precise but will suffice if the above method is not convenient. Place the cane in the hand it will be used and point it ahead and bring it down until it touches the ground. The angle between the vertical and cane should be 30 degrees.
These days canes are light and adjustable making fitting quick, simple and SAFE!
Now, there are about 7 different handle shapes ...... but that will be another article
Ross Bryan is the manager of Tranquil Lane Products Inc.
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