| There are few mobility assisted devices that provide | | | | protection is needed. Knob handle canes also usually |
| the instant usefulness like the time-tested walking cane. | | | | have fashionable knobs affixed for more stylish |
| Various types of canes have been used for | | | | appeal. |
| thousands of years for assistance in walking, | | | | The Folding Walking Cane |
| especially those with impaired mobility that affect the | | | | Folding canes, when properly opened and secured, |
| hips, legs, knees, and feet. They come in different | | | | offer the same protection for their user as a traditional |
| forms to emphasize functionality and style. Here are | | | | straight cane. This folding style will usually have the |
| some examples of the functional types of walking | | | | smaller Derby handle but also have the ability to fold in |
| canes and sticks along with who is likely to appreciate | | | | multiple positions along the shaft for travel and storage. |
| them. | | | | This makes it a little extra convenient for those who |
| The Common "C-Cane" or "Crook Neck Walking | | | | may be seated for a long period of time and need to |
| Cane" | | | | pack & travel with their cane. Useful for long-term |
| These classic walking canes are the most common | | | | cane users. |
| and simple type you will find among cane-users. They | | | | The Hiking Cane |
| are straight canes with a "hook" design at the top | | | | A hiking cane or "walking stick" is an exception to the |
| used for grip and leverage. These canes are used for | | | | rule; a cane used by the most active of us all instead |
| basic balance and to take some weight off of an | | | | of the elderly or the impaired. Hiking canes are |
| injured or immobile side of the body and for those who | | | | lightweight, straight, and lengthy with a rubber grip |
| only have light or mild balance issues. | | | | handle on the end and a tip on the bottom. Most hiking |
| The Derby Handle Walking Cane | | | | sticks are retractable or fold-able and used to keep |
| A Derby handle cane is far more ergonomic than its | | | | balance during long walks, retain leg strength for a |
| classic cousin, also known as a "grip cane". It only | | | | longer period of time, give extra support to the hiker |
| differs from the classic C-cane style by its handle, with | | | | and help move away foliage and sticks in the path if |
| a more ergonomic shape that allows the user to apply | | | | necessary. Hiking sticks are most often used by active |
| more downward pressure on the center of the stick, | | | | outdoor individuals for use in the woods and along |
| helping those who need a little extra help keeping their | | | | paths. |
| balance. Derby sticks are also considered by many to | | | | The Blind Walking Cane |
| have more style appeal than standard canes. | | | | Another type of cane is actually quite similar to a hiking |
| The Quad Walking Cane | | | | cane and sometimes used in a similar fashion, but |
| Quad canes provide the highest level of support for | | | | specific for the visually impaired. They are not used to |
| those who need balance and support. Usually | | | | keep balance, but rather to help the blind tap across |
| constructed of aluminum or a light metal, these walking | | | | the path in front of them to avoid accidents running into |
| canes will usually have a rubberized grip top and a | | | | obstacles, steps, and people. A blind walking cane is |
| sturdy wide base with four tips on the bottom. The grip | | | | practically a necessity for the blind, and these lengthy |
| handle applies all pressure to the center of the extra | | | | and very lightweight canes allow the blind to move |
| wide base, allowing for some sway and swagger | | | | confidently. |
| without losing its support. Quad walking canes are | | | | Style vs. Function |
| helpful as a long-term cane for those with permanent | | | | If you are someone who really need a cane for |
| or serious impairments to their mobility. | | | | function, you should first and foremost decide which |
| The Anatomical Walking Cane | | | | type of cane or stick you need from the above types. |
| Some canes are built more anatomically for | | | | Once you know what kind, then you can focus on the |
| personalized support. For instance, you will find canes | | | | style of your walking cane. If you are unsure what |
| with grip handles that are built to conform to the | | | | type of cane will function best for you, your health |
| human palm. Anatomically built walking canes are | | | | physician should know based on how much balance |
| usually similar variations of the Derby Cane and offer | | | | you need and how often you will need the cane. |
| a similar level of protection. Perfect for those who | | | | Once you know what kind of cane will be most |
| want something similar but perhaps a little more | | | | functional for your needs, you can take a look at style. |
| comfortable than a Derby cane. | | | | You will see there is an endless array of options in |
| The Knob Handle Walking Cane | | | | colors and styles. Canes are not different from most |
| Knob handle canes are like the gear shifter in a car | | | | types of products and have a broad range in price |
| attached to a stick of ample length for walking. Knob | | | | from the economical to high-end depending on the |
| canes are used for walking but a reputation of being | | | | materials used, the brand, and your budget. |
| used defensively as a weapon in situations where | | | | |