Lean your weight through the arm holding the cane as needed.Move the cane and affected leg forward together. Take a step with the “bad” leg and bring the cane forward at the same time.
Hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb.To walk safely with a cane on level surfaces: This guideline can be applied if the user is not available for an actual measurement. For most persons, the right sized cane is within one inch of half their height. This number is the right length of cane for you.Īn estimate of the proper cane length can be made by dividing an individual’s height by two. Have a second person measure the distance from your wrist joint down to the floor.Standing upright, allow arms to relax (with normal bend at the elbow) at your sides.Obtain measurements while wearing regular walking shoes.Many models of canes are adjustable, but it is still helpful to know what the proper length should be. Given the great many sticks produced over the past several hundred years, the distinctions outlined in the following sub-articles are meant to provide a basic foundation and guide for organizing your cane collection.The correct cane length is the key to safe use and better mobility. Of course some sticks defy simple categorization, and categories may overlap. Gadget (sometimes called “dual purpose” or “system”). It is generally agreed that there are three basic categories of canes/walking sticks:ģ. They are art objects, the more unique the better, something to be admired rather than actually used. Though no longer seen as necessary, most antique canes are used and seen in exactly the same way as they were when new. Intricate carvings of known and unknown creatures can be seen in bone, ivory, wood and metals. Precious metals, stones and rare woods were incorporated. Craftsmen searched all over the world for the most interesting material which could be made into canes. They were simply a necessary part of the well-dressed person’s wardrobe. Their purpose as a walking aid was, for the most part, unnecessary. Most canes were just walking sticks, like those displayed at the museum. Simply grasping the cane’s shaft, pulling it back and pushing forward would cause the gun to fire. The concept of a pump-barrel shotgun, popular as a weapon of choice in our more action-packed films, can be seen in a cane made in the late 1870s. Canes were produced that were combinations of daggers and pistols, or even with permanent bayonets attached. They could be powered either by gunpowder or by compressed air. The two sections locked and would only release when a hidden button was pushed. Many of these canes were so finely crafted that it was hard to tell if the cane was a weapon unless the owner showed how it would open. The tops of some canes detached and formed the handle for small deadly daggers others sprayed chemicals. Spring-driven knives which shot from the tip of the cane and were powerful enough to split boards were produced. Canes with swords hidden in their shafts were quite popular. One weapon cane could become a mace–a ball of sharp spikes swinging on the end of a chain. Gadget canes were made for all purposes, including protection. As indicated in the article “Antique Canes and Walking Sticks” in this website, according to legend, the first use of a gadget cane led to the modern silk industry. This type of cane is called a gadget cane–one that had other uses than just as a walking stick. Photographers could choose from a variety of canes which contained small cameras. The table’s top was created from tightly stretched silk. Gamblers had canes that would fold open, making small tables. Musicians had canes that would fold open into music stands or musical instruments. Undertakers had canes that would screw down the lids of coffins. Similar canes could be found for grain buyers. When the cane was removed, the buyer would learn if the vat’s center had been filled with lard. They could stick their cane into the vats of butter, turn the handle, and a scoop at the bottom of the cane would take a sample. Canes were made for men who bought butter wholesale. Tradesmen carried canes containing tools they would use in their business. Just as ties were chosen, Victorian gentlemen took the same care in choosing the proper cane to carry.īecause they were so popular, canes were produced in a wide variety of styles, materials, decorative elements and even functions. When canes were at their most popular during the 19th century, a true gentleman would no more go out for any type of a formal call than would the average businessman through the 1980’s would have gone out without a tie. They stood perhaps in an ornate oak cane holder, ready for the gentleman of the house to choose as he left for the day. Canes used for utilitarian purposes generally don’t elicit much comment.