What size cane should i use

Call: EST Send email. Shopping Cart. Wow, Linda! If someone needs to be measured for a Walking Cane do the following: Have them wear the shoes they usually wear while walking. They should stand as upright as possible, with arms hanging relaxed by their side and with a natural bend in the elbow.

Use a tape measure or yardstick to measure the distance from the floor to the first crease on the inside of their wrist, just above the palm, on the arm that will be using the walking cane. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Healthy Lifestyle Cane tips. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now. Slide show: Tips for choosing and using canes. Previous Next 3 of 6 Checking the fit Many canes are adjustable, but some are not. To make sure your cane fits you properly: Check your elbow bend. With the cane in your hand, your elbow should bend at a comfortable angle, about 15 degrees.

You might bend your elbow slightly more if you're primarily using the cane for balance. This guideline can be applied if the user is not available for an actual measurement. If you are using the cane for general mobility rather than an injury, hold the cane using your dominant hand and bear weight on this side of your body. If you are working with a physical therapist due to an injury, he or she may have a specific cane-walking plan different from this one.

After this good leg is appropriately placed on the step, advance the weaker leg up to the same step that the stronger leg is on. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings.

Related Articles. Article Summary. Co-authored by Chris M. Part 1. Estimate using your height. If you don't have a tape measure and you're ordering a cane online, you can estimate the size you might need by using your height as a general guide. A person between 76 and 79 inches tall should order a inch cane, whereas those between 72 and 75 inches tall may find that a inch cane suits them better.

For example, a person standing 64 to 67 inches tall should buy a inch cane. Many canes are height adjustable, but some are not particularly those carved from wood. Order a inch cane if you're of average height. Because many people particularly men fall within the height range of inches, most canes are manufactured or adjusted to 36 inches in length. Walking with a cane that's either too long or short can lead to more aches and pains, especially in your elbow, shoulder and neck.

Borrow a cane from someone of similar size. If a friend or family member temporarily needed a cane to help recover from an accident or injury, and if they are the same height as you, then ask them if you can borrow or buy it. If they were properly measured for the cane and tend to wear similar shoes to you, then their cane may be a great fit for you.

When trying to correlate your height to the length of a cane, remember to factor in the height of your shoes because you likely won't be using the cane without them. National Institutes of Health Go to source. Part 2. Use a measuring tape. The most precise way to determine the correct cane length for you is by measuring the distance between your hand and the ground while you wear shoes. With your arm hanging straight down at your side, the top of your cane should line up with the crease in your wrist.

With the cane in hand, your elbow should bend at a comfortable angle — about 15 degrees or so. Measure differently if you're hunched over. You should consider measuring yourself differently if you have a condition that does not allow you to stand up straight.

In this case, you'll likely need a shorter cane than that normally dictated by your height. Thus, measure the distance between the floor and wherever your wrist is as you walk with shoes on. Get a friend to help if need be.

If your cane is too short, you might lean to one side — which can throw you off balance. Get professional assistance. If you find it too difficult to make the appropriate measurements for your walking cane, then your best bet is to have your physician or physical therapist help you with it.