How to Fit Canes

The cane is an assistive device, used to improve balance when standing and walking. Straight canes end in a single point, while quad canes have four small feet coming out of a base for added support. Use your cane in the hand on the opposite side of your injured or weak leg. The straight side of the quad cane base should be next to your body. It is important to use a cane that is fitted to you for optimal support.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose a cane with an adjustable height, or arrange to have a wooden cane cut to the proper length.

• 2

  Wear the shoes you will typically be using when walking with your cane. Stand up straight and place the tip of the cane on the floor.

• 3

  Press on the outside of your upper thigh until you feel a boney protrusion. This is part of your femur bone called the greater trochanter, and it represents the optimal height for your cane.

• 4

  Adjust your cane by moving the stops to the hole that most closely equals the height determined in the step above. If you have a wooden cane, measure the difference between the top of the cane and your greater trochanter with the end of the cane resting on the floor. This is the length that needs to be removed from the end of the cane.

• 5

  Stand up straight and hang your arm next to your cane. The top of your cane should be at the level of your wrist crease where the hand joins the forearm. Hold the top of the cane in your hand and observe the angle of your elbow. Ideally it should be bent to approximately 15 degrees. Make further adjustments to fine-tune the height of your cane, if necessary.