Facts About Walking Canes

Canes, or walking sticks, are usually wooden, plastic, or metal devices used to facilitate balancing, serve as fashion statements or even act as weapons. They are commonly used as medical devices for people with certain handicaps, and they are also popular among fans of hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

History

• Walking sticks have been used as weapons since prehistoric times. During the 17th century, canes became popular accessories for gentlemen, and were used as both walking sticks and status symbols.

Uncommon Uses

• Canes, staves and walking sticks are most often used by hikers and people with disabilities, but they are also used in martial arts and in neopagan religious rituals.

Accessories

• Hikers often collect souvenir ornaments for their walking sticks. More functional accessories include cleats for gaining traction in snow, hand straps for maintaining grip and rubber ferrules for use on floor surfaces.

Types of Medical Canes

• Quad and tripod canes are especially useful for people with disabilities because their additional "feet" allow them to stand freely. Specially designed "Hoover" canes are long, white rods used by the visually impaired.

Common Materials

• Hikers' walking sticks are most often made from wood, especially ash, palm, birch and oak. Medical canes are more often made from reinforced fiberglass, polystyrene, steel, and other synthetic materials.