How to Buy a Cane

A cane plays a vital role in mobility for a wide variety of people, from senior citizens with lessened stability to people recovering from surgeries or injuries. There are dozens of styles and kinds of canes, however, and finding the cane that is right for your specific need is important. These steps will help you buy the right cane for you.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your needs with your physician. You will want to make sure that you understand why your physician wants you to use a cane, how it will benefit you and what specific functions he or she feels your cane needs. Understanding your diagnosis is an important part of buying the piece of medical equipment that is right for you.

• 2

  Buy new products. It is not uncommon to find used medical equipment, such as canes and walkers, for sale online or in the classified section of the newspaper. You cannot be assured when buying such a product secondhand that it is in the proper working condition or that its previous owner has not damaged it. Purchasing your cane new will ensure that it is clean and in good condition.

• 3

  Ask a professional. Most stores that sell health care equipment have an employee on staff that is specially trained in this area and will be able to point out differences and features of various types of canes to you. Utilizing the knowledge of one of these specialists can help to answer your questions and also help you be certain you feel comfortable using your cane before you buy it.

• 4

  Focus on the important features. Many companies have added new colors or style options to their health care products to make them more attractive to potential buyers just like car and clothing companies do. While these details may improve the look of your cane, the stability of its feet and the comfort of its handle are more important. Focus on the cane's functionality first, then style.

• 5

  Inquire about refund options. If you are shopping at a retail store for your cane, remember to ask about return policies in the event that you find that the cane you have purchased is not the right one for you. If you have a prescription for the cane or are having it billed to an insurance company you may not be able to return the product for a refund.

• 6

  Educate yourself. Before you purchase your cane, talk with someone specially trained in the proper use of the kind of cane you plan to purchase and find out how to use it properly. Using such a piece of equipment incorrectly could counteract your course of treatment and may even aggravate your injury or condition, so make sure you know how to use the cane correctly. Learn how to walk with it properly, how to adjust it and how to replace any parts if this is applicable to the cane you are purchasing.