Sizing
The
overall guideline is; use what feels right! People
use canes in various ways, so even a standard measurement isn't
necessarily going to fit your personal style of use. While we
will cut a cane to your personal dimensions, StumblinStyle canes are
typically provided in full 36 or 37 inch lengths. (On special order we
can get longer canes up to 42 inches.) The uncut approach is
best for new cane users, allowing careful shortening in increments
until it feels "just right."
Of course, if you having been using a cane for a while, you can simply
measure one you already have, as shown below . . .
Lay
your cane down on the floor, base against a wall. Parallel to the
cane, lay down a ruler. Measure from the rubber tipped base to
the tippity top of your crookneck cane to get a length measurement.
 .
- The
Standard Measurement
-
Standard
measurement is made when wearing normal street shoes. The
length of the cane is the distance from the ground up to the base of
the palm, when the arm is at a roughly 30 degree angle. This
provides the best general support.
-
- Other
Uses, Other Measurements
-
The
Standard Measurement presumes use of the cane directly for support in a
basically upright position. However, some find a longer
length more suitable to a probing and stretching "third leg,"
allowing faster movement.
- Special
Considerations
-
Shoe height
can be a substantial variable. The difference between bare
feet or thin soled shoes and stacked heels or rigid mountain boots can
easily be two to three inches. If you vary the types of shoes
you wear a lot, it is really more practical to simply get two different
canes.
Style is basically a choice of the standard crook
neck Shephard's Cane or the t-handled Derby style. Crook
neck canes are pretty much indestructable, but not quite as comfortable
as the Derby canes. Alternatively, the Derby style may be a
two piece affair of shaft and handle, so over time it is conceivable
the joint may loosen or fail. Look for the "one piece" Derby
canes for best load-bearing in that handle style.
Folding
and Adjustable Canes
are useful in
temporary situations. Folding canes are very handy, being
made of lightwieght aluminum and only 12 * 6 * 1 inch when
folded. So they can be carried surreptitiously until
needed. Adjustables are good for someone new to
cane use, however many people find that they loosen over time, clank,
and no matter how decorated, just plain look clunky.
Weight and Weightbearing is really a matter of your personal weight
and usage. Individuals pushing 200 pounds or over need to get
larger diameter canes. Also, if the cane is used as a primary
support, the crook neck canes are the better performers, while the
derby handles allow better control.
- A
Warning !
- It
should be noted that while shortening canes is simple and economical,
lengthening them is extraordinarily complex and expensive. So
if you ask us to cut it, you're stuck with it.
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