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What do I need to do before buying a folding cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by ryok141
Hi all.
I'm planning to buy a new cane but the thing is I don't know what to do before buying it.
I'd really appreciaite it if someone can direct me to a resource or tell me what to check before buying it.
Thanks.
I'm planning to buy a new cane but the thing is I don't know what to do before buying it.
I'd really appreciaite it if someone can direct me to a resource or tell me what to check before buying it.
Thanks.
pokersnek 8 points 5y ago
1. What country do you live in? This will change where I suggest to get a cane.
2. Do you have a very cold season, like winter, with freezing temperatures? This will change the material I suggest.
3. Do you have carpal tunnel or any muscular injuries in your dominant hand or forearm? This will change the material I suggest.
4. Have you used a cane before and how tall do you like your cane? This will change the height I suggest.
5. Do you prefer to tap or sweep your cane? This will change the tip I suggest.
2. Do you have a very cold season, like winter, with freezing temperatures? This will change the material I suggest.
3. Do you have carpal tunnel or any muscular injuries in your dominant hand or forearm? This will change the material I suggest.
4. Have you used a cane before and how tall do you like your cane? This will change the height I suggest.
5. Do you prefer to tap or sweep your cane? This will change the tip I suggest.
SnoobertDoobertDoo 7 points 5y ago
I'd recommend getting some orientation and mobility training. If you're in Canada you can contact the CNIB and try to book an appointment with and O&M Instructor. I'm not sure how it works in any other countries though.
ControllerD 3 points 5y ago
The RNIB/Guide Dogs mobility team in the U.K. say the top of your cane should reach your sternum when straight - (chest bone).
cae_jones 2 points 5y ago
I've heard armpit and nose from other sources. No one's ever cited research, and even then, it'd probably be confounded to the point of uselessness, so I can't say I trust any organization's height recommendations, and just go with what works personally.
Sommiel 3 points 5y ago
If you haven't had a cane before and have not had training... usually they give you the first cane and make sure it's the right length for you.
You need to know what kind of tip you like... what kind of handle. I personally prefer graphite, it's much lighter than aluminum and has lower maintenance joints.
You need to know what kind of tip you like... what kind of handle. I personally prefer graphite, it's much lighter than aluminum and has lower maintenance joints.
smokemasterblckstone 3 points 5y ago
I would also recommend O&M training. They will measure you to ensure you have the proper length. If you get one that is too short you, will not be able to properly extend your arm. If it is too long, the cake will detect obstacles too far in advance. You will also need to decide which cane tip would work best for you. I’m not in Canada but I do always order my canes from Ambutech, which is a company out of Canada. I’ve found that they’re the best ones out there as well as reasonably priced.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 5y ago
Given your previous questions about setting up a program of orientation and mobility instruction locally, I think the best answer to this question is that you need to be working with trained and qualified orientation and mobility instructors to answer these questions.
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 5y ago
The length of the cane changes depending on who teaches you, so it's hard to say. I like mine between collar bone height and chin height, but I've seen them up to eyebrows and as low as under the chest.
ryok141 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
hi there.
Thanks much for your reply.
I've read also that you need to check your heightbut I don't know what to check exactly.
Do you have any idea about that?
thanks again.
Best regards.
Thanks much for your reply.
I've read also that you need to check your heightbut I don't know what to check exactly.
Do you have any idea about that?
thanks again.
Best regards.
imau91 2 points 5y ago
As previous commenters explained, the length depends not only on your height but also personal preference. I am 170 cm (5'7") tall and I have a 127 cm (4'2") long cane, which means it comes up to the bottom of my breastbone.
As my mobility trainer explained it to me, if you naturally walk a bit faster (as I do), your cane should be a bit longer so as to signal obstacles to you on time. If you're a slower and more methodical walker, a short cane might be better and more practical.
The biggest difference, really, is that longer canes tend to be heavier and hence require more muscle to move. A very slight change in cane weight or taking a too long or too heavy cane from the very start could cause muscle pain and tendonitis (as I discovered once when I had to use a slightly longer cane than usual for a few months). You don't feel it at first, but waving that thing around all day sure does take its toll.
If you're just starting out and do not have strong shoulder and wrist muscles, I would definitely recommend starting with something shorter and lighter, and then moving your way up as you get used to it. You will be the best judge of what kind of cane is most comfortable for you.
As my mobility trainer explained it to me, if you naturally walk a bit faster (as I do), your cane should be a bit longer so as to signal obstacles to you on time. If you're a slower and more methodical walker, a short cane might be better and more practical.
The biggest difference, really, is that longer canes tend to be heavier and hence require more muscle to move. A very slight change in cane weight or taking a too long or too heavy cane from the very start could cause muscle pain and tendonitis (as I discovered once when I had to use a slightly longer cane than usual for a few months). You don't feel it at first, but waving that thing around all day sure does take its toll.
If you're just starting out and do not have strong shoulder and wrist muscles, I would definitely recommend starting with something shorter and lighter, and then moving your way up as you get used to it. You will be the best judge of what kind of cane is most comfortable for you.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 5y ago
Your cane is on the very short end relative to height that I generally see here in the US. I would say that most cane users I know have canes approximately shoulder to ear height.
There are also extremely lightweight options that alleviate the issue of length increasing weight, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass NFB-style canes.
There are also extremely lightweight options that alleviate the issue of length increasing weight, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass NFB-style canes.
cae_jones 2 points 5y ago
Seconded on both counts. I've actually found some of the shorter canes I've used were made of the heaviest material, and the weight was distributed poorly, so they were actually worse on my wrist than a 150cm/5ft fiberglass cane. OTOH, some experience the longer, lighter ones as unwieldy or flimsy, so YMMV.
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
[deleted]
imau91 2 points 5y ago
Oh wow, ok! Maybe it's a European thing. :D I would feel so clumsy with a longer cane.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 5y ago
https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr15/Issue1/f150117.html is an introduction to the topic I often recommend.
Of course if your cane works for you, great! What you've tried and tested in real life (and been recommended by an orientation and mobility expert) is best.
Of course if your cane works for you, great! What you've tried and tested in real life (and been recommended by an orientation and mobility expert) is best.
TheBlindBookLover 1 points 5y ago
Hi. The length of your can is mainly based on your hight and reaction time. In my experience, I started with a cane that was chin height. As my reaction time improved, I was able to switch to a cane that is chest height. I hope that this helps.
ryok141 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Thank you guys for the help. I really appreciate it.
I'm buying it for a friend who didn't get the chance to get o&M training.
I'll talk to him and see what happens.
Best regards.
Ahmad.
I'm buying it for a friend who didn't get the chance to get o&M training.
I'll talk to him and see what happens.
Best regards.
Ahmad.
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