Content
The movement of a person with age or due to various injuries is very difficult. There are a number of adaptations to solve this problem today. One of them is a walking stick, which is an orthopedic stick for additional support - it is widely used by people with disabilities and the elderly. The word "cane" appeared around the 16th century; before it, the function of support was performed by an ordinary stick, and then by a staff.
What is a walking stick
This product is a medical instrument that is used by elderly people to support the body while moving, patients during the rehabilitation period, with impaired movement coordination and the disabled. Some products can serve as a decorative accessory, complementing a certain image. For manufacturing, wood, aluminum, steel and other materials are used. You can even order a cane in orthopedic salons or pharmacies with delivery by mail. Traditionally, the tool consists of:
- tip;
- knob (handle);
- shaft (trunk).
Types of walking sticks
Before ordering a walking stick in Moscow or St. Petersburg, check out the types of this instrument. Medical device manufacturers offer a wide variety of walking sticks, which are equipped with rubber tips, height adjustment, anatomical handle, and more. Such devices differ from each other not only by the device, but also by the material of manufacture, the shape of the handles. By functionality, there are:
- standard walking sticks;
- telescopic;
- folding;
- with support;
- with a T-shaped handle;
- for the blind.
Telescopic cane
Walking aids of this type can be adjusted in length. Thanks to this, they are easy to change for the growth of the owner. The traditional material of manufacture is metal. The telescopic product is easy to use, ideal for use in icy conditions, because equipped with a special anti-slip device. You can buy a cane inexpensively from an online store, but first, check out a few of its options to help you make the best purchase. A good purchase can be:
- model name: Support KZ 0087;
- price: 669 rubles;
- characteristics: material - metal, color - black, type - folding, number of sections - 4, there is a built-in LED lamp, height adjustment;
- pluses: there is a backlight, anti-slip nozzle, comfortable handle;
- cons: no.
Another telescopic cane is the Bronigen BOC-200 from Rehard Technologies GmbH. The ergonomic design of the medical device is made of durable aluminum alloy with good corrosion resistance:
- model name: Bronigen BOC-200;
- price: 1820 rubles;
- characteristics: materials - aluminum alloy, steel, wood, rubber, textiles, color - black, adjustable in height from 78 to 102 cm, weight - 420 g, load - up to 110 kg;
- pluses: strength, wear-resistant replaceable support nozzles;
- cons: expensive.
Walking stick for the blind
The market for medical walking aids is saturated with a large number of proposals, among which there are products with anatomically shaped handle, with a large square support, etc. There is also a separate category of products designed for blind people. They are made from lightweight and often reflective materials. A device for the blind is often referred to as a "white cane". Some products are ultrasonic devices that can alert you to nearby objects. One of the products in the category:
- model name: tactile 31782;
- price: 1210 rubles;
- characteristics: type - folding, number of sections - 5, length - 130 cm, weight - 250 g, tip - plastic, material - aluminum alloy;
- pluses: comfortable non-slip handle, there is a fabric cover;
- cons: no.
Look out for the lightweight telescopic graphite option for added flexural strength. The products are durable, and the special tip helps to ensure proper adhesion to the pavement:
- model name: AmbuTech 29939;
- price: 6450 rubles;
- characteristics: adjustable length - 95-110 cm, weight - 220 g, material - graphite, tip - rotating spherical;
- pluses: strength, lightness, there are reflective elements;
- cons: high cost.
Wooden walking stick
A classic handmade wooden walking stick can be a good addition to your outfit. These elegant canes are able to accentuate the image. As for the strength, in this indicator they are practically not inferior to their steel counterparts. Inexpensive option with replaceable soft rubber tip:
- model name: DR-0 MEGA-OPTIM;
- price: 345 rubles;
- characteristics: material - wood, height - 800/850/900 mm, weight - 380 g, permissible load - up to 100 kg;
- pluses: good strength, cheap;
- cons: no.
The following wooden structure is also a budget option. The product has a protective lacquer coating and an anti-slip device:
- model name: DR-750;
- price: 385 rubles;
- characteristics: stand material - beech, birch, height - 800 mm, weight - 410-450 g, load - up to 100 kg;
- pluses: durable, inexpensive;
- cons: heavier than analogues.
Aluminum
When choosing a walking stick for the elderly, look for a lightweight aluminum construction. For example, the FS929L with its T-handle, which is made of durable and non-slip plastic, would be a good buy. The product has an enamel paintwork. As for caring for it, it is recommended to process with soapy solutions without using abrasive cleaning agents:
- model name: FS929L;
- price: 425 rubles;
- characteristics: material - aluminum alloy, height - 72-94.5 cm, adjustment - through 2.5 cm, step adjustments - 10, load - up to 100 kg, weight - 350 g,
- pluses: provides comfort and stability;
- cons: no.
The 10105T is another lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy option. Buying it will cost you a little more than the previous product:
- model name: 10105T;
- price: 780 rubles;
- characteristics: material - aluminum alloy, type - telescopic with a sliding anti-slip device, load - up to 100 kg, weight - 390 g, height - 76-99 cm, adjustment step - 2.5 cm;
- pluses: comfortable, high quality;
- cons: heavier and more expensive than analog.
Foldable
Such a device consists of several parts, so it is very convenient to transport and store it. When folded, the length of some structures can be only 30-35 cm. In this case, it will not be difficult to choose the right cane according to the owner's height. Inexpensive yet comfortable lightweight aluminum construction for seniors and people with disabilities is:
- model name: MD094-1;
- price: 816 rubles;
- characteristics: made of aluminum alloy, height - 81.5-92.5 cm, regulation levels - 5, weight - 350 g, load - up to 100 kg;
- Pros: there is an anti-slip rubber tip, suitable for both hands;
- cons: no.
The TN-131 foldable metal structure provides additional support and makes it easier for the user to walk. The anodized tube support has a protective coating:
- model name: TN-131 Nova;
- price: 960 rubles;
- characteristics: material - aluminum alloy, height - 84-94 cm with a step of 2.5 cm, levels - 5, tip size - 19 cm, weight - 500 g;
- pluses: strength, reliability;
- cons: a bit heavy for a foldable product.
Three-bearing
This type of product is capable of providing support for a large weight, the main thing is to choose quality products. Its distinctive feature is the tip, which is equipped with three legs. The support in this case is pyramidal. The presence of a large number of anchor points guarantees increased stability. More often, such a design is recommended for patients with impaired coordination, who are at an early stage of rehabilitation, who have suffered a stroke and are severely weakened physically:
- model name: 15 / MR.L;
- price: 1750 rubles;
- characteristics: material - anodized aluminum, height adjustment - 70-84 cm, tripod leg length - 17 cm, load - up to 120 kg, weight - 800 g;
- pluses: quality, strength, stability;
- cons: expensive.
The C Delta is a three-post structure with height adjustment function, but without anti-slip device. It costs an order of magnitude cheaper than its analogue:
- model name: C Delta;
- price: 1100 rubles;
- characteristics: material - aluminum, length - 72-95.5 cm, adjustment step - 2.2 cm, weight - 700 g, load - up to 110 kg;
- pluses: reasonable cost, good stability;
- cons: no anti-slip.
Quadruple
Four-support walking devices have become somewhat widespread. These are suitable not only for physically weakened people or patients with problems with coordination and musculoskeletal system, but also for those who are overweight. Excess weight puts a lot of stress on the legs and spine. Here's a relatively inexpensive option:
- model name: E-0706;
- price: 900 rubles;
- characteristics: made of lightweight aluminum alloy, handle made of plastic, adjustable length - 72.5-95 cm;
- pluses: stability, good strength;
- cons: no.
The AMCQ21 4-leg walker cane is more stable due to its large footprint. Adjustment is carried out for both the right and left hand:
- model name: E AMCQ21;
- price: 1600 rubles;
- characteristics: height - 75-98 cm with an adjustment step of 2.5, platform dimensions - 31x21x8 cm, color - black;
- pluses: large support area, good build quality;
- cons: it is more expensive than analogs.
Orthopedic walking stick
The category of orthopedic products can be distinguished separately. A high-quality version of this type is distinguished by its strength, stability and a comfortable orthopedic handle. Dozens of different models can be found on sale, for example, a support structure with an orthopedic handle is an excellent purchase for walking:
- model name: Titan Welt-fn Ly-652;
- price: 800 rubles;
- characteristics: height - 77-100 cm, weight - 500 g, load - up to 100 kg, color - black;
- pluses: strength, build quality;
- cons: no.
A good option for walking sticks with an orthopedic and ergonomic plastic handle is the Deluxe product. The product will cost you relatively inexpensively:
- model name: Deluxe;
- price: 950 rubles;
- characteristics: height - 78-100 cm with a step of 2.5 cm, material - aluminum, weight - 350 g, color - black, load - up to 100 kg;
- pluses: ergonomics, good quality;
- cons: no.
Walking stick-chair
A walking stick is a reliable supporting structure that will help to provide the necessary balance and aid in movement. This product is a telescopic structure, which is equipped with a folding plastic seat - you can sit on it and relax while walking. To save money on your purchase, look for a suitable option in large retail outlets - they often hold promotions and sales. One of the inexpensive products in this category:
- model name: KJT916B;
- price: 1200 rubles;
- characteristics: material - aluminum alloy, handle made of soft polymer, height - 85 cm, weight - 550 g, load - up to 100 kg;
- pluses: can be easily turned into a seat;
- cons: no.
The AMCQ21 design is a walking stick with handle and seat. This combination allows you to alternate walking with rest:
- model name: KJT916B;
- price: 1800 rubles;
- characteristics: made of lightweight aluminum alloy, total height - 87 cm, from floor to seat when unfolded - 53 cm, seat color - blue;
- pluses: quickly unfolds into the seat;
- cons: it is more expensive than analog.
Walking cane
Products from the category of walking are used not only as their direct purpose, but also to emphasize solidity at some important reception or in the theater. They can be used for full support while walking, and the variety of handle shapes makes such products very popular. In this case, silver-plated products must be periodically wiped with suede, otherwise the effect of a shiny surface will eventually fade away. Option with a billiard ball handle:
- model name: Billiards 3975;
- price: 4900 rubles;
- characteristics: length - 92-93 cm, handle shape - ball with a diameter of 57 mm, color - black, shaft material - beech, thickness - 21 mm, rubber tip;
- pluses: good quality, solidity;
- cons: high cost.
Walking model Agate is a graceful, elegant and durable product with the shape of the Milord handle. Such an acquisition will favorably highlight and emphasize your style:
- model name: Agate 3181;
- price: 4650 rubles;
- characteristics: length - 92-93 cm, shaft thickness - 19 mm, material - beech, color - brown, tip - rubber, acrylic handle;
- pluses: solidity, elegance, durability;
- cons: high cost.
How to choose a walking stick
In order for such a product to retain its strength and properties, pay attention to several points when choosing. Do not rush to give preference to one or another option. The optimal choice is guaranteed to make the walking process more convenient and comfortable, and at the same time will not have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system. Check out the basic criteria for choosing a cane:
- Application. When buying such a tool, consider not only the physiological characteristics of the future owner, but also how often it will be used: periodically or daily. For regular use, it is better to give preference to a classic wooden device with a plastic tip, which is equipped with a slip protection. If a person is going to travel a lot, then a device with a folding structure would be the best choice.
- Lever. This part is responsible for the ease of use of the device as a whole, because touches the palm of a person. Contact should not cause any painful sensations, stickiness, or leave a smell in the palm of your hand. The size of the handle should be as close as possible to the size of the hand. The ideal choice would be an anatomical configuration that completely follows the contours of the palm.
- Length. One of the most important parameters that must be taken into account. When choosing, the future owner of the cane should stand up straight, bend his elbows about 20 degrees and straighten his shoulders. In this case, the handle of the product should reach the base of the thumb. Do not forget to take into account the shoes: flat, heels, platform. The best option is a telescopic device that can be adjusted in height.
- Weight. Most of these tools weigh on average from 100 to 400 g. It all depends on the materials of manufacture. Adjustments that are too light can often create feelings of instability. Very heavy ones, on the contrary, will greatly tire the owner while walking, as a result of which movement will become uncomfortable.
For an elderly person
When choosing a cane for an older person, focus on the weight and length of the item. The first parameter is highly dependent on the material of manufacture. The chosen purchase should not be cumbersome and too heavy for its owner. If an elderly person is overweight, then pay special attention to the strength of the structure; a product with a steel shaft can be an excellent purchase. As for the length, then use the advice above for its selection. An overly long shaft will put an increased load on the shoulder joint, and a short shaft will overload the wrist.
For a disabled person
When choosing a cane for a disabled person, first of all, be guided by the recommendations of your doctor and take into account the criteria listed above. The most important thing for the means of support is the correct position of the joints, the selection of the height of the product in order to optimize the distribution of the load on the human musculoskeletal system. Telescopic designs are in demand, which have a push-button locking mechanism with a certain adjustment step. In this case, the thing must be strong and very stable.
For rehabilitation
When purchasing a device for a rehabilitation period, take into account both the weight and length of the structure and the shape of its handle. Also, consider the frequency of use of the product. If you are going to use it every day, then give preference to a product with an anti-slip device. Often, for rehabilitation after trauma, patients use telescopic aids with a pyramidal or square support. These attachments will help ensure maximum stability due to the large number of anchor points.
In addition to the medical function, the cane also serves as a decorative accessory that complements the image of a person. A cane consists of the following elements: a trunk (shaft), a handle (or a knob), a tip, and may also include the so-called "secret".
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Types of canes
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Standard (one-piece) cane
The standard one-piece cane is most often made of wood. It is a reliable support, but it is difficult to fit such a cane exactly to the patient's height. In order to fit a solid cane in length, the tip is removed from it, the excess part is sawed off and the tip is put back on. It is not possible to increase the height of a standard cane.
T-handle cane
A cane with a T-shaped handle provides stability for both the elderly and the patient during the rehabilitation period. Serves as a reliable support when moving at home and on the street.
Folding walking stick
The folding cane folds in sections. The main advantage of a folding walking stick is its ease of transportation. The folded cane is about 30-35 cm long and can be carried in a bag or backpack.
Telescopic walking stick
The telescopic cane is telescopically adjustable in length. It is equipped with a locking lock that snaps into place when the shaft is extended to the desired length. The telescopic cane is considered universal. There are many models of telescopic walking sticks.
- Telescopic cane with a displaced center of gravity for patients with coordination disorders (ataxia, age-related changes, rehabilitation after a stroke),
- Telescopic walking stick with two support arms for lifting from a sitting position. When lifting, the patient leans on the lower handle, stands up, and when walking, leans on the upper handle.
- The swan-neck telescopic cane is a classic cane for elderly patients.
Allows:
- lean on it with both hands
- hang on hand when a cane is not needed
- it is convenient to place the cane in the hand in case of arthritis or arthrosis
- Telescopic cane with an anatomical handle for increased loads, when the actual weight of the patient's body is transferred to the cane. Anatomical handle follows the contours of the palm. As comfortable as possible.
Walking stick with support
A subspecies of telescopic canes are canes supported on four or three legs. Supports can be large or small, square or pyramidal. Thanks to the large number of anchor points, this cane guarantees increased stability. Usually, a cane with a support is recommended for patients with impaired coordination, severely weakened physically, suffered a stroke or are at an early stage of the rehabilitation period.
Walking stick for the blind
The cane for the blind is made of light-reflecting material. It is also called the white cane. The white cane became a symbol of the blind in 1921 thanks to James Biggs, who was the first to paint his black cane white.
Combat canes
- A cane with a blade. A knife, blade, awl, etc. are hidden in the shaft cavity. This type of cane belongs to melee weapons.
- Walking stick with a stun gun. The first cane with a stun gun was developed and manufactured by the Russian manufactory Mr. Hogward.
- Weighted cane. The shaft cavity is filled with lead.
- Walking stick with a pistol. Usually single-shot, but sometimes with a drum. Less often with a store. The cavity is the trunk.
- A cane is a flamethrower. Single shot squib with flammable liquid (napalm). The cavity is the nozzle. Torch length 1.5-3.0 meters.
- The cane is pneumatics. 10-20 charging cartridge. Ball diameter 5.5-7.5 mm. The cavity is the trunk.
- Gas balloon cane. Gas from tear to poisonous. The cavity is the nozzle.
Ultrasonic cane for the blind
The Korean company Primpo has developed an ultrasound cane for the blind. The reed recognizes obstacles "within a range of 25 degrees horizontally and 50 degrees vertically." The ultrasonic sensor reacts to objects up to 3 cm in size at a distance of 2 meters from a person. The ultrasonic cane signals obstacles with a vibration signal.
Another ultrasonic cane is an electronic device that is worn on the wrist and sends a sound or vibration signal when an obstacle is approaching or a potential hazard.
Decorative cane
This decorative cane serves as an accessory that complements the image of its owner. Decorative walking sticks are different:
- the material from which the cane barrel is made
- stylistics of the handle (knob) design
- collectible (antique, not antique cane)
In the manufacture of elegant lightweight canes, exclusive, exotic woods are used (sapele, zebrano, layswood, American cherry, jatoba), and in the design of the handle or knob - metal (including precious metals), amber, bone, turquoise. At the customer's request, a handmade cane can be crowned with a handle of an original shape (eagle's head, skull, dog, etc.), a stylized painting of a shaft, or a kind of decorative design. Collectible walking sticks - especially 19th century walking sticks - can be decorated with personalized engravings, gold and silver details, inlaid with bone, mother-of-pearl and precious stones.
Cane with a secret
Gift and walking sticks can be equipped with the so-called "secret". The "secret" of the cane (knife, rapier, flashlight, comb, flask, etc.) is located in the hollow space of the handle. The first secret flask was made in the 19th century by order of Prince Edward, whose mother (Queen Victoria) did not approve of her son's addiction.
Multifunctional walking sticks
Multifunctional canes include an umbrella cane, a chair cane, and a wheelchair cane. The cane-chair is a telescopic cane equipped with a folding plastic seat, on which you can relax while walking or sit down at a bus stop while waiting for transport. A stroller cane is quite suitable for mothers and is used by them when traveling or hiking long distances, when they have to fold the stroller and take the baby in their arms.
Smart canes, usually made for the elderly, can have built-in functions for diagnosing the body, calling an ambulance, sounding an alarm, etc.
Origins
The cane has accompanied a person for centuries and will give odds to many inventions in terms of the number of functions performed, which have changed and transformed over time. Initially, even during the great migrations of tribes, the great-grandfather of the cane - the staff - served as an additional support when walking, as well as a weapon of attack and defense. A historical artifact confirming the ancient history of the cane is the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, where canes were found in all the rooms of the tomb, and even on the case of the mummy, the pharaoh is depicted with a cane. The very word "cane" (from "reed") entered the language in the 16th century, when bamboo and other reed trees were used to make canes. Not only the name of the item has changed, but also its function. The cane has turned from an orthopedic support into a fashion accessory and a piece of European wardrobe. Already in the 17-18 centuries. no self-respecting dandy went out without bringing an elegant cane with him. Particular attention was paid to the knob, the richness of the design of which spoke of the high social status of the owner of the cane. Around the same time, various objects began to be built into the cane: knives, lorgnets, watches, combs, and even flasks.
Lady's canes
In the heyday of the Baroque era, the cane has lost its status as an exclusively masculine accessory: French women of fashion be sure to take ladies' decorative canes to a dinner party or a ball. However, these canes were only partly decorative: it was not so easy to walk in a fluffy dress weighing 5-8 kg, on fifteen-centimeter heels and with a frame hairstyle more than half a meter high. So, when the gentleman's hand was not nearby, the ladies leaned on a cane. The 19th century is considered the true age of the cane. This is evidenced by numerous portraits and images of that era.
Walking stick in Russia
The cane as an element of wardrobe came to Russia in the era of Peter I and until the beginning of the 20th century it was a symbol of aristocracy. Peter himself I was a famous collector of canes: his collection included a cane-ruler, and a cane-sword, and a cane-telescope. After the 1917 revolution, the cane cult as an element of bourgeoisity was abolished, and only representatives of the creative bohemia sometimes allowed themselves to appear in public with a cane in hand. In the USSR, the cane was viewed exclusively as an orthopedic instrument. Not a trace of the former status remained - now the cane was a symbol, perhaps, of old age and illness.
White cane
A separate line in the history of the cane spelled out the history of the white cane as a symbol of blindness. In 1921, in Bristol (Britain), a young photographer James Biggs lost his sight as a result of an accident, and in order to adapt to life in a new "dark" world, he tried to walk the streets on his own, probing the way with a cane. But neither passers-by nor drivers noticed him, and then James repainted his cane white. His plan worked, and soon the white cane came into use throughout Europe, America and later Russia.
Materials (edit)
At different times, various materials were used to make the cane: mahogany and ebony, bamboo and even a rhino horn. Of the tree species, most often they took oak (a symbol of strength), beech (a symbol of greatness), cedar (a symbol of durability) and boxwood (a symbol of courage). In the manufacture of knobs, neither precious metals nor precious stones were spared; bone, turquoise and amber were also widely used.
Interesting facts
The largest collection of walking sticks belongs to Helmut Bigler (Luxembourg) and has more than 70,000 items.
Since the middle of the 19th century, more than 1,500 patents have been issued in Europe for the manufacture of functional walking sticks: a traveling bag for a doctor, an umbrella walking stick, a walking stick for fishermen, etc.
In America, the most famous and politically significant "fight" on the canes is considered to be the fight of 1856 between Preston Brooks (congressman from the Democratic Party of South Carolina) and Senator Charles Sumner, who insulted two other senators, calling one of them (disabled) "a weak fool." Following Brooks' unconditional victory, South Carolina residents sent him over a dozen canes as a gift with comments endorsing his actions.
The cane is used for various diseases of the legs, as well as for complications of human movement. She becomes a real assistant on whom you can rely in the truest sense of the word.
This device can not only protect its owner and protect it from falling, but also emphasize his individuality. Modern reeds stand out for their variety - exquisite handles, engravings and a wide range of colors. The choice depends not only on criteria such as safety and reliability, but also on convenience and original appearance.
What is a cane?
A cane is a special support that supports a person's weight while walking. Thanks to it, body weight is distributed and focused not on the legs, but on the arm and collarbone.
When choosing such a design, first of all, you must be guided by your growth. It is necessary to take measurements of growth and suitable supports, it is worth choosing only from those that are clearly suitable in size.
Although there are many different types, all hooks have similar components. There is a handle or grip on the top of the cane. It is important that it fits you well and that you feel comfortable walking.
Next is the collar that surrounds the area that is attached to the shaft. Sometimes this part is made of fancy material or engraved with the person's initials. The shaft is the longest supporting shaft and can be composed of wood, metal, carbon fiber resin, and other materials.
Some shafts are foldable for easy portability. For safety reasons it is important that it is of the correct length.
At the very bottom is the tip. It is usually covered with rubber to keep the stick stable on the ground. On some rods, the tip can be removed and replaced with an ice pick for better grip in ice conditions.
Sometimes there are four such structures below, instead of one. Keeping the handpiece in good condition is vital to safe walking. These components come in a wide variety of types and styles, and are designed to meet the needs of the individual, as well as the wishes regarding his style and image.
Types of canes
The next step is to think carefully about the type of cane that works best for you. Before considering the many different features of the hook style, such as color or patterns, it is necessary to determine which variety is best suited to your safety needs:
- straight;
- folding;
- hook-shaped;
- square.
Straight lines focus on maintaining balance and come with a single base point, usually in the form of a removable / replaceable rubber tip. Straight walking sticks often have a rounded handle and are made of wood or lightweight aluminum. Inexpensive supports are made in one piece, usually from wood, or an aluminum shaft that can be adjusted in height.
Foldable, usually height adjustable, can be folded into sections for easy storage. Another type of this design is with an aluminum tube shaft and a strong tension rope inside. It will fold down with each section safely merging into the bottom section.
The J-shaped forked cane with a shaped handle is designed to provide balance and comfort, especially if you have wrist problems and cannot hold the cane firmly. This greatly helps the person to distribute body weight over the shaft for increased comfort. This device also has a wider range of height adjustments and removable / replaceable rubber tips.
Square or wide walking sticks focus on balance and comfortable movement, especially on sidewalks. Quadrangular bars provide additional stability support. Such structures have four points that abut against the ground. It also allows you to let go of the square cane without worrying about it crashing to the ground. These designs come with large square bases or mini-fours, both of which offer additional support for the user.
If the device is for a light person, then the cane is probably not suitable.
People over 250 pounds who require extra support for their body weight should look at bari canes. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a physician or on the recommended type or style of construction.
Why do you need a cane?
The cane is a support for the whole body, it is able to regulate and distribute weight in such a way that the body does not fatigue when walking. The device is necessary in the presence of a number of symptoms associated with the legs and in the postoperative period.
This device can be used both as temporary support and on a permanent basis:
- with arthritis;
- with pain in the knees;
- with a fracture or dislocation;
- in the postoperative period;
- with chronic diseases of the legs.
In practice, the cane is used for a variety of reasons. The first is illness and the rehabilitation period. Second, a person is in normal health, but walking requires a little additional balance support (senile disorders of the locomotor system, as an example). If so, your doctor will tell you that the cane is the easiest walking aid you can use for support. This should help improve your balance outside the home.
Efficiency and safety
Walking sticks come in many varieties. Material, color and style are a matter of preference for everyone. However, the type and size affect function and safety.
When used correctly, it improves balance and reduces the risk of falling by expanding the base of the support and also reducing the weight on the joints of the lower body. The most common styles are single-point and four-point or three-point reeds.
Most people with arthritis only need one-point canes, and those with neurological impairments are best suited for four-point canes (they can give them more stability).
When choosing a cane, put on your usual walking shoes and lower your arms at your sides. The top or hook of the cane should hit your wrist. If the hook is high, you will not get the support you need; if it is too low, you will fall.
Correct use when walking
People often try to use a cane on their weak side. It is not right. It is worth doing exactly the opposite. The application of this support should be in the hand opposite your weak side, that is, hold it near your strong leg. This results in an even weight distribution. When you step with the support, place it about 2 inches in front or to the side (most importantly not in the front). Move the affected leg and cane together with each side sharing the load.
Correct use on stairs
To climb stairs, first move your good leg. Watch the affected part and the cane at the same time. After going down the stairs, start with the appliance, then put your weak leg forward and follow your healthy limb.
You can be amazed at the many different types and shapes that are available today. The most important thing is to pay attention to the safety function. If it is difficult to determine the type, then it is worth consulting with professional consultants. For safety reasons, for people with chronic leg ailments and those who cannot support their weight, a square cane is best. For those who value convenience above all else, the foldable design is the best option.
Although doctors strongly recommend using a cane to relieve leg pain, many patients are reluctant to even consider using it. They believe that walking sticks not only spoil the appearance of a person, but are also unsafe for health. Someone is ashamed of this, someone it brings discomfort, but in fact, over time, this device becomes commonplace and is perceived as the most reliable and high-quality support.
The history of the caneThe cane is one of the smartest inventions of mankind, and nowadays many people use the cane as an attribute of the wardrobe or for support and support.
The use of canes has a long tradition, the ancestor of the cane (a stick, of course, with two ends), called in Slavic a staff, and in English staff, performed in time immemorial a triune function: it was an orthopedic support during exhausting migrations of tribes, a tool for knocking down tree fruits in the era of gathering and almost the main weapon of defense and attack of the pre-bronze age.
In the Middle Ages, the cane became a symbol of the highest military position. Some medieval generals used decorative walking sticks as a symbol of power, anticipating the significance of the marshal's baton.
During the Renaissance, the staff evolved into a stylish accessory and wardrobe item. The lexical definition of a double-edged sword has also changed: a "staff" miraculously turned into a "cane" (cane, stick, in English). However, lords, sirs, as well as sultans, maharajahs and other high-ranking nobles continued to exploit both ends for self-defense.
The heyday of the cane as an obligatory element of court etiquette and dandy attire fell on the heyday of the English and French courts of the 17th-18th centuries. To go out into the street for a nobleman without a cane is the height of indecency.
The act of acquiring a cane for a young person was, in terms of social significance, equated with entering adulthood. A young man who appeared in the light with a cane automatically passed from adolescents to the category of suitors.
But still, in the 17th century, the cane appeared rather due to everyday necessity. The luxurious clothes, fashionable at that time, with frames made it difficult to lower their arms along the body. The cane helped solve the most important problem: where should a man put his right hand if there is no blade, no horse, no woman, no goblet (with the left hand it was easier: you could use it on your hips or lean on the hilt of a sword hanging from your belt).
At the end of the 18th century, ladies also drew attention to the cane, hitherto in the undivided power of men. And in France, decorative ladies 'canes appeared as a fashionable ladies' accessory. Ladies in this haute couture element also kept up with the imposing gentlemen and considered it good form to take a "vinaigrette" cane with them to a dinner or dinner party.
However, for the ladies, the decorative function of the cane was not the main thing: first of all, it served them as a support. Pant shoes (shoes without backs, moreover, smaller than necessary, in size) with a fifteen-centimeter heel made it possible to make a leg small in fashion, even for those who fit a grenadier's boot. True, because of this, as the well-known Casanova testifies, the fashionable courtiers could only move by jumping. In addition, the wide court skirts did not allow the gentleman to come close enough to the lady, and therefore the cane was the only means to help maintain balance. We must also remember that the court outfit was complemented by a tall hairstyle on a frame, which, together with the flowers and feathers that adorned it, reached a height of seventy centimeters (and for others it was even taller). So a lady's cane of that time can be safely called a "gentleman".
It is believed that in Russia interest in this new costume detail is associated with the activities of Peter I, his acquaintance with European life and museum collections. Due to the orientation of the Russian court in St. Petersburg towards European artistic taste, walking sticks have become an element of secular costume for a long time.
Throughout the territory of Ukraine, the cane (or club - a cane with a knob) existed until the beginning of the twentieth century and performed all four of its main functions:
- everyday life - as an aid when walking, which is natural, and is reflected in many images of the 18th-20th centuries;
- applied - as a combat or competitive weapon, which was reflected in the customs of paired and massive stick fights, folk competitions, ritual fights of mummers and in a wedding ceremony, and was also reflected in heroic tales;
- ritual - as an important element of wedding, carols, initial rituals;
- social - as an attribute of the social status of the village headman, esaul and chieftain among the Cossacks, as well as one of the most important symbols of an adult man.
In Russia, this symbol of aristocracy and bourgeoisness was abolished after 1917. True, for some time, representatives of the creative bohemia (Alexei Tolstoy, Yesenin, Mayakovsky) and the top of the criminal world, which still retained the old grips, remained adherents of the cane. But this, too, has passed, and the cane in the country of victorious socialism began to be viewed exclusively as an orthopedic tool for restorative medicine. Or as antiques.
In different centuries, depending on the fashion, lorgnets, umbrellas, flashlights, combs, watches, and telescopes could be inserted into the cane. The doctor's cane was, in fact, a "walking" first aid kit - it could contain a stethoscope, tweezers, bandages and medicines. Writers and artists hid brushes and pencils in it, musicians - notes. For smokers, the cane served as a snuff-box, for photographers - as a tripod for a camera. To the great displeasure of the actors, a whistle was often inserted into the handle of a special theatrical cane: to boo bad actors. One of O'Henry's stories describes a cane from which you could unscrew the knob - the cane was a secret flask.
An important moment in all ages has been the aesthetic performance of the cane. Canes were made from different materials: bamboo, stone, ebony and mahogany, rhino horn and even narwhal tusk
However, the greatest attention has always been given to the pen. They did not spare her gold, silver and precious stones. The cane of another nobleman could cost a fortune. In the 19th and 20th centuries, tastes changed: the handle had to be comfortable and almost invisible in the hand. The most popular materials for making canes are bone and silver.
Walking sticks were also successfully used to demonstrate their political orientation. For example, some supporters of the deposed Napoleon carried walking sticks with an ivory knob, which was bordered with a ring. When light fell on such a knob in a certain way, its shadow exactly matched the profile of the disgraced emperor.
The cane often became a diplomatic gift or a sign of special favor. For a successful battle in the Northern War, Peter I presented Menshikov with a cane made according to his own sketch. Its head was studded with diamonds, and the top was decorated with a large emerald. At one time, canes were donated to Ronald Reagan, Fidel Castro and the Pope.
The presence of a good cane and the ability to handle it indicated the high position of its owner, so the decoration was often not only exquisite, but also luxurious. Everything mattered, including the material from which the object was made. Oak symbolized strength, beech - greatness, cedar - durability, boxwood - hardness and courage.
Finally, walking sticks have long been collectible. Actually, the everyday life of a secular person, who was supposed to have a lot of walking sticks - "workers, sports, out of necessity and just like that" initially disposed to this. Gradually, a purely functional interest was transformed into an aesthetic one, and the reed "arsenal" grew to monstrous proportions. They say that Voltaire, having eighty different canes in his collection, could not resist and bought another forty.
They paid tribute to this weakness and creative natures - for example, Balzac, a connoisseur and connoisseur of antiques, collected walking sticks with handles decorated with gold, silver and turquoise. Now the largest known collection of reeds and sticks belongs to Helmut Bigler from Luxembourg: it contains over 70,000 items from around the world.
