A cane only helps if it's the right height and used on the right side. A cane that's too tall or too short can actually make balance worse. Here's how to get it right.
Step 1: Find the right height
- Put on the shoes you wear most days.
- Stand up straight with your arms hanging relaxed at your sides.
- Have someone measure from the floor to the crease on the inside of your wrist.
That number is your cane height. When you hold the cane, your elbow should bend slightly, about 15 to 20 degrees. If your shoulder hunches up, it's too tall. If you lean over, it's too short. Most adjustable canes change height in 1-inch steps with a push-button.
Step 2: Pick the right type
- Single-point cane: for mild balance problems or a sore knee or hip. Light and easy to carry.
- Folding cane: same support, but folds into a bag or car door pocket. Good for travel and appointments.
- Self-standing cane (wide rubber base): stays upright when you let go, so you don't have to bend to pick it up.
- Quad cane (four feet): more stable for people who lean heavily on one side, like after a stroke. Slower to walk with.
If someone needs to lean on a cane with a lot of weight, or still feels unsteady with one, a rollator or walker is usually the safer choice. See our rollator guide.
Step 3: Hold it in the correct hand
Hold the cane in the hand opposite the weaker or sore leg. Move the cane forward at the same time as the weaker leg, then step through with the stronger leg. This spreads the load the way your body naturally does when walking.
On stairs: hold the handrail if there is one. Going up, step with the stronger leg first, then bring the cane and weaker leg up. Going down, put the cane and weaker leg down first, then the stronger leg. An easy way to remember it: "up with the good, down with the bad."
Step 4: Keep it safe
- Check the rubber tip every month. Replace it when the tread is worn smooth or cracked.
- Check the push-button is fully clicked into its hole after adjusting.
- In winter, add a flip-down ice tip or wear ice cleats. A rubber tip slides on ice.
- Check the weight limit. Most standard canes are rated for about 250 to 300 lb.
Shop the HurryCane folding cane or see all mobility aids.
Not sure which one is right? Email us at supportaccessliving@gmail.com with the person's height, weight and where they'll use it, and we'll help you choose.
This guide is general information to help you shop. It isn't medical advice. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess what's safest for a specific person. Your doctor can refer you to one. Always follow the instructions and weight limit that come with your product.