Walking Stick or Walking Cane: Choose the Right One

Imagine having a supportive hand to help you walk from one place to another in case of injury or disability. Walking canes and walking stick does the same. These mobility aids let you enjoy independence while moving by reducing the risk of falling. 

But picking between a walking cane and walking stick sometimes becomes a challenging task as both serve the same purpose. Both help maintains a better body posture and offers support while roaming.

So in this article, we are comparing walking canes and sticks to help you pick the right walking aid.  

Walking Cane

Walking cane is like a pair of crutches; they offer support to the user’s body weight. Canes transfer your weight from your legs and shift it to the upper body. But canes also come in many different types to choose from, let’s have a look.

• Single Point Canes

It is one of the commonly used canes and has a single point at its end. Just hold the cane in the hand that doesn’t require support and start your journey.

• Folding Canes

Such canes are compactly designed to fold and can easily be stored in a bag. Such canes are sometimes height-adjustable and ideal for those who want to store them when not in use.

• Quad Canes

A quad cane is like a standard cane, but it has a metal base at the bottom with four feet. These feet have rubber ferrules at the bottom that reduces the risk of slipping on the floor. Quad canes are generally made of lightweight aluminium and are height adjustable with a single push button.

• Forearm canes

As the name suggests, the forearm cane offers support to the forearms to distribute the pressure from wrist to arm.

Walking Stick

A walking stick is popular assistance. Hikers mostly use such a bar to help clean spider webs, and bushes come into their way. It offers support when going uphill or acts as a brake when going downhill. But walking sticks come in various forms and types, let’s have a look at them.

• Tripod Walking Sticks

Tripod Walking Stick is an ideal solution for the elderly or those who find it difficult to move and stand. It has three legs at the bottom for support; hence it is known as a tripod walking stick. It comes with anti-slip handles that provide a comfortable grip, and the legs have ferrules that prevent slipping. 

• Single Point Stick 

It is one of the typical sticks available in the market to use while moving. It has a single joint at the end. Such bars are the preference of hikers for hiking or trekking. If you need the least support, then this stick is best for you.

• Folding Stick 

Folding sticks are the single point stick that can fold. Its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use to carry them in a handbag.

• Multiple Points Stick 

This stick has many points at the end like tripod sticks at the end; it includes quad and multiple point sticks. The many points offer stability and the highest level of support. 

Key Difference

The main difference between a walking stick and a cane lies in their usability. Cane is mostly recommended as a long-term mobility aid, whereas a walking stick fulfils the purpose of occasional support. Canes are long-lasting and safer than the walking stick on a long term basis.

Final Note

Though we have provided general information above, everyone’s needs are different. If a stick is perfect for you, it might not be ideal for others. So you must ask yourself some questions like do you need it for long term or short term? How much balance or support do you need? Do you want to style or comfort? Asking such questions will help you in choosing the right aid for you. And of course, consult a medical professional.