Using A Quad Cane For Greater Mobility And Stability
A quad cane is a walking cane that has a rectangular base and four small supports that make contact with the floor. This four support base provides more support than a standard cane and makes it free standing. You will also find the quad canes in two varieties; it will depend on the size of their rectangular bases. It is appropriate to note that they are categorized as either small base or large base quad canes.
The quad cane is helpful for patients needing more balancing assistance than provided by standard one-legged canes. Quad canes are often used by a person with hemiplegia (partial body paralysis), or paresis of one arm, leg, or both.
Quad canes are usually made of strong aluminum, but some are steel. If the buyer of the cane is small in build, the aluminum cane is probably best. A larger person should obtain a steel quad cane. Some steel quad canes are rated up to 500 pounds of vectored side thrust. The aluminum cane may come anodized in several different pastel colors. The steel cane is usually 'martinized' a dark black or gunmetal gray color. Or a glossy enamel paint color of the buyer's choice.
The highest level of stability can be obtained from quad canes; this is comparable to all the popular walking cane styles. The four-pronged base allows a person to confidently walk across sloping, slick, or unstable areas without worrying about the quad walking cane losing its traction. The quad cane is far more stable than a tri-legged cane. The tri-legged cane can adjust to uneven ground better, but is not as stable.
Quad canes are often purchased by people who need a walking aide for other medical reasons such as crippling arthritis; most of these types of canes are fitted with specially designed arthritic handles. And most quad canes can be folded and stowed in a canvas or leather carrier suitable for carrying on subways, stowed in the trunks of cars, on trains, or in the overhead bins of commercial airplanes.
Quad canes have also been designed using four wheels. These rolling canes need brakes on the wheels, but have not been developed to a safety level that is marketable. This would be an excellent concept if the quad cane was to be used for shopping and had a small basket attachment or bag — the rolling concept would make it easier for the cane's user.
Quad canes are also offered with accessories, like a small grocery bag. These grocery bags come in multi colors and are made of a myriad of materials; netting, cloth, wicker, and plastic. The quad cane baskets often come in matching colors. A person no longer needs to walk around with a drab cane or basket.
If you like colorful canes, some companies will design the quad cane for you per your specifications and art design. Whatever you choose, the quad cane is the most stable cane on the market — small base or large base, they are all good. Using a quad cane will give you the mobility that you had only thought about.
