There are many different options to suit many different needs. When choosing the right cane or walker, you’ll want to consider everything, as it can be the difference between walking comfortably and confidently or struggling. The following guides look at the different types of canes and walkers and how to make the best decision for you.

The Different Kinds of Canes and Walkers

We stock different kinds of walkers to suit different needs. We have:

• Standard walkers: These walkers come equipped with four legs to provide stability. Users of this kind of walker generally need considerable balance support and can pick it up to move it to where they intend to step.
• Two-wheeled walkers: These kinds of walkers help carry the user’s weight and are better suited to people who are more confident in their ability. These tend to be more lightweight and maneuverable than their wheelless counterparts.
• Four-wheeled walkers: A four-wheeled walker is best suited to people who don’t need to lean on the walker for balance and are confident on their feet. These walkers are usually lightweight and easy to use.

We also stock different kinds of canes suitable for people with various abilities and requirements.

• Single-point canes: The most common kind of cane has a single point of contact with the ground and is commonly used by people of all ages who are unsteady on their feet.
• Quad-point canes: Canes with more than one point of contact offer a more stable means of support to people who need more assistance with balancing but want more maneuverability than what’s provided by a walker.
• Folding canes: This kind of cane can fold into a compact size that easily fits into a bag. Perfect for people who may be comfortable outdoors without using a cane but would like to take one along just in case, a folding cane offers support when needed.
• Seat canes: Canes that fold into seats allow users to take a break and sit down – even when there’s no seating around.

Ensuring You Make the Right Choice

There are a few things to consider when buying a cane or a walker. Aside from ensuring it measures correctly, there’s one major thing for you to remember. It’s always better to have more than you need than less. For example, if there are days when you could venture out with a single-point cane, and at other times you’d need more support, it makes sense to have a multi-point cane to ensure all possibilities are covered. There’s nothing worse than having no help when you need it the most.

We stock a wide range of canes, walkers, and accessories designed to make your mobility issues a thing of the past. Browse our full range of manual mobility products here.