Canes or walking sticks used to be a common sight, but with the invention of the walker, you see fewer of them. I can’t really explain why this happened because each has it’s use. Canes or walking sticks come in many different colors and styles. They are also made from many different types of materials. My personal favorite are the wooden canes ones crafted by people with a true love of wood working and working with their hands. Someone even came up with the idea of making canes or walking sticks a one size fits all. They can be adjusted to accommodate different heights. An ingenious idea, really.
Canes or walking sticks give the elderly or handicapped individual a means to walk instead of having to ride one of those electric chairs. The big difference is the trouble it requires to take one on a trip in the car. The electric cart requires you to be able to load it into a van utilizing special equipment to get it into the vehicle. The cane or walking stick is simply placed in the seat beside you, requiring no strength at all.
Canes or walking sticks have been used in a number of different ways. Some use them on the same side of the bad or weak leg. Weight is put on the cane or walking stick instead of the leg. Some people use it on the opposite side of the body. That requires the person using it to lean at an awkward angle. However you use your canes or walking stick, it’s up to you to find the method most comfortable for you.
Canes or walking sticks also have an added bonus most people don’t even think of. How many times have you needed to reach up to get a cup from the cupboard and arthritis causes you pain? Try using your cane or walking stick as an extension. Just grab it at or near the bottom and use the handle to pick up the cup by the handle. It makes reaching a lot easier.
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