Older people and those with arthritis or balance problems may need to use a cane or walker to get around. While both can be used for support and mobility, canes and walkers serve different purposes. A person should select the cane or walker that best meets their needs.
Function of Canes
Canes help a person balance and support themselves when they need to move around. Canes typically support up to 25 percent of a person's body weight, according to information from the website Mayoclinic.com.
Function of Walkers
Walkers normally support about 50 percent of a person's body weight. They give a person a wider degree of stability and balance than canes.
Features
Canes can be made of wood or even aluminum. Some have adjustable features. Walkers are normally operated with two hands and can function with four, two or no wheels, providing more stability.
Types
There are many different types of walking canes, including daily use canes, lightweight walking canes, dress and formal canes and even hand-carved canes. Some canes are even similar to walkers in that they have four legs. Some walkers are straight-legged while others have wheels in the front or on all four legs.
Considerations
Canes and walkers are usually available at medical supply stores or drug stores. It is always best to first try out a cane or walker and then select the one that best suits your needs. Insurance or Medicare usually pick up some of the cost.
Tags: cane walker, body weight, canes even, four legs, percent person, percent person body