Function of the walking stick: The walking stick can increase the support surface of the front, back and side of the human body, thus improving the balance ability of the user. It is often used to balance the people with impairment. In addition, it can reduce the force on the lower extremity joints, also be used for the people with lower extremity joint injury or pain. In addition, it can be used to explore the surrounding environment for the people with visual impairment.

The structure of the cane: The cane consists of three parts: handle, prop and foot. The handle is the part grasped by the user; the prop is the main part of the cane; and the foot is the contact part between the cane and the ground.

The characteristics of the elderly: most of the elderly have poor balance function, muscle degeneration, strength decline, so there are special requirements for walking sticks: to be more stable, strong support, but also more portable.

Several Elements in Selecting a Cane

1. Material of crutches: Generally, crutches are mostly made of wood or aluminium alloy, and a few crutches are supported by rattan, bamboo or carbon fiber. Whatever material is chosen, it is necessary to ensure that crutches are light, flexible and weigh well, so that they will not be tired.

2. Shape of the handle: The common shape of the handle is C-shaped. The cost of the handle is low, so the price is low. However, the support force of the stick is not consistent with the axis of the stick, which will produce a bending moment, which must be overcome by muscle strength. It is not suitable for the elderly with weak upper limb strength. Another kind of handle is the functional handle or ortho-eze handle, which is better in line with the natural angle of the hand, and focuses on the support of the cane. It is more supportive and comfortable to use, but it costs more.

3. Foot: A good walking stick, regardless of its design, should be equipped with a foot of 2-5 centimeters at the bottom to prevent skid.

4. The height of the cane: the cane for the elderly is more comfortable and safer to walk, and if the cane is not suitable, it will bring many discomforts to the elderly. For example, when the cane is too high, it will increase the bending degree of elbow joint and increase the burden of upper arm triceps; it will also make the wrist slip out, reduce the grip force; it will also make the shoulder lift up, causing abnormal bending of the spine. Old people's crutches are too short, elbow joints should be fully straightened, trunk should follow forward bending, which will increase the burden of lumbar muscles, but also increase the difficulty of going up and down stairs.

There are two ways to determine the height of the cane: first, the body is upright, holding the cane in the state of 20 degrees elbow flexion and 30 degrees wrist dorsal flexion, so that the cane support foot cushion is located in the position of 15 cm in front of the toe and 15 cm in the lateral right angle distance. Two: The body is upright, the height of the cane is equal to that of the big rotor.