Need a cane...any ideas?

[cotton1958]

As my insurance won't pay for outpatient PT, I finally found a place yesterday that will reduce their fee for me for out-of pocket, which is really kind.

It was raining so hard in Atlanta yesterday, I purposively left my walker in the car to get inside the office building. So anyway, the PT wants me to get a cane for balance.

Should I just got to a drugstore and get a cheapo one? Should I get something metal or wood? And a contoured or regular handle? I guess I'd kind of like something not too horrid looking. : /

Thanks all.

________

BTKR 8/25/09

 

[Texas]

I wouldnt get an expensive one I hope your not on it long...........I agree get a pretty pink poadot....lol.....I would get something to get by.......Glad they are gong to work with you with PT that does get expensive..............

 

[calling_all_angels]

Kim is right you do not want to spend alot. Go to a goodwill
store and check them out and try them out till you find one
that feels right

 

[Pat29627]

I think you'll want a cane for a long time to come for certain places. I love my Leki canes. I got them at backpacking stores, but I see you can order. They're so lightweight and the cork grip is good even if your hands are wet. They're adjustable. I have two different ones, but this one is the firmest and my favorite.
[FONT=&quot]broken link removed: https://tiny.cc/y68Iu [/FONT]
If you're petite, the other style would be best, maybe. I'm 5'5" and it's big enough for me, but I do prefer the other. I would not get one with the shock absorber.
[FONT=&quot]broken link removed: https://tiny.cc/xI79n [/FONT]

Pat

 

[Jamie]

I purchased my adjustable aluminum one at an Aldi store for $7. It worked great and I didn't really need it all that much. You need to have something you'll like, so if you lean toward one of the prettier ones - go for it! Just be sure to save it as a "just in case" for the future. You won't need it with this knee, but you might with another body part....and it's nice to already have one.

 

[loggon]

Cotton

You really won't use it for long. My husband got me one like Jamie described and I think it cost around $10.

 

[FrogFeathers]

No matter which kind you get (most pharmacy stores- Walgreen's, CVS, etc have good ones for around $20), make sure it handles whatever weight you are- I gained a LOT of weight waiting for the doctors to help and there's no way a cane I used 20 years ago would be helpful now. Plus, the wooden cane I was given at the Army hospital is too short.

I would suggest a metal adjustable one. I have two- given to me by the VA hospital in response to having two bad knees. Matching canes! *eyeroll*

The reason I'd choose an adjustable one is because you can get a good fit for your height. When I thought I'd be stuck with a cane for the rest of my life, I toyed with the idea of getting one from a website that had "House" canes. The one with the flames on it was my favorite.

 

[Judles]

I loved the one I used in PT so much (we all clamored for the SAME wide handled cane like little kids!) That I had my re-hab OT order one for me! It evenhad a nifty loop on it so I could hang it up!!! Hey! That was my partner for a couple of months!! We got a lot of respect!!! (0)

 

[skigirl]

If you already own a pair of crutches--you can use a single crutch (opposite the operative side) instead of a cane. I owned a pair of crutches from a previous surgery--I refused to use a cane--ever. I used a single crutch three times and that was that. Iwould not spend money on a cane---unless it does something for your image!! Kelly

 

[brs0660]

I actually got "Fred", my cane, about five years ago. It is light weight, adjustable height. Forget what paid. Have gone thru several tips. The PT told me not to use footed kind....said it sticks and can cause falls.

 

[kangaroo]

Try a charity store! I was in Vinnies the other day donating stuff and they had a tonne of them.....probably deceased estate stuff mostly I think.....but get an adjustable one with a comfortable handle. I was given one which I found really uncomfortable....I quickly went and bought a different one with a better handle....
Rachel

 

[beth1954]

Kangaroo has the right idea. In the town that I live in, there is a Senior Center and a Hospice Thrift Shop. There is every size, type, color and style of canes that you would ever want. They are very very cheap. Just a few bucks. They also have shower benches and all other kinds of DME. The hospice shop especially.....

 

[hburi]

I bought mine at WalMart.

Definitely NOT fancy. LOL

But it does the trick. I like it because it has four feet at the bottom for added stability. :p

 

[speedray]

I bought a carbon fiber "House" flame cane from this place:
www.fashionablecanes.com

When I'm recovered from my next knee replacement I'm going to hang it up on the wall somewhere......it looks too bitchin' to put away!

 

[beth1954]

Wow--the same cane as Dr. House??? Cool!

 

[ship4]

Have you tried contacting your local Lions Club? Here in NH they supply for borrowing: shower chairs, walkers, toilet seats with handles, canes, wheel chairs and more. I donated my items to them.

 

[Jamie]

I bought a carbon fiber "House" flame cane from this place:
www.fashionablecanes.com

When I'm recovered from my next knee replacement I'm going to hang it up on the wall somewhere......it looks too bitchin' to put away!

Great web site for canes!! They are really more fun than my boring (but cheap) aluminum one.

 

[cindy88fan]

I got mine for $15.00 at Walmart. I don't recommend one that folds. My PT said not to get one of those because they are not that sturdy. He had a patient one time using it for complete support...down she went. Get one that will adjust.