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Properly Fitting A Walking Cane -

The correct size of a walking cane is very important in order to ensure your support and comfort.

If your cane is too short, it can cause back stress or imbalance, resulting in a fall. If your cane is too long, it will not provide the necessary support that you need for normal, comfortable movement.

Before ordering your walking cane, determine the correct length of your cane by using one of the following methods:

Diagram A - Fitting a Walking Cane
  1. Measuring the size of an old cane
    • Measure the cane from top to bottom.
        Note: Lowest point on handle to the bottom of the rubber tip.
    • Round your measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch (see Diagram A)

  2. Measuring yourself for your cane
    • Wear your waking shoes
    • Stand on a flat surface
    • Stand up straight and relax your arms – your arms should hang freely at your sides
    • Have someone measure you from the ground up to where your wrist bends
    • Round your measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch

Although you can measure yourself, you will get the most accurate measurement for your cane if you have someone take the measurement for you.

How to cut your own walking cane to size -

If, for some reason, you have bought a cane that is longer than the required length, you can have it readjusted to your size. A lot of care should be taken as you don’t get a second attempt at cutting a cane and if you cut it shorter than your required length, the cane will go to waste. Another thing to consider is that not all canes be cut for adjustment. Only attempt to cut a cane if its shaft is made of wood, Lucite, carbon fiber, or aluminum.

  1. First determine your correct cane length by either measuring an existing cane or by measuring the cane user by following the procedure explained in "How to properly fit your walking cane" above.
  2. Now take the cane that needs to be cut and measure it from the lowest point on the upper side of the handle to the bottom of the rubber tip (See Diagram A).
  3. Subtracting the length determined in step 1 from the length determined in step 2 gives you the total length that needs to be cut off from your cane.
    • Example - You just received a your new cane and it measures 36". After measuring you find that the ideal cane length for you is 33". In this case you will have to cut off 3" (36" - 33" = 3").
  4. Before marking and cutting you need to twist off the rubber tip at the bottom of the cane.
  5. Next measure up from the bottom and mark where you want to cut.
  6. Then cut the excess length off using a hack saw with a fine-toothed blade.
  7. Once the cane has been cut to size, replace the rubber tip and make sure it is secure before you use your cane.

Important Note: You should not cut umbrella, sword, seat or bull organ walking canes or any other canes that state "non-adjustable", meaning, they cannot be resized!

If you are unsure about this please call our Free Customer Service help line (800) 864-9231, where our friendly support representatives are waiting to take your call and assist you.

REMEMBER Canes can be shortened but they cannot be lengthened, so measure twice and cut once!

Fitting an adjustable cane -

Fitting an adjustable cane is easy. You just loosen the cane’s locking mechanism and adjust the height!

Click here to shop our large selection of adjustable walking canes.

PLEASE NOTE: Sizing a cane is a courtesy service we provide for free all our customers at CanesAndWalkers.com. On very rare occasions a cane is sized incorrectly. It is also possible (though extremely rare) that a cane is delivered without being sized at all. If either of these situations occur, you can either size the cane at home or send it back to us (at your own expense) and we will size the cane for you . Please contact customer service for more information.

**These instructions are intended as a general guide. CanesAndWalkers.com is not a medical or healthcare professional, and these instructions are not and should not be considered as medical or health advice. You should consult your medical or healthcare professional to determine if a walking cane is appropriate for you and whether the foregoing suggestions would apply to your use. Your medical or healthcare professional should also size your cane prior to your purchase and use. The adjustable folding canes could assist in balance and stability only, but they cannot and are not intended to support the full weight of any person.CanesAndWalkers.com is not responsible for, and disclaims all nature of liability or obligation whatsoever regarding sizing and use of our products. CanesAndWalkers.com is not responsible or obligated for injuries or damage resulting from the sizing or use of our products.CanesAndWalkers.com makes no representations or warranties, and bears no responsibility, for or as to these folding canes or their functionality.