It is almost Autumn and soon the smell of fresh fallen leaves, campfires, and pumpkin spice will be filling the air. The Fall season also brings with it the onset of tricky weather – especially if you walk with some assistance such as a cane or a walker.
Some people are forced indoors when the weather turns sour, for fear of falling. They have good reason to worry. Falls for the elderly (age 65 and older) are the 7th leading cause of death in their age group. Nearly 65% of the elderly will fall at some point and many of this comes from environmental forces in bad weather.
One solution to this problem is to change the tip (also called ferrules) so that it is better suited for your use. Here is a list of cane tips that may help this autumn season. You should always talk to your doctor before making a change.
Quad Tips: The tip of quad canes have four ferrules at the bottom instead of just one. This enables them to carry more weight, often up to 300 lbs. Quad tips are made of heavy-gauge anodized aluminum which are light weight but extremely durable. These quad bases come in large and small sizes to suit your needs. By being shaped like the letter “K”, they offer greater stability and safety while being used close to the body. These quad cane tips can be easily rotated and locked into place for use in the left or right hand.
Quadpod: The new QuadPod ultra stable cane tip provides increased safety and stability with a smaller and lighter quad tip. The QuadPod’s unique design re-centers itself for maximum stability and allows your cane to stand independently. Unlike a typical quad cane that lifts and sets on a 4-prong base, the QuadPod’s more uniform stable surface enables a more natural gait, so you can go anywhere you want to go!
Water Guards: This tip sheds water just like off a duck’s back. Extra treads add traction on wet surfaces, both indoor and out. The radial design works like a car’s tire to help channel the water away. Normal cane tips with circular rings along the bottom actually trap water under the tip. When you push down, water is forced out between the ground and the ring, thus causing your cane tip or walker tips to hydroplane, significantly increasing your chances of falling.
If you have any questions, please contact Kabb Law at 216.991.KABB (5222).
