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The first sign of mobility problems for seniors is usually a loss of balance or stability while walking. This often shows up as seniors holding onto furniture or walls while walking through the house. Walking aids like canes are really helpful for this group of elderly people by providing the support and balance they need.
But, not all canes are made the same.
Quad canes, also known as 4 pronged walking canes, have a wide metal (usually aluminum) at the bottom, plus four small feet with rubber tips that make contact with the ground. These four prongs give you better balance and more support because they make better contact with the ground. Plus, the rubber tips provide traction to reduce the chance of the cane slipping.
Quad Cane / 4 Prong Cane Reviews
As a medical equipment expert, here are the quad canes I recommend.
This is my favorite four pronged cane for people looking for a basic, “does the job” type of quad cane. Everything about it simple to set up and simple to use.
It can be used in the right or left hand by loosening the knob and spinning the base to the proper side. You want the narrower side closest to the user’s body. It’s also safe to use on virtually any surface, indoors or out, with the high traction design on its feet. Each prong is capped with a rubber tip that won’t mark up any surfaces but will give you added stability and security.
The offset handle is also very comfortable and secure, but I particularly like it because it comes with an added wrist strap for extra stability.
I also like this product because it’s very lightweight – less than 2 pounds – even though it’s made out of heavy-duty anodized aluminum. This makes it corrosion resistant, weatherproof, and durable while staying lightweight enough for everyday use.
It it height adjustable from 28 to 37 inches, but can support up to 300 pounds. It comes in five colors (blue, black, brown, red, and purple) too, which is a nice touch.
For seniors with tight spaces or who travel a lot, this folding quad cane from Ez2Care is a big help. It folds up quickly and even fits into suitcases and travel bags.
I like this one because the base is a little beefier than others and can be used with right or left handed seniors by pressing the knob and rotating the shaft. The offset handle is also very comfortable and contours to your hand while providing a secure grip.
It adjusts in height from 29 to 37 inches and supports about 250 pounds, but it only weighs about 1 pound, making it light and easy to carry.
It also comes with a strap for easy carrying when it’s not in use or to keep it from falling off your wrist while using it. However, it’s only available in one black/gray color.
Finally, the HurryCane is one of the most popular choices for seniors looking for stable canes. Even though it only has 3 prongs, it still provides an incredible amount of traction and balance both indoors and outdoors. What makes this cane unique is that the staff of the cane pivots around the bottom base, adding mobility and security simultaneously.
The HurryCane’s other claim to fame is its quick folding function. It can go from full size to completely compact in seconds, which is very handy for seniors on the move.
You can adjust this cane from 30.5 inches to 37.5 inches, and it has a weight capacity of about 350 pounds. It has a very comfortable ergonomic handle as a plus.
The HurryCane comes in 4 colors – red, purple, black, and blue.
For seniors who need maximum stability and balance, consider a wide base four pronged cane like this one. The longer, wider base has even more surface area to support the user.
Like my other recommended walking canes, the base can be rotated to fit right or left handed users with a K shaped base. Simply loosen the adjustment knob and spin the base until the narrower side is toward the body.
I also really like this cane because of its shock absorbing cushioned offset handle. This is great for walking on any kind of terrain and avoiding any hand pain. There’s also a reflective strap to add some safety and security when walking at night.
This cane is a little heavier than my other choices, coming in at 2.7 pounds. It’s body is made out of heavy-gauge anodized aluminum, which is great for durability purposes. But, this may be an issue for a senior who would prefer something a little easier to handle.
The adjustable height feature fits seniors ranging from 5’0″ to 6’5″. To adjust, you can simply push the button to set the cane to any of its 11 height settings. It supports up to 300 pounds.
It comes in black, cocoa, and rose colors.
If you already have a cane that you love, but you want the added stability of a quad cane, you still have options. Many manufacturers make add-on bases that stick on to existing staffs and add security to any cane.
This one from Hugo fits most aluminum canes with a 3/4 inch tubing diameter. It’s made out of rubber for great traction on most surfaces. Plus, rubber tips also help absorb the shock of any impact while walking.
This add-on cane tip is actually 54% lighter and 80% more compact than a typical cane with 4 legs. This means it won’t add too much weight to your existing cane, and it’ll still be able to help you through narrow passageways and up staircases. Despite being very lightweight, it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, so it can support nearly any sized senior.
The cane accessory also has a unique design that allows it to recenter itself for stability, which also lets it stand on its own when it’s not in use.
Quad Canes: Advantages and Disadvantages of 4 Prong Canes
As with any piece of medical equipment, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages so that you can make a good decision.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ
Do Canes Help With Balance?
Yes, canes do help with balance. That is the primary reason for using a cane. You should always hold the cane in the hand on the opposite side of the weakness. For example, if your right side is weak and that is causing you to lose balance, hold the cane in the left hand.
How Do You Use a Quad Cane for Stability?
While holding the cane on your “good” side, take a step with your bad leg while moving your cane forward at the same time. This helps offset the potential balance problem by giving you more support through your stride. Then swing your good leg forward while letting the can drift behind you. Here is a demonstration by the Mayo Clinic.
What is the Advantage of an Offset Handle?
The offset handle, which can be J or Z shaped, is easier to grip because it is wider and distributes your weight better throughout the cane.
Where Should A Cane Come to On Your Body?
The handle of a properly fit cane should come up to the crease of wrist when your arm is relaxed and dangling at your side.
Which is Better: A Cane or a Walker?
It depends because a cane and a walker serve two different purposes. A cane is a better choice for people who have weakness or pain on one side of their body. Walkers are best for people who have pain or weakness on both sides of their body therefore requiring more support.
What’s the Difference Between a Single Point Cane and a Quad Cane?
Standard canes have a single point of contact with the ground. Because the cane tip touches the ground at only one single point, it must bear all the weight and balance of the user. Four pronged quad canes, however, have a wider base at the bottom. The wider base and multiple points of contact mean the cane is in contact with the ground longer throughout the stride. Quad canes also come in two different sizes: a narrow base and a wide base for people who need even more stability.
Should You Use a Narrow Base or a Small Base Quad Cane?
Large bases tend to be used more with men because they have larger strides and the cane needs to offer more support. Women who use canes tend to prefer the smaller base version because they take smaller steps, tend to prefer smaller framed equipment, and they typically weigh less than men, so they don’t need the cane to support as much weight as men do.
Are Canes Right or Left Handed?
Yes, it is important to know that some quad canes are “handed.” This means they can only be used in either the right hand or the left hand only. Why would it matter? Because the base is narrower on the side nearest to the user to keep the cane from hitting the user’s feet and causing them to trip or even fall. My recommendations above though work with both right and left-handed seniors. But, I wanted you to know that in case you shop elsewhere.
Conclusions and Summary
The larger base of a quad cane offers more support by maintaining contact with the ground better. That’s why they are the best cane for balance problems. Plus, they are very inexpensive and people either buy them outright or they are also covered by Medicare.
However, if the senior seems unsteady only using one hand for balance, a walker, a rollator with seat or even a wheelchair should be considered. The goal here is for improved safety for seniors and elderly. Reducing the chance of a fall is an important part of this.
Do you have any experience picking out a quad cane for you or a loved one? Which one do you recommend? Feel free to share in the comments below. Questions are always welcome too!