Quad Cane – A Guide to Buying and Using One

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Canes can be extremely helpful – and possibly life saving – tools as we reach old age. If you have trouble with balance or have weakness in one of your legs or joints, you may be in the market for a cane. However, there are many options to consider and decisions to be made before purchasing your device.

Canes come in many different styles, each designed for different situations and levels of mobility. So as you begin your research, it’s important to figure out which one is best for you. One of the best options for people who struggle with balance is a quad cane.

What is a Quad Cane?

A quad cane is similar to a traditional cane in that it features a long bar with a curved handle at the top, often with foam or rubber padding. However, quad canes are unique due to the fact that they have four feet on the bottom of the cane. These four pronged canes typically have rubber tips at the end of each foot, helping with traction and stability.

There are two main types of quad canes to consider. The first type is a wide base quad cane. A wide base quad cane has a larger area near the bottom where the feet are attached. The larger base helps to provide extra stability to the user, although a wider base may mean the user can’t move as quickly due to the extra weight of the device and the potential tripping hazard. If the user is typically a slow walker or is recovering from an injury, that may not be a problem at all, as it may be the user’s preference to walk slowly anyway.

The other type of quad cane is a narrow base quad cane. Narrow base quad canes still provide more stability than a traditional cane, but they have a smaller base area. This makes the cane significantly less heavy than its wide-base counterpart and may be better for users who need extra stability but still want to be able to maneuver the device easily and quickly. A smaller base also presents less of a tripping hazard than a larger base. And if the user needs to go up and down stairs, a narrow base quad cane will be more likely to fit those needs.

What Cane is Best for Balance?

Canes were designed to provide extra balance to the user, but not all canes are created equal. Traditional canes can provide extra support, but they aren’t necessarily designed to bear any weight. They can be beneficial to act as a “backup” in case of sudden weakness or imbalance, but they shouldn’t be used to support a significant amount of weight for an extended period of time. The single tip means they’re more likely to give out under too much pressure, and that could be dangerous for people relying on these canes to stay upright.

Quad canes, however, have bases with four feet instead of just one, so they’re typically overall better for balance. Because the user’s weight is distributed over a larger base and four legs, they can bear more weight for a longer period of time, making them especially helpful after an injury when one’s legs may be weak. And because a four point cane can stand up on its own, it’s less likely to slip or lose traction under the weight of the person using it.

Another cane option is a tripod, or tri-point, cane. These are similar to a quad cane, except they only have three feet at their base instead of four. Tripod canes are more stable than standard canes, but not quite as much as a quad cane. However, this may be a better option for more active seniors who want less weight without sacrificing its ability to balance.

What to Look for in a Quad Cane

Even once you’ve decided that a quad cane is the best option for you or a loved one, there are still so many factors to think about before purchasing one. In order to make sure the product you choose fits all of your needs and is beneficial for many years to come, consider our buyer’s guide along with the following components.

Construction Material

Canes can be made out of various materials, but each one serves a slightly different purpose. Most quad canes are made out of aluminum due to their lightweight yet sturdy nature. Aluminum canes are also typically the most affordable. However, quad canes can also be made of stainless steel or even wood.

Stainless steel canes are heavier than aluminum, but they’re also much more durable and can withstand heavier weights. Wood canes can be on the lighter side depending on the design, but their main appeal is that they’re much more sightly. Many wooden canes can also be engraved with decorative patterns to make them even more pleasing to look at.

Adjustable Height

Some quad canes are built to make the height adjustable. This is very convenient for many reasons, as proper cane height is one of the best ways to help ensure safety of the user. Having a cane with an adjustable height means that the user can fine-tune it to be exactly as tall as it needs to be. Users can also adjust the height over time, which is crucial for people whose situation or mobility fluctuates. However, it should be noted that canes with adjustable heights are often more expensive than other canes, and adjustable canes are typically limited to just aluminum or stainless steel models.

Price

Price is another consideration to take into account, especially for seniors with fixed incomes. Canes can be a significant expense, but the safety of yourself or your loved one is worth the price. However, if you’re more on the price-conscious side but don’t want to sacrifice safety, you may want to look into a basic aluminum quad cane, which starts at $20 – $30. This will give you the stability and balance that you need without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for more of an investment, you may opt for a high-quality stainless steel cane. These options are pricier than aluminum, but they may be better suited for your needs. If you want a more decorative cane for women, you can consider a wooden quad cane with patterns or designs to make it more pleasing to look at. These can get significantly more expensive, but there are options to fit any budget.

5 Best Quad Canes

RMS Quad Cane

This quad cane from Royal Medicine Solutions is perfect for both men and women. It’s lightweight, adjustable, and affordable, meaning it can keep up with a variety of needs and lifestyles.

Pros

• Wide base for extra stability
• Adjustable height
• Rotatable base to work for both right-handed and left-handed users
• Soft grip handle
• Only weighs 1.5 lbs
• Can support up to 250 lbs

Cons

• Only available in black
• Wider base could slow down users
• Not foldable

NOVA Designer Quad Cane

The NOVA Designer Quad Cane is both fashionable and practical. Spice up your look with a variety of colors and patterns, but rest assured that you’ll stay safe and stable while doing it.

Pros

• Available in a variety of design options
• Works for both right-handed and left-handed users
• Adjustable height
• Only weighs 2 lbs
• Can support up to 250 lbs

Cons

• Wider base could slow down users
• Not foldable

LIXIANG 3in1 Adjustable Quad Cane

This 3-in-1 quad cane from LIXIANG can easily adapt to any injury or lifestyle. It includes a wide quad base, a narrow quad base, and a traditional non-quad base. And, even better, it’s also available in a variety of colors and patterns to satisfy anyone.

Pros

• 3 base options that can easily be swapped out
• Variety of patterns and colors
• Adjustable height
• Only weighs 1.7 lbs
• Can support up to 330 lbs

Cons

• Some may need assistance swapping out the base
• Not foldable

Hugo Mobility 731-840 Adjustable Quad Walking Cane

This adjustable quad walking cane from Hugo Mobility is strong, durable, and adjustable. With a weight support of up to 300 lbs, even the most unsteady people will finally feel comfortable on their feet.

Pros

• Can work for both right- and left-handed people
• Adjustable height
• Wide base for extra stability
• Ergonomic, shock-absorbing handle
• Only weighs 1.8 lbs
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Cons

• Only available in black or pink
• Wide base could slow down users
• Not foldable

BigAlex Folding Walking Cane Pivoting Quad Base

This quad cane from BigAlex is adjustable, pivotable, and even foldable! Use it all the time or take it on the go – because this quad cane is sure to be able to keep up with your lifestyle.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Foldable
• Available in two different height ranges
• Small base to allow easy mobility
• Includes a carrying bag
• 360 degree free rotation
• Only weighs 1.1 lbs
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Cons

• Only available in blue or pink
• Smaller base may provide less stability

Using a Quad Cane vs a Regular Cane

Quad canes and regular canes are used pretty similarly, but there are a few key differences to be aware of. A regular cane, which is what most people are familiar with, is mainly used to help with steadiness. Before usng the cane, make sure the sizing is right. When the cane is placed on the ground at your feet, the top should come up to about your wrists. Hold the cane in the opposite hand of the weaker side.

As you walk with that leg, you should move the cane as well, using it to displace some of the weight from your own limbs. Regular canes are lighter and slimmer than quad canes, meaning you can maneuver much more easily, but they may not be able to support as much weight or help with major balance issues.

A quad cane works in a similar fashion. The height measurements should be the same, so be sure the device is not too high or too low for proper use. And although the walking pattern should be the same as a regular cane, quad canes can support more weight and can help with more significant balance issues. Multi-point canes also have the added benefit of being able to stand up on their own.

And because they’re more stable, they can also be used to help go up and down the stairs. Hold onto the handrail with one hand and the quad cane with the other, using the cane to maintain balance and stability while navigating the staircase.

Does Medicare Pay for Quad Canes?

Canes are considered Durable Medical Equipment, so if your doctor determines that a quad cane is medically necessary, it is covered by Medicare. In order to qualify, you must have Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage/Medicare Part C along with a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled doctor. Once you’ve received the approval to buy a cane, you’ll want to purchase your cane from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare will pay 80% while you’ll be responsible for the remaining 20%.

Depending on the equipment, your condition, and the prescription from your doctor, Medicare may require you to rent a cane, buy a cane, or choose whether to rent or buy. Before you purchase your quad cane from a Medicare-approved supplier, they will first need to accept assignment. This ensures that they will only charge you the Medicare-approved coinsurance. If you purchase the cane and the supplier has not accepted assignment, they could charge you any amount for the device.

Conclusion

If you’ve noticed yourself or a loved one having trouble with balance and stability, a quad cane may be the tool that helps to regain independence. Talk to your doctor to see if a quad cane is a good option for you, and see if having a prescription would help cover the cost. Once you know that a quad cane is a suitable option for your situation, consider your needs as well as your preferences to find the quad cane that will be right for you and will last you for years to come.