By Regina Boyle Wheeler
Medically Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD
When multiple sclerosis (MS) makes getting around difficult, using a cane can help keep you mobile. Professional guidance from either a physical or occupational therapist is important when picking a cane, because choosing the wrong one — or using it incorrectly — can make matters worse.
“It may be time to investigate using a cane when walking becomes unsteady due to problems with balance, coordination, spasticity, or weakness,” says Debra Frankel, MS, an occupational therapist and vice president of programs, services, and clinical care at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
If you’ve fallen or hesitate to do activities because you’re worried about your walking, Frankel suggests seeing a physical therapist for a gait analysis and to decide which cane — or other mobility device — is best suited to your needs.
How to Pick the Right Cane
The right cane for you depends on how much support you need. Three types of canes are available:
Single point cane. This is the most common type of cane and has just one point that hits the ground, Frankel says. It’s an option if you need help with balance but minimal support. Look for a rubber or ice-grip tip for walking on slippery surfaces, she adds.
Quad cane. This cane comes with four points at the base, offering more support, says Susan Kushner, MS, PT, academic coordinator of clinical education at the Graduate School of Physical Therapy at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in Slippery Rock. However, to use it safely, all four points need to be in contact with the ground at all times. “If only two or three legs are touching, that can throw you off a bit,” she says. Quad canes need to be used very slowly and carefully, Kushner advises.
HurryCane. This cane, for which you may have seen advertisements on TV, has a flexible joint above a tripod base. The HurryCane’s three-point base stays in contact with the ground while the cane moves and, Kushner says, offers a little more stability. However, she adds, “A lot of people like them, but they’re not for everybody. One patient told me it throws her off too much.”
Another consideration is the material a cane is made of, since it determines the weight and portability of the cane.
Wooden canes. These look attractive, and many people prefer them, but they’re not adjustable and can be heavy, as well, Frankel says.
Metal canes. Often made of aluminum, metal canes are generally adjustable. Some models easily fold up and fit in a tote bag or briefcase.
Canes come with different handgrip options, too. “A larger, foam-covered, offset grip may be easier to grasp,” Frankel says. “An ergonomically designed grip can reduce pain in the hand and wrist.”
Making Sure the Cane Fits You