(The instructions that appear here are guidelines only. Use only as instructed by your qualified healthcare provider.)
Discover the best walking sticks for stroke recovery. Learn about types of canes, how to choose the right one, and expert usage tips to regain independence and confidence.
Are you caring for a loved one recovering from a stroke? Choosing the right walking stick (also known as a cane) can significantly improve balance, mobility, and self-confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits of walking sticks for stroke patients, different types available, how to use them safely, and tips for choosing the right cane height.
We have also included helpful resources and product links to make your caregiving journey easier.
Benefits of Walking Sticks for Stroke Patients
Using a cane after a stroke offers numerous physical and emotional benefits:
- ✅ Improves walking ability – Research shows walking sticks can enhance walking speed and step length.
- ✅ Boosts confidence – Canes help stroke survivors feel more stable, which increases confidence when walking.
- ✅ Enhances independence – With better balance, stroke survivors are more likely to engage in social activities.
- ✅ Multifunctional – Canes can also be used to operate switches, reach objects, and support daily activities.
🛑 Tip: Always consult a stroke rehabilitation professional before choosing a walking aid.
Walking sticks (also known as canes) can improve walking ability.
Research reveals that walking sticks can enhance walking ability, particularly in terms of walking speed and step length.
Walking sticks improve step length and walking speed. It also improves their confidence.
Tyson and Rogerson, 2009
Types of Walking Sticks (Canes) for Stroke Survivors
Choosing the correct type of walking stick can greatly influence recovery outcomes.
| Single-point canes | Most basic and lightweight. Suitable for patients with minor balance problems. |
| Three-legged (Tripod) canes | These offer more support than single-point canes. Suitable for those with moderate balance problems. |
| Four-legged (Quad) canes | Best for those with significant one-sided weakness. Its wide base ensures maimum support and reduces fall risk. |
Anatomy of a cane
Learning about parts of a cane will help you in selecting the right cane for you.
| Handle | Choose a T-shaped handle for stroke patients with a weak grip. (It comes with curved, inverted U-shaped, or T-shaped) |
| Shaft-Stick | Made of wood, acrylic, or lightweight adjustable aluminium. The aluminium walking sticks are more advantageous because their length can be adjusted with a push-button mechanism. |
| Base/Ferrule | Available in single, three-point, or four-point contact types to meet various stability needs. Those with a one-sided weakness use either a tripod or quad cane because they cannot use a walker, and single-point canes do not provide much support. |
Handle
Quad base of a cane
Shaft with a quad base
How to choose the correct height of a walking stick (cane)
Here are the steps experts recommend to select the appropriate height of your walking stick;
- Stand with your feet comfortably apart, of course, with support,
- Keep your shoulders as relaxed as possible,
- Keep your cane tip at the centre of the quad cane about six inches away from the toes,
- The top of the cane should be at the level of your hip bone.
- Your elbow should be flexed to about 20-23 degrees. (This is the most important factor of cane height.)
How to use a walking stick (cane): General tips
Experts recommend that patients hold the cane by the stronger side.
HealthLink BC describe the following general tips for cane use.
- Look straight ahead, not down at your feet.
- Clear small rugs, cords, etc., to prevent a fall.
- Be careful about pets and small children.
- Check the rubber tips of your cane regularly.
- Either avoid or dry wet floors.
- Never use the walking aid to either sit down or stand up;
- Instead, use your free hand on the surface.
I have included below several links to resources to help you choose the walking stick that suits you.
If you are aware of better information pieces, you are welcome to post those in the comment section.
Selected resources
- Tips for choosing and using canes
- Best canes and sticks guide
- Using a cane
- Robert Lam explains what factors we should consider before choosing the correct cane in an article for the Canadian Family Physician. You can access the article through this link.
- I found another useful article about walking aids written by Stowe, Hopes, and Mulley in the European Geriatric Medicine Journal published by ScienceDirect; you can access it through this link. This article describes different types of sticks and frames.
- Cheryl A Sadowski, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, FCSHP and C. Allyson Jones, PT, Ph. , clinical pharmacists, published a book for practising pharmacists. Apart from basic information about canes, crutches, and walkers, they also provide useful screening questions that sellers can ask their clients to assist them in choosing the correct one; you can find the relevant information through this link.
- Assistive devices training: https://elsevier.health/en-US/preview/assistance-device-training-canes.
Further reading
- How to regain movements after a stroke
- How to regain walking ability after a stroke
- Exercise to recover movements after a stroke
- Movement recovery resources for stroke survivors
