FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who should use a quad cane?
Quad canes are typically more awkward to use than traditional canes because of their wide four-tip base. However, quad canes, like the McKesson Steel Quad Canes, are beneficial to people with weakness in one arm or leg, moderate to severe pain while walking, age-related conditions or a need for more balance stability than a single tip cane can provide.
Quad canes also benefit patients recovering from a stroke, partial paralysis, vertigo, and hip or knee replacement surgery. If you have weakness from an illness or injury, your body will indicate whether you need a quad cane. However, you should let your doctor decide on the best cane for your condition.
Does Medicare pay for quad canes?
Like all walking canes, quad canes qualify as durable medical equipment (DME) under the Medicare Part B plan. As a result, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of your quad cane, provided your doctor considers it medically necessary. The remaining 20% will be your responsibility. Also, your doctor and your DME suppliers must be Medicare-approved and accept Medicare assignments. Medicare can cover the cost of your quad cane in several ways. For example, the program may request that you rent or purchase the equipment, or the program may allow you to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment.
Before shopping for a quad cane, you must get a prescription for the cane from your Medicare-approved doctor. Then, the DME supplier will direct you to the Medicare-approved quad canes available for sale.
Are 4-legged canes and quad canes the same things?
People often refer to quad canes as four-legged canes. But a more accurate alternative name for quad canes would be four-point canes, meaning the cane makes contact with the ground at four rubber-tipped points. This design feature provides optimal stability for people who need more support than a standard cane. However, quad canes can be potentially hazardous if you try to go up or down a staircase that doesn't accommodate the four tips' dimensions. You can remedy this problem by purchasing a quad cane with a smaller base, provided you can give up a little stability.
How do you walk with a quad cane?
The most important step in walking with a quad cane is assuming the correct position. If you have an injury or weakness in your left leg, you should position your quad cane on your right side. Then, align your ankle to the side with the rubber tips pointing more outward. From this position, the handle of your cane should be level with your wrist when your arm is slightly bent. When you begin to walk, ensure that the cane stays adjacent to your injured leg while the uninjured leg steps to them, even on stairs. The bottom of the cane should land evenly on the floor without angling. If this walking style is too restrictive, you can try a step-through walking style, where the uninjured leg steps through the space between the cane and the injured leg.
What are the weight recommendations for quad canes?
Some canes, like the Switch Sticks Quad Sticks Cane, have a 260-pound weight limit. But most quad canes can support a user weighing 250 pounds, even though these canes have lightweight aluminum shafts. As a result, even the weakest users can lift and carry a quad cane, typically weighing less than two pounds. Quad cane users weighing over 250 pounds can purchase bariatric quad canes with a 500-pound limit. Despite being heavy-duty, bariatric canes typically weigh between 3 to 4 pounds, despite having steel construction. You can also find carbon fiber and wooden bariatric canes.
Are all quad canes adjustable in height?
Like standard canes, you can adjust most quad canes on the market. The height range is between 27" and 39" in one-inch increments. When standing, the adjustable quad cane should align with your wrists, with your arm slightly bent. The push-button height adjustment mechanism allows you to adjust your cane's height quickly and easily. You just push the button in, slide the base up or down, and tighten the screw lock.
Does it matter which hand I use to hold my cane?
It is essential to support the weak side of your body by holding your cane with the hand on the strong side of your body. As you walk, your cane should remain aligned with the weak leg. This technique allows the cane to support a good portion of your weight when you step forward, even if you are wearing a knee immobilizer or ankle brace. If you have weak wrists, some canes for sale have offset grips that alleviate some pressure from the hand.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.