They may become too heavy for people with decreased strength. Furthermore, multi-legged canes may be too wide for use on stairs. A quad wide base cane is also available. Cane Tips Tips on the end of cane legs provide traction and absorb shock, thereby cushioning the hand. Because they slip easily, do not, in general, use canes on snowy or icy surfaces.
Many special features are available for canes.
They also prevent a person from dropping the cane. Walkers Walkers rank second behind canes in amount of users, numbering almost two million people in the United States. Since their introduction over 200 years ago, walkers have changed greatly. Originally designed as a temporary rehabilitation device, walkers have been modified for use in the home, adding features like wheels, brakes, and accessories. Walkers are helpful for people with arthritis, weak knees or ankles, or balance problems.