Here are a few tips if you don't have access to a physiotherapist to do this for you.

Why is it important to have your cane at the appropriate height?

It is easy to alter your posture to accommodate a cane at the wrong height, and then very easy to cause other injuries because of this poor posture/alignment.

How do I measure?

I think the easiest way to measure the height is to use the wrist crease. You will find this on the inside of your wrist. Stand and relax your arm by your side. Adjust your cane height vertically to the ground from the wrist crease.

Check that your elbow remains slightly bent (about 15◦) and is not fully straight when you apply weight.

How do I adjust an aluminum cane?

Most will have an anti-rattle collar. Unscrew this, then press in the push button and adjust the height. Once you have the correct height, remember to tighten the anti-rattle collar.

Watch out for my video on this, coming in 2017!

R. Sian Owen

Registered Physiotherapist