Cane with rolling tip

[Minniems]

I walk with a wall visible in my peripheral vision which helps my to balance. If  a wall is not available, I hold my arms slightly raised to the side.  I know this sounds strange, but around the house I've used a dowel stick with a wooden ball as a tip which seemed to help me to gain a center of balance. I was thinking about a can with a rolling tip. Has anyone tried one? I welcome any input on the subject.

[maxthecat43]

That's certainly a creative idea.  I've never heard of that.  Have you seen any?

[Lulu54]

Interesting idea - but isn't a cane supposed to offer stability and a roller ball would too easily move around?  You may be onto something different here ... is there such a thing out there?

When you talk about holding your arms out to your sides I think of surfing -and have heard the way many of us walk with arms out referred to as air surfing.  :-)

best, Laura

[JaneK1975]

This idea reminds me of the cane a blind person would use to guide themselves. You're basically giving yourself some extra sensory input through your arm, which sounds like a wise thing for someone with balance issues to do.

Smart idea! If it's not already commercially available, you should patent it and make a bunch of money ;)

[maxthecat43]

I looked it up, and they do exist.  Two of them were for the blind.  The final one seems to be for walking at night (or something like that) it had what looked like a red led strip, just about the ball tip.  I'm not sure they actually roll, but it sounds like they are very similar to the one you made.

[PastorDan]

That describes me too, kinda, but I do sometimes -- no, quite often -- want something to provide a better anchor than I'd expect from anything with wheels.

The term "air surfing" is new to me, but (I think) I like it!

[debgen]

Interesting ideas! I truly wish there were walls everywhere as I am unstable outside with a cane but I am an awesome wall walker!!!  LOL

Cheers,
Deb

[Lulu54]

How about a cane with a roller on the end that has a grip with a brake that we can apply is we need to stop rolling along?  I can see the benefit of having a cane that we don't have to lift with every other step..........

[essdipity]

In my long recuperation from a badly broken ankle, I could put no weight at all on my right side. I used a walker just for transfers, and would have been very fearful of the kind of walker with wheels. I was afraid of the whole thing just wheeling out on me, with a splat to follow. Walkers are so lightweight that lifting it to manage my next 'hop' wasn't an issue.

In the hospital I noticed most patients using the regular ones with wheels, so I guess that works when both feet are on the ground.

I used a regular cane later in my convalescence, but it's important that the cane be the right height and be used properly. If one side is weak, the cane must be used with the opposite hand to achieve balance, contrary to what seems logical. (House did it wrong.) For me a wheel would have been disastrous.

A good physical therapist is our best ally in this. They know all the gizmos that are out there commercially, and can be wizards in improvising in individual cases.

My overall balance (not fracture-related) is pretty bad, but thus far the best thing for me is extreme care. I never use the stairs without hanging on for dear life.

ess

[HVAC]

I use a dog. I have double vision and vertigo. The dog does the navigating and I just relax and let her lead me. It makes going out much easier.

Alex

[Minniems]

Thanks! I'll check it out.