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Proper Fit: First thing I should say is that you should consult a doctor for a proper fit. That being said, there are two common ways to find the proper fit for a cane. - One way is to stand up straight with your arms hanging at your sides. Your arms should be slightly bent (about 30 degrees). The cane should come up to the crease in your wrist.
- The second way is to turn the cane upside down and put the handle of the cane on the ground beside your foot. The cane should come up to the top of your hip bone.
Since these canes are made from wood, they can easily be cut shorter. If you need to shorten your cane, cut it a little longer than what you think is the correct size and try that for a while. Then, you can cut it again if you want. However, be careful when you cut a cane because it is difficult to make it longer after you cut it. Using Your Cane: It is always best to move your hand forward on the cane handle so your weight is directly over the cane shaft. Not only does this increase stability but it allows for more control. Do not put your weight on the back of the handle when walking or rising from a sitting position as this can, over time, weaken the handle and cause it to break. Repairing Scratches If your cane gets a scratch on it, you can lightly scuff the area around the scratch with a high grit (220+) sandpaper, steel wool or scrubbing pad. Then you can spray or brush on a coat of spar urethane. If your cane has an oil finish, you can use a rag or brush to apply another coat of oil. I use an exterior oil such as Bush, Teak or Danish Oil. Dents in your cane can be raised by using water and a clothes iron. Put some water on the dent and let it soak in for a while. Place a piece of wax paper over the dent and iron it. The heat will cause the water to expand and lift the dent.
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