Article  Walking Canes Through the Ages What do you think of when you hear the term “walking canes”.  Do images of Victorian gentlemen strolling along the boulevard come to mind?  Maybe a Mardi Gras parade with band leaders wildly waving their canes about.  The truth of the matter is canes are one of the most basic of mobility aids out there and they do a great deal in allowing ordinary people go about their daily lives. There is paleoanthropological (try saying that quickly) of a Neanderthal man who died at an old age.  What makes this man intriguing is the fact that he was crippled.  He had considerable disabilities such as missing an eye as well as a malformed arm and a crippled leg.  It is highly unlikely that this individual could have ever survived without the assistance of his group, tribe, or family.  Also, it is highly unlikely that his peers carried him around.  Therefore, it is very probably that this individual used either a staff or a walking stick to assist in his ability to get around.  If we examine this amazing discovery in this light, it become obvious that the cane has been used by humanity since before 33,000 years ago (the currently accepted date when Neanderthals went extinct).  One example may not convince you though.  How about this fact: numerous Neanderthal skeletons show signs of healed broken bones and severe arthritis.  These individuals needed help to get about their daily lives somehow.  While their canes may not have been preserved, they were almost certainly there when these people were alive. Walking canes are more than a style statement.  Having said that, many people choose specific canes based on their appearance.  Canes made of sturdy iron wood can be made by cutting down a tree with the right angle in the trunk or the branch.  While this does make a really interesting walking stick, one can put a rubber cap on the end and it could become a rustic and functional walking cane.  Alright, you may not be interested in going into the woods to find your ideal cane.  There are a lot of different options available in traditional brick and mortar stores as well as online.            If one is a traveler, they may want a back-up cane in the event their main one is damaged or lost.  Fortunately, there are sturdy yet collapsible canes which can be easily packed in your luggage.  Using a rustic iron wood cane may not be appropriate if one was going to a wedding or a formal event of some kind.  Obviously, something more “traditional” may be called for and some have rather elegant handles made of a variety of woods.  Spend any time walking on ice?  You might even consider getting a spiked walking stick which is typically used by hikers and snowshoe affection-ados.  Maybe your balance is impaired beyond a traditional walking cane.  You are not alone.  There are a variety of canes that you can choose from which provide a wider base for support.  These canes usually have four feet and are constructed from aluminum to keep them light. Walking canes have been around for a very long time.  While the basic function has not changed since the time of our earliest ancestors and their cousins, the materials that are used to make canes continue to improve.  As materials science progresses, lighter and stronger canes will be developed.  If you are interested in the styles of previous generations, there are many places where one can find antique canes or their reproductions.  Yes, these canes still do the same job as the ones the Neanderthals probably used but now they are becoming more high tech and their styles can be very ornate and attractive.  Category Medical Devices Author Admin Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 2010-02-22