Canes & Crutches Canada

Older man standing with an iWALK 3.0 hands-free knee crutch in a garage

A practical Care Made buying guide

Choose the support first. Then get the fit right.

The short answer

A cane is a one-handed walking aid. Crutches use two supports, forearm cuffs, underarm frames, or a specialized knee platform to change how support is shared. Start with the format recommended for the person, then compare fit range, grip, base or cuff style, user weight, and how the aid will be stored.

1Start with the format

Cane and crutch are not interchangeable labels

The right starting point is the reason the aid is being used and any weight-bearing instructions already provided. If a clinician prescribed a particular format, follow that plan and use the product comparison below to narrow the practical details.

One-handed format

Choose among cane handles, shafts, and bases

A cane leaves one hand occupied and one ground contact point or base to place. Compare the handle shape, single-point or multi-point base, folding mechanism, height range, and replacement-tip availability.

More involved format

Crutches need a fit and use plan

Underarm, forearm, and hands-free knee crutches place support differently. Hand strength, arm control, balance, prescribed weight bearing, and the intended route all matter before choosing a model.

A category guide cannot replace an individual fitting or gait assessment. If the aid is for recovery, a new injury, repeated falls, or a major change in walking, ask the prescribing clinician, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist to confirm the format and fit.

2Compare cane styles

The base, handle, and storage format are the real differences

Do not choose a cane only by colour or by the word “adjustable.” Look at how it meets the floor, how the handle fits the hand, whether it needs to fold, and whether the available height range fits the user.

Black Airgo Comfort-Plus adjustable offset cane with wrist strap and multi-point tip

Offset and single-point describe different details

“Offset” describes the shape of the shaft and handle area. “Single-point” describes one point of floor contact. A cane can combine both. Check the exact tip or base shown on each product rather than assuming every offset cane meets the floor the same way.

See an adjustable offset cane in the current collection.

Small floor footprint

Single-point cane

One tip meets the floor. Check tip condition, handle comfort, height range, and whether the cane can stand nearby when it is not in the user's hand.

Wider floor contact

Quad or MiniQuad base

A multi-point base uses more than one contact point. Compare the base footprint, orientation, stair clearance, and whether the selected model folds.

Compact storage

Folding cane

Useful when the cane needs to go into a bag or vehicle. Before use, every section must be fully seated and the adjustment button or lock must be secure.

3Compare crutch styles

Underarm, forearm, and knee crutches support the body differently

The cuff or pad is only one part of the decision. Compare the full fit range, handgrip position, tip condition, user capacity, and whether the person can safely control the crutch style they were told to use.

Pair of adjustable aluminum underarm crutches with handgrips and rubber tips

Underarm crutches still depend on the handgrips

The upper pad is positioned below the armpit; it is not intended to carry body weight directly in the armpit. The handgrips, overall height, and elbow position should be fitted together by the clinician or therapist involved.

See adjustable underarm crutches.

Black Ossenberg Classic forearm crutch with open cuff and anatomic handgrip

Open and closed cuffs are not the same as hands-free

A forearm cuff keeps the crutch positioned near the arm while the hand uses the grip. An open cuff releases more readily; a closed cuff stays around the forearm more securely. Neither removes the need for reliable hand and arm control.

See an open-cuff forearm crutch.

Traditional format

Underarm crutches

Compare overall height range, handgrip adjustment, pad condition, tip condition, and whether the pair matches the user's instructions.

Cuff at the forearm

Forearm crutches

Compare open or closed cuff, cuff height, grip shape, shaft range, and the capacity shown for the exact model.

Specialized option

Hands-free knee crutch

This is a separate design for eligible lower-leg situations, not a general replacement for every cane or crutch. Review the product criteria and clinician guidance before choosing it.

4Check before ordering

Six details prevent most avoidable mismatches

1. Confirm the prescribed format

Write down cane, underarm crutches, forearm crutches, or another format, plus any weight-bearing instructions that came with it.

2. Check the full fit range

Use the exact model's adjustment range. For a child or small adult, choose by measured fit rather than age alone.

3. Review hand and arm control

Grip weakness, wrist pain, limited elbow motion, or one-sided weakness should be discussed before assuming a different handle, cuff, or pad will solve it.

4. Match the user capacity

Capacity varies by model. Compare the user's current weight with the published rating for that exact cane or crutch; do not use a category-wide estimate.

5. Inspect every ground contact

Tips and multi-point bases should be secure and free of splits, hard worn surfaces, or uneven wear before the aid is used.

6. Plan storage and transport

If it must fit in a bag, car, or tight entryway, check folded length and the steps required to lock it open again.

?Existing collection questions

Frequently asked questions

Which cane and crutch brands do you carry?

The current collection includes Drive Medical products, including Airgo and MD by Drive options, plus Ossenberg forearm crutches and the MOBB iWALK hands-free knee crutch. Availability can change, so use the product grid above for the current selection.

Do canes need to be replaced?

There is no single replacement schedule for every cane. Inspect the tip or base, handgrip, adjustment button, shaft, and any folding joints. Replace the worn part or the cane if anything is split, loose, bent, cracked, or no longer locks securely.

Can I use crutches if I have weak grip strength?

Crutches still require dependable hand and arm control. A forearm cuff or padded grip does not remove that requirement, and a hands-free knee crutch is a separate design that is not suitable for everyone. Ask the clinician or therapist involved to review the safest option.

What weight can a cane or crutches support?

Capacity varies by model, so there is no safe category-wide number. Check the published rating on the exact product page and choose a model rated for the user's current weight. Contact Care Made if the rating is unclear.

Are canes and crutches tax free in Canada?

The mobility-aid canes and crutches in this collection are sold without GST or HST. The Canada Revenue Agency zero-rates crutches and canes specially designed for use by an individual with a disability; an ordinary walking stick that is not specially designed may not qualify.

Do you ship canes and crutches across Canada?

Yes. Care Made ships canes and crutches across Canada. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free standard shipping; orders under $100 may have a shipping charge shown at checkout.

Still deciding between cane and crutch formats?

Compare the current options above, or contact Care Made with the user's measurements, prescribed format, and any grip or storage concerns.

Browse current options Call (888) 386-6233

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