Walking canes are most commonly associated with older adults, but children and young people use walking canes and walking sticks for a range of conditions -- juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Perthes disease, developmental dysplasia of the hip, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, cerebral palsy, and many others. Cane selection and use for younger users differs substantially from adult use.
Conditions in Children and Young People Requiring a Walking Aid
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) -- inflammatory joint disease in childhood; knee and ankle involvement affects walking
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease -- avascular necrosis of the femoral head in childhood (peak age 4-10); requires hip protection during the active phase
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) -- hip socket development problem; post-surgical walking aid needed
- Cerebral palsy (ambulatory) -- various spastic and dyskinetic gait patterns; canes are used alongside AFOs in mild CP
- Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) -- brittle bone disease; fracture prevention and mobility aid
- Juvenile dermatomyositis -- proximal muscle weakness in children
Differences in Cane Use for Children
- Height: Standard adult canes are far too long for children. Paediatric adjustable canes or sized walking sticks are required. The same height principle applies: handle at wrist crease with arm relaxed
- Weight: A lightweight cane is even more important in children -- adult-weight canes are proportionally much heavier relative to a child body weight
- Handle: Paediatric handles are smaller and have a shorter palm surface; adult ergonomic handles may not fit a child hand appropriately
- Tip: The ferrule must match the cane tip diameter -- paediatric canes use smaller ferrules
Psychosocial Considerations in Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to social stigma around mobility aids. Walking cane appearance matters enormously for young users:
- Colourful, personally customised canes reduce the stigma of cane use and increase usage consistency
- Peer acceptance is influenced by the cane appearance -- an attractive cane that the child owns as an identity choice (rather than a medical imposition) is more likely to be used correctly
- Parental and school support for cane use is critical
Condition and Paediatric Walking Aid
| Condition | Age Range | Typical Walking Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) | Childhood through adolescence | Paediatric cane during flares; ergonomic handle for small hands |
| Perthes disease (active phase) | 4-10 years | Bilateral crutches or frame; hip protection protocol |
| Ambulatory cerebral palsy | All paediatric ages | Forearm crutches or quad canes; AFOs; physio-directed |
| Osteogenesis imperfecta (mild) | All paediatric ages | Lightweight cane for fall prevention; fracture risk management |
Explore DaiWalk colourful walking canes -- the collection with the widest colour range, suitable for personalisation by younger users. Related: Walking Cane for Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
