What is critical when fitting a cane for a client?

When fitting a cane for a client, height adjustment is essential to ensure proper use and effectiveness. The cane should be adjusted so that the handle is at wrist level when the client is standing in their normal, relaxed posture. This allows for optimal leverage and stability when the cane is used, promoting a more natural gait and reducing the risk of falls.

Proper height also helps to reduce strain on the wrist and shoulder, as using a cane that is too short or too tall can lead to discomfort or injury over time. Therefore, ensuring that the cane is the right height is critical for the safety and comfort of the individual using it.

Other factors like color preference, material type, or weight of the cane may influence a client's choice or comfort, but they do not impact the effectiveness of the cane as significantly as proper height adjustment does.