We recently talked about the variety of canes available to help someone walk safely and comfortably - or simply for a debonair look. Handle style is one thing, but how to get a cane that's the right size?

At least in my neck of the woods - and Dallas is a fairly sizeable city - we don't have cane emporiums. If you want something more than your standard drugstore cane, you'll probably have to order. That means your cane-user won't be able to try it out before buying, and you'll have to cut a non-adjustable cane to size.

If you know a good physical therapist, ask for some professional help with measuring. If nothing else, your confidence will be greater after a professional has blessed your cane project.

However, if you don't know or have access to a rehabilitation professional, you'll still be OK. This isn't as hard as it sounds if you observe the Golden Rule of Measuring: Measure once, measure twice, measure three times for good luck before you make the first cut.

It takes two people to measure a walking cane for length. Here's how:

1. The person who will use the cane should wear the shoes he or she will normally be wearing when using the cane.

2. Have the cane-user stand straight on a bare floor, with the cane arm hanging comfortably down at his or her side. It may be necessary to use the other arm and hand for support while standing. If so, be sure that the cane-user is standing straight.

3. Measure the distance from the floor to the wrist crease. This will be the ideal length of the new cane from the bottom of the rubber tip to the top of the handle. You will want to cut the cane 1/2 inch shorter than your measurement in order to allow for the added thickness of the rubber tip.

4. Remove the rubber tip from the new cane. If it doesn't want to come off, try a few drops of a light lubricant such as WD-40.

5. Trim the cane with a saw. If you aren't comfortable cutting your cane, take it to your local home supply or lumber store.  They will often cut a cane free or for a very nominal charge.

6. Don't forget to put the rubber tip back on the newly sized cane.

Remember, you can always cut off a little more, but if you cut too much, you can't put it back. When in doubt, cut the cane a little long and try it out. You can always cut again.