A Quick Guide to Walking Sticks

A Quick Guide to Walking Sticks

If you feel insecure when you walk, experience weakness or pain, or have had a fall, then you may be considering getting a walking aid. Using a walking stick allows you to stay active and keep doing the activities that you enjoy without fear of falling.

Did You Know?

• 53% of all disabilities in working age adults in the UK are related to mobility
• £2.3 billion a year is spent by the NHS dealing with accidents caused by falls
• 10% of load is reduced on the knees when you use a walking stick

Choosing the Correct Height

• Handle: The handle should be parallel to where your wrist lies
• Arms: Keep your arms relaxed and elbow bent at a natural angle
• Shoes: Make sure you are wearing your regular shoes
• Measure: Ask someone to measure from your wrist to the floo

Why Do You Need It?

• Recovering from injury: For short-term injuries, it may be best to use a crutch
• Full-Time Use: For long-term mobility problems, it's best to look into a cane

Types of Walking Sticks

Material

• Wooden: the most traditional and elegant type. Can easily be cut to the correct height for the user.
• Metal: Stronger than wood, available as fixed height or height-adjustable.
• Carbon Fibre: Extremely strong, and can be either cut down to the correct height or height-adjustable.

Handle Type

• Painful Hands: Help spread pressure evenly across the palm for greater comfort (such as right-angled and Fischer)
• Even Weight Distribution: Provide stability allowing for the weight to be evenly distributed (such as thumbstick or knob)
• Easy to Put Aside: Can easily be hooked over your arm or chair when not in use (such as crook or Derby)

Things to Consider

• Folding: Stores away easily in bags for those who only occasionally need a walking aid.
• Telescopic: Allows height adjustment as needs change over time or for use by multiple people.
• Ferrules: A rubber base ensures a good grip as you walk and doesn't make as much noise as metal.