How Do I Know If I Need A Walking Stick?
Knowing whether or not you could benefit from a walking stick is not always as straightforward for some people as it is for others. If you’re experiencing mobility related health issues, you may need a walking stick if:
- You are recovering from injuries or an operation to any part of the leg
- You have reduced balance
- You experience reduced strength
- You have noticed a reduction in your endurance when walking
- You feel pain, weakness or instability in any part of your leg (e.g. hip, knee, ankle)
- You walk with a ‘fixed/stooped posture’, meaning you lean forward constantly while walking
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Increase stability
- Takes weight/pressure off affected areas
- Supports greater balance
- Can improve walking posture
- Walking sticks are one of the more low-maintenance mobility aids
- If used incorrectly, it could heighten your chances of a fall
- Can cause strain to arms from using the muscles there more
- They are not always a viable replacement for users who really need more substantially supportive aids, such as a walker or wheelchair
How To Use A Walking Stick
How exactly you should use a walking stick depends on why you need one. For example, if you have pain or weakness in one side, use your stick in the opposite hand to the afflicted leg, but if you are using your stick to aid in balance, hold it in the hand that is most comfortable. Despite some small differences in advice, most of the guidelines on how to safely use a walking stick remain the same no matter the reason why you use one.
Always move the stick forward before following with your opposite leg, and be sure to never place the stick too far forward or too much to your outer side.
When getting out of chairs, use the armrests to help you stand up, not the stick. If there are no armrests to use, use your stick in your normal hand and leverage a sturdy nearby surface, such as a table or wall, too. Always give yourself a moment to adjust to being upright and regain your full balance when standing from a chair before setting off walking again.
If ascending or descending the stairs, it is usually advisable to use your stronger or dominant hand/side on the handrail and transfer your walking stick to your weaker side. However you should always take it slow and feel free to adapt this advice to better suit your personal experience and preferences.
Choosing The Right Walking Stick
Walking sticks are devised of three sections. Each section of the stick needs to be considered individually when looking for the right walking stick for you, starting with the handle.
Test out various grip and handle options to see which feels more comfortable and natural. Different handle types are recommended for people with different conditions, to help avoid injury and discomfort.
The base or pole of a walking stick is an important, if not highly overlooked part of the aid. Would you prefer a folding walking stick for easy storage and transportation, or a classic non-folding stick? Can the walking stick height be altered to suit your measurements? Is the height adjustment easy for you to use independently, or is it fiddly or difficult if you have dexterity issues?
The height of your walking stick is vital in making sure it is not only an effective tool, but that it doesn’t instead worsen your symptoms, such as stooped posture or poor balance. Our expert mobility advisors can help you adjust your chosen walking stick to the correct height in-store.
The bottom, ferrule, foot, or end of your walking stick is one of the more easily adapted or upgraded parts of the stick, with more options to choose from than you may first think. Suit your ferrule to your walking style and the types of terrain you’re most likely to use your walking stick on. If you don’t know what type to get, a rubber ferrule with a good grip is a great place to start, and you can consult with a Modern Mobility advisor in store to find out about the benefits or drawbacks of the different types we have available.
A less functional, but just as important thing to consider when searching for the correct walking stick, is style. Your mobility aids do not need to be devoid of personal style or colour! Express yourself and allow your walking stick to not only act as a helpful tool, but also an accessory, by choosing from a range of colours and patterns from trusted mobility brands such as Able2, Aidapt, and Charles Buyers.
Customise your walking stick further with useful additions such as west straps, a glide disc, an ice boot for winter excursions, and accessories to keep your walking stick upright and in place while not in use.
A Step In The Right Direction
Recognising that you may need a mobility aid is a big step, and one that can be difficult to face as you get older or develop mobility issues. If you’re interested in discussing your walking stick options and testing a few out for yourself, then our friendly, approachable staff can help! We promise to deliver family values the modern way, meaning no upselling, no pressure, and no-obligation service. When you walk through the doors of one of our shops or click ‘order’ on our website, you become part of the Modern Mobility family, and we will take care of you as such.
Browse our range of products online or even visit us in store to see them in action for yourself.
You can find us at:
Blackburn | 1 Railway Road, Blackburn, BB1 5AX
Clitheroe | 8 Castle Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2BX
Chorley | 6 Flat Iron Parade, Chorley, PR7 1BY
Leicester | Fosse Park Shopping Centre, Fosse Park Avenue, Leicester, LE19 1HX
