How to Walk with Walking Sticks: A Complete Guide
Walking sticks can significantly enhance stability, reduce strain on joints, and improve mobility. Whether you're recovering from an injury, hiking on rough terrain, or need extra support due to living with a long term condition, disability or aging, learning the proper technique is crucial. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about walking with a stick safely and efficiently.
Benefits of Using a Walking Stick
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Enhanced Stability: Provides balance and support on uneven ground.
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Reduced Joint Stress: Alleviates pressure on knees, hips, and ankles.
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Improved Posture: Encourages an upright stance and better alignment.
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Increased Endurance: Helps conserve energy, making long walks easier.
Choosing the Right Walking Stick
Picking the right walking stick is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Make sure you consider the following:
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Certification: Ensuring you choose a medically certified walking stick is key - the vast majority available on the market are sadly not certified meaning they're more of a fashion accessory vs. being designed to support physical needs. Check for CE / FDA / UKCA certification, all of our sticks have CE certification and have been extensively tested for long term medical use.
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Height: The top of the stick should align with your wrist when your arm is at your side. Make sure you are wearing your shoes before you adjust the height of your stick and then always adjust when you change your footwear.
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Material: Lightweight but durable materials are best for ensuring robust, comfortable and safe use - all of our walking sticks are made from aluminium which is ideal for durability and ease of use.
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Grip: Choose an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip - all of our walking sticks have moulded handles but also come with removable squidgy grips to prevent blisters as well as joint, wrist, elbow or shoulder pain.
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Tip Type: Rubber tips provide grip on pavement, but not all rubber tips are equal - you ideally want ones that are cushioned, shock absorbing and have added grip (check out our Standard Ferrules). You should also consider changing your tips when walking on uneven terrain, we recommend High Performance Ferrules for snow, mud, sand, ice or snow.
Proper Technique
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Hold the Stick on Your Stronger Side
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If you have an injury or weakness on one side of your lower body, hold the stick in the opposite hand to provide support. So when you step forward your weaker leg moves forward with your stick in the opposite hand meaning the weight is shared between the two.
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Adjust the Stick Height
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Ensure your stick is adjusted when you have your shoes ON, similarly when you change footwear you readjust. The elbow should bend slightly (about 15 degrees) when holding the stick but your wrist when resting down by your side should be roughly level with the handle.
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Step in Sync
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Move your walking stick forward in the opposite hand to your weaker lower lim as you step with it. This helps to distribute weight evenly and provides the maximum stability.
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Maintain an Upright Posture
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Try to remain upright, with the majority of your weight going through your legs vs. leaning too much on the stick. Ideally look to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
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Use on Stairs
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Going Up: Lead with the stronger leg first, followed by the stick and the weaker leg.
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Going Down: Move the stick down first, then the weaker leg, followed by the stronger leg.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using a stick that is too short or too tall.
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Leaning too heavily, which can lead to imbalance.
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Holding the stick on the wrong side.
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Dragging the stick instead of lifting and placing it with each step.
Walking with a stick can significantly enhance mobility and independence. By choosing the right walking stick and using the correct technique, you can move with greater confidence and safety. Whether for daily support or outdoor adventures, mastering walking stick usage can greatly improve your quality of life.
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