Walking Stick Guide | Choosing & Using A Walking Stick
Choosing and Using A Walking Stick
If you need a walking stick to help take the weight when you walk, you can rely on our adjustable folding walking sticks. Made of high quality, durable aluminium and with a non-slip rubber ferrule, they will give the support you need reliably.
Step Out In Style with a Blue Badge Co Walking Stick
Just as importantly, your walking stick will be a reflection of your own particular style. With some truly gorgeous shades to choose from, we're sure you'll find one to suit you. Then all you need is a coordinating storage bag to keep it in when out of use. You can really show off your style here as we have a range of truly beautiful fabrics and prints to suit a variety of tastes.
If a minor injury or pain has stopped you in your tracks. A good walking cane could be all you need to keep you mobile and take some of the weight.
It is important to make sure you choose and use your walking stick correctly otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good. Used correctly your walking stick can improve your posture. Used badly it can cause problems.
How to Measure for a Walking Stick The following method is recommended by physiotherapists to determine the correct height for a walking stick. 1) Standing upright wearing your usual shoes, let your arms hang naturally by your side. 2)Ask a friend to position the stick next to you with the ferrule resting on the floor and the shaft standing straight beside you. 3)Adjust the length of the stick so that the top of the handle is level with the bump at the bottom of the wrist bone. 4) Check the height, your arm should be slightly bent when holding the handle and your shoulders should be level. A stick that is too high will make your shoulders hunch up. A stick that is too short will make you stoop.
Use Your Walking Stick on the Opposite Side
It is a common mistake to use a walking stick on your weak side. This causes you to lean heavily on the stick on the painful side. The stick should go on the strong side and move with the weak side. Using the walking stick on the opposite side to your injury allows you to shift your weight more to the stronger side.
How to Walk Correctly With a Walking Stick
Move the weak or injured leg and the cane together. This way each side of the body shares the load. As you step forward, your walking stick and the opposite foot should hit the floor at the same time. Then step forward onto the stronger leg, through the middle. This may take practice as it is like having three legs, but persevere as walking this way will mean a smooth and even step, reducing stress on the rest of your body.
Tackling Stairs
When walking up stairs, step up with the stronger leg first and follow with the stick and weaker leg using the stick to help you push up. When walking down, use the stick and weaker leg first. The stick will help take the weight off the painful limb.
Maintain Good Posture
Keep your back as straight as you can. Try not to lean too far to one side or too far forward. While it is OK to put weight on the walking stick, try to keep your centre of balance close to the body. As you walk, only swing the stick as far in front of you as your leg would normally reach, so as not to overextend your arm. Our Blue Badge Co Walking sticks are available in a variety of vibrant, metallic colours and can be accompanied by gorgeous storage bags to keep them safely and conveniently stored when not in use.
