How do you use a walking stick in the right way?

Hold and use a walking stick

1. Assess how much support you need.

Walking sticks are the lightest walking aids, and catch weight with your wrist or forearm. They are generally used in light injuries or for a better balance. A walking stick can and should not carry much of your body weight. If this is the case, you should choose another running aid such as a walker or rollator.



2. Choose your style.

Hiking sticks are available in many different forms to meet the user's wishes. Aspects that you must take into account include:

• -The grip Some walking sticks hold you with your palm and fingers while others support your entire forearm.
  
  
• -The shaft This is the long part of the walking stick and can be made of wood, metal, carbon and other materials. Some shafts are retractable or foldable so that they are easier to carry.
  
  
• -The leg. To the end or bottom of the cane is usually a rubber cap to provide more stability. Some walking sticks have three or four legs at the bottom instead of one; this allows them to carry more weight.
  
  
• - Color Although most walking sticks are simple and not decorated, you are not obliged to go for a neutral grey cane if you do not want to. You can simply look for a walking stick that is adapted to your personal wishes and that fits both your personality and the amount of support your body needs.
  
  

3. Check the length.

For the right length, you stand upright with your shoes on and your arms along your side. The top of the walking stick should reach to the fold of your wrist. If the walking cane is the right height, your elbow makes an angle of 15-20 degrees when holding the walking pole while standing.

• - The length of a walking stick is usually half the length of the user, in centimeters, with shoes on. Use this as a starting point.
  
  
• If your cane is too short, you have to bend over to support it. If it is too long, you should use that side of your body that you actually want to relieve. Both are bad for your body. A well-fit walking stick keeps you upright and gives good support.
  
  

4. Hold the cane in hand on the side of your good leg.

This may go against your feelings, but it's true. If you have left leg problems, then hold the walking stick in your right hand. If your right leg is bothering you, keep the walking cane in your left hand.

• When we walk, we move our legs and arms. But, when we sit our left foot forward, we bring our right hand forward; we take a step with our right foot, then our left hand swings forward. By using a walking stick by hand opposite your wounded leg, you use the natural movement of your arm, allowing your hand to catch up with part of your weight while you walk.
  
  
• - Use the cane only for better stability, consider holding it in your non-dominant hand so that you can continue to use your dominant hand for daily tasks.
  
  

5. Start walking.

If you take a step forward with your lower leg, move your walking stick forward at the same time and put your weight on both, most of which rest on the walking stick. Do not use the walking cane to walk with your good leg. The more you get used to the walking pole, the more it will feel like a natural extension of yourself.

6. To walk up a staircase with your walking stick you place one hand on the stairs (if there is one), while holding the cane in the other.

Take the first step with your good leg, then put your bad leg on the same foot. Repeat this.

7. To walk down a staircase with your walking stick you place one hand on the stairs (if it is present), while holding the cane in the other.

Take the first step with your bad leg and the cane, then move your strong leg. Repeat this.

Tips

• - The rubber stopper at the bottom of walking sticks and crutches must be replaced once in time.
  
  
• - Talk to your doctor about the possibilities for you, and you know which type of support is best for you.
  
  
• - If you have a chronic condition that is too serious for using a walking stick, you can also look for a walking rack or a rollator.
  
  
• - Always bring your cane or crutches.
  
  
• Try to look straight ahead and not down to your walker, which helps you stay better balanced.
  
  
• - A trolley is a convenient way to move things and it gives you support while walking.
  
  
• - With a statement from your doctor and the right insurance, the cost of a walking stick or crutches is usually reimbursed.
  
  
• - Take a cane with a wristband so you can't drop it.
  
  
• - To make it easier to walk your rollator through your house, it might be useful to change your decor.

Warnings

• - Check the grip and the stoppers often.
  
  
• - Be extra careful when there are children and small animals around. They can move quickly and are harder to see.
  
  
• - Make sure there's no mess on the floor to keep you from falling over.