Walking Stick Guide

Walking Stick Guide
This is a guide for people who use, or want to start using, a walking stick. It is
important to make sure the walking stick you have has been adjusted to fit your
body and is the right type to meet your needs.
Using a walking stick correctly allows you to stay active and
keep doing the activities you enjoy.
A badly fitted walking stick may make it more difficult or more uncomfortable to
walk. This guide is for people who want to use a walking stick for balance or
because of joint pain. If you have had a stroke please talk to your doctor for advice
on whether or not to use a walking stick.
What height should my
walking stick be?
A walking stick at the wrong height puts strain on your
hands, wrists, shoulders and neck.
To measure the correct height for your stick stand up
straight with your hands relaxed at your sides. The top of
your walking stick should come up to your wrist. Your
elbow should be slightly bent when holding the walking
stick.
The handle
of the stick
should be
the height
of your
wrist
Which side should I use my
walking stick on?
Hold with
the hand
opposite
the leg that
needs
support
If you use a walking stick because of an injury to your
leg or a joint on one side, you should hold your walking
stick in the hand that is opposite to the one that needs
support.
If you use a walking stick for balance you can use
it in either hand, whatever feels most comfortable
for you.
What type of walking stick should I use?
Non-Adjustable
A non-adjustable walking stick has a permanent height. If it is made of wood someone can shave the height to fit you exactly,
but if it’s made too short you cannot
change it back.
Adjustable
Adjustable walking sticks can be adjusted
to different heights. They generally have
multiple settings.
Tetrapod
If you are very
unsteady on your
feet a tetrapod
walking stick will
give you more
security and will
allow you to put
more weight on
your walking stick.
It is not suitable to
use on stairs.
Swan
A swan walking
stick has a curved
shaft which
spreads your
weight over the
stick and gives
you more control
and stability.
Folding
A folding
walking stick
can be
broken
down into parts. It can be
folded up and put in a bag.
When folded these walking
sticks are usually less than
30cm long. Folding walking
sticks have adjustable
heights. Folding walking
sticks are most useful if you
do not use your walking
stick all the time but like to
have it available in case you
need it.
What type of handle should my walking
stick have?
Curved handle
Ergonomic handle
An ergonomic handle
spreads the weight of
your body across your
hand instead of in just
one single area. It will
suit people who have
arthritis in their hands or
put a lot of weight on the
walking stick and use it a
lot. Because an ergonomic handle is shaped
for your palm you need to
select either a left
handed or a right
handed handle depending on the hand you use
for your walking stick.
Ferrule
A curved handle is very common
on non-adjustable walking sticks.
The curved handle can be slung
on a raised arm or table if not
being used. It is not an easy
handle to grip as it has not got a
flat surface to provide support.
Derby handle
The Derby handle is
shaped like a flat handle but
with a slight curve. The
curve means it can be slung
on an arm (or table) when
not in use like a curved
handle but provides easier
grip than the curved
handle.
A ferrule is the rubber stop at the end of your walking stick. This grips
the surface of the pavement to give you better stability. With regular
use the ferrule becomes worn and will need replacing. A worn out
ferrule could cause your stick to slip. Check this regularly and
replace it when it is worn. Ferrules can be bought from pharmacies
and cost less than £5. They come in three sizes (small, medium and
large) so you will need to check the width of your walking stick before
you buy one.
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. How to use crutches, canes, and
walkers.[Internet].2007 [cited 2014 May 15]. Available from:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00181.
Bateni H, Maki B. Assistive devices for balance and mobility: Benefits, demands, and adverse
consequences. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2005;86(1)134-45.
Bergen A. Mobility: Taking control of life. Exceptional Parent. 1997.
Dean E, Ross J. Relationships among cane fitting, function, and falls. Physical Therapy.1993;73(8).
NHS Trust, Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals. Climbing the stairs with your walking
sticks.[Internet].2013 [cited 2014 May 15]. Available from
http://www.asph-physiotherapy.org.uk/leaflets/Stairs.pdf
Studenski S, Perera S, Wallace D, Chandler JM, Duncan PW, Rooney E, Fox M, Guralnik JM.
Physical performance measures in the clinical setting. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
2003;51(3):314-22
NHS. Physical activity guidelines for older adults (65+ years). [Internet].2011 [cited 2014 May 15].
Available from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Documents/older-adults-65-years.pdf
The information provided by this guide is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
Anyone seeking specific advice or assistance should contact his or her GP, Physiotherapist or Occupational
Therapist.
Author: Roselle Thoreau Department: Accessiblity Research Group, University College London
Version: 2
Published: July 2014
Design: Réka Solymosi
pamela
UCL Pedestrian Accessibility and Movement
Environment Laboratory