Fast facts about walking sticks
- Walking sticks were likely used by people as early as the beginning of upright walking
- They are depicted as symbols of power amongst pharaohs in hieroglyphs
- Walking sticks can help you maintain your independence and mobility
A walking stick provides support and stability, allowing for better balance and decreasing the weight on an affected leg.
If your walking stick isn't suitable, you can experience issues such as back pain and have an increased risk of falling over or tripping.
What is the correct length for a walking stick?
Many people don’t realise the importance of measuring for a walking stick, as they often believe that walking sticks should be based on the user's height.
However, there is a specific way to measure the walking stick's correct height.
You should be standing in the type of shoes you usually wear, with your arms hanging by your sides; you then measure from the bottom of the wrist bone to the floor.
This will give you the appropriate height for your walking stick.
How will I know when I need to use one?
Walking sticks are useful tools for anyone who needs extra balance, support or stability while walking.
People can use them if they have balance problems or if they're recovering from surgery or a major injury.
What features do walking sticks have?
If you're looking for a new walking stick, you should keep an eye on these features:
- Whether the height is adjustable, as you can customise the size as needed
- The style of the handle, as T-handles are straight with a flat grip and are more secure whereas palm grips are designed for people with arthritis or a weaker grip
- How many points of contact it has with the ground, as single shaft have a single point of contact whereas quad-base has four separate feet at the base
If you’re not sure which walking stick would be best for you, please visit your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist. They'll be happy to help you.