According to the CDC, 9.6% of individuals aged 50 and above use a walking stick[1]. A walking stick is an essential mobility aid, particularly beneficial for those with vision, balance, or mobility issues after surgery or injury. It significantly reduces fall risks while enhancing mobility and enabling daily tasks.
Walking sticks come in various styles, sizes, and shapes. With such a wide range of collections choosing the right one becomes difficult. Factors like durability, weight, and appropriate pole length relative to your height can help you choose the right one.
To assist you, we’ve curated a collection of top walking sticks, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Walking Stick Usage Criteria
But first, let’s find out if you are the right fit to use a walking stick. You may consider the following:
1. Balance Issues: It can be beneficial to seek support only on one side.
2. Stability Concerns: It can only be helpful if only mild balance and stability aid is required.
3. Recovery from Injury: It can be useful in recovering from injury/surgery which has affected your walking ability.
4. Joint/Muscle Pain: A walking stick can assist you with joint or muscle discomfort but is a complete no-no if you possess limited arm strength.
5. Mobility Challenges: It aids in walking but isn’t suitable if you cannot walk and suffer from weak hand grip or hand pain hindering pressure application.
Discover your perfect walking stick today!
Things to Consider When Buying a Walking Stick
When buying a walking stick, several important factors must be considered to ensure you choose the right one for your needs. Here are some key considerations[2]:
1. Height: The walking stick should be the correct height to provide proper support and stability.
2. Material: Walking sticks come in various materials, such as wood, aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber. Each material has advantages and characteristics impacting weight, durability, and appearance.
3. Grip: Look for a comfortable, non-slip grip that fits your hand well. Some handles come in ergonomic designs or cushioned materials for added comfort.
4. Weight: Consider the weight of the walking stick, especially if you need to carry it for extended periods. Lightweight materials like aluminum are excellent choices for portability.
5. Tip/Ferrule: The tip of the walking stick is crucial for traction and stability. Rubber or PVC ferrules are common choices, but specialized tips like ice spikes may be necessary for winter use.
6. Adjustability: Some walking sticks offer height-adjustable features, making them versatile.
7. Stability: For those needing extra support, quad-tip canes or walking sticks with wider bases may enhance stability.
8. Folding Feature: Folding walking sticks are ideal for traveling or storing the stick easily.
How to Measure the Height of Your Walking Stick?
3. Adjust your walking stick accordingly, ensuring the handle reaches the middle of your wrist for the correct height. Press the button to slide the inner shaft for your desired height when using an adjustable walking stick.
Based on Lifestyle
If you are sure that you may require a walking stick, let’s help you decide the type based on your lifestyle:
1. Fixed Walking Stick: A timeless classic crafted from a single piece of wood or metal. While metal versions may offer height adjustability, wooden counterparts maintain their fixed form. Discover how to achieve the perfect fit.
2. Folding Walking Stick: Seamlessly flexible, these sticks fold to fit your lifestyle. They effortlessly slip into bags or vehicles and are ideal for occasional users seeking on-the-go support. Lightweight aluminum, connected by an elastic cord, ensures easy maneuverability. Numerous folding sticks feature a convenient height adjustment mechanism near the handle at the top section of the stick.
Vissco PC0921 Invalid Folding Adjustable Walking Stick – the perfect companion for the elderly and specially-abled individuals. Experience easy and quick mobility during casual walks or outdoor travels, all with the comfort of its contour grip handle.
3. Medical Walking Stick: Focused on handle design, these sticks redefine comfort. Precision-molded handles ensure superior pressure distribution for extended use. Available in both folding and non-folding options, these sticks are crafted from lightweight aluminum, prioritizing your ease of use.
Based on the Stick Shape
While most walking sticks adopt a straight style with a bottom tip (ferrule), distinctive stick shapes exist. Some different modifications of walking sticks based on the shape include:
1. Swan Neck Walking Sticks: With an angled shaft near the handle, this design shifts the handle’s position for added stability, perfect for weight-bearing support.
2. Tetrapods – Quad & Tripod Sticks: Quad sticks have four legs touching the floor, offering secure assistance. Tripod sticks feature three legs, enhancing stability for those less steady. Wide-based tetrapods provide the highest support, while small-based ones offer a compact option that stands independently.
3. Walking Sticks with Built-In Seats: Seamlessly combining support and rest, stick seats offer a variety of styles:
a. Folding Stick Seat: Unfolds to a 5-inch depth, providing a convenient seated break.
b. Perching/Walker Stick Seat: Offers a bicycle-style seat for brief respites during outings.
Based on the Handles
When selecting a new walking stick, the handle is significant. For frequent users, comfort is the only requisite, avoiding blisters or sores.
Depending on the handle options, these can be:
1. Crook Handle: Classic and easy-to-grip, ideal for long countryside walks. You can find them on fixed wooden walking sticks.
2. Derby Handle: Stylish and supportive, curved for comfortable grip. It can be found on fixed and folding sticks and is ideal for those with arthritis.
3. T-Bar Handle: Basic yet effective, suitable for infrequent use. Commonly crafted from wood, it can be found on folding walking sticks.
4. Ergonomic/Contour Handle: Designed for long-term users to reduce blisters and sores. Commonly found in Medical Walking Stick and is ideal in cases of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Grip Handle: Similar to crutch handles, molded for extra comfort and stability, it can generally be found on tripods and quad canes.
6. Escort Handle: Ensures a secure grip with a reduced risk of slipping, similar to the Grip Handle’s practicality.
Based on the Material
Different materials offer various characteristics, such as weight, durability, flexibility, aesthetics, and cost. According to a study, based on several factors, most users preferred the steel stick, followed by the four-leg walking hand stick and wooden stick the least[3]. Some common types of walking sticks based on material include:
1. Wooden Walking Sticks: These have a classic and traditional appearance and can be carved from various types of wood, such as oak, maple, or ash, offering different levels of sturdiness and aesthetics. Wooden sticks are generally aesthetically appealing but may be heavier than other materials. Resizing wooden canes is possible, making it simple to achieve the perfect height for a comfortable fit.
2. Metal Walking Sticks: These are lightweight, making them easy to carry and use for extended periods. Aluminum walking sticks are commonly used due to their durability and affordability. While resizing metal canes can be more challenging, many are height-adjustable, catering to your needs.
A high-quality, adult height-adjustable walking stick crafted from sturdy, anodized aluminum MCP Walking Stick is ideal for mobility. With a non-slip rubber boot and comfortable palm grip, it is perfect for individuals on the go throughout the day. Say goodbye to exhaustion and embrace newfound confidence with this reliable walking cane for patients.
Walking Stick Accessories
Walking stick accessories enhance the functionality, safety, and convenience of using a walking stick. Some common walking stick accessories include:
1. Walking Stick Straps are practical additions to your walking stick, designed to enhance your grip and prevent accidental drops. These straps attach to the stick and loop around your wrist, ensuring your stick is always within reach.
2. Stick Holders provide convenient support when your walking stick is not in use. They securely grasp the stick, allowing it to balance on tables or worktops. They come in folding and non-folding versions, perfect for outings. Walking Stick Holders come in various designs, such as
a. The plastic grip attaches to the stick shaft, allowing it to be balanced on the edge of a table or worktop.
b. The Bridgit stick holder is another option, allowing you to hang the walking stick over the back of a chair, handrail, table, or countertop.
3. Ferrules are the tips that fit at the end of your walking stick, making contact with the ground. They come in various shapes and colors, with PVC or rubber ferrules offering the best security during use. It’s essential to regularly check ferrules for signs of wear and replace them when needed. For added stability during winter, when pavements are icy and slippery, you can use the ice spike crown as a ferrule accessory.
Regain your independence and mobility with the Entros KL 926 Height Adjustable Walking Stick 3 Leg! Perfect for adult patients recovering from surgery or facing mobility challenges due to weak knees and legs. Experience optimum support and stability with its L-shaped frame while enjoying the comfort of its height-adjustable stick, skid-free rubber shoes, and lightweight aluminum build. Get yours now and move confidently towards a better tomorrow!
Purchasing a new walking stick can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. We hope this guide clarifies the perfect walking stick for you. Now, with the right one in hand, you can confidently walk safely and happily.
Happy walking!
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Progression. Available online from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6549a7.htm
2. Available online from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/joint-protection/how-to-choose-the-right-cane
3. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 3, no 7, pp 1019-1022, July 2022. Available online at: https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V3ISSUE7/IJRPR5757.pdf