20 March 2023
Written by Lizzie Quarterman,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
Whether you have one side weaker than the other or use a walking stick for balance, making sure you know how to use a walking stick correctly will help you to feel safe and confident. This guide from our in-house Occupational Therapist, Sharon, explains how to walk with a walking stick, as well as detailing some important safety and maintenance tips.
If you’re using a walking stick to help with balance, you should follow these steps while making sure you feel stable and comfortable. Remember to use handrails where available for more support. If balancing is an issue, try a walking frame or a wheeled walker instead.
If you’re using it for balance and there are no underlying injuries, you can hold the walking stick in whichever hand feels most comfortable. You might find that you prefer to switch sides from time to time, especially if one arm starts to feel tired.
Always move the walking stick forward before stepping. This will enable you to put your weight on the stick while you lift one of your legs, providing an additional point of balance. You should step forward with the opposite leg to the hand you’re holding the stick with. For example, if you’re holding the walking stick with your right hand, you should step with your left leg. This creates a more stable base than if you step with the same leg.
Place the walking stick in front of you as far as feels stable and comfortable, offset out to the side slightly so there’s room for you to step forwards. Don’t overreach or place the stick too far out to the side, as this can cause you to lose your balance. Stick to small, safe movements.
A walking stick helps you to balance by giving you an additional point to distribute your body’s weight. Don’t carry the stick in the air or try to use it as a balancing aid in any way other than supporting your weight against the ground, as this can be unsafe and may put you at risk of falling.
Like with any mobility aid or piece of equipment it’s a very good idea to regularly check it for damage. A damaged walking stick won’t give you the support you need and could put you at risk of a fall or injury.
Like with any mobility aid or piece of equipment, walking sticks should always be used with care. Familiarising yourself with these important safety tips can help to prevent an injury.
It’s important to regularly check your walking stick for damage. A damaged walking stick won’t give you the support you need and could put you at risk of a fall or injury. Here are some of the main things you should check before using your walking stick to make sure it’s safe for use.
Take a look at our full range of walking sticks and accessories, where you’ll be able to find a wide variety of different options to suit your needs and preferences.
If you need a little help deciding which stick may be right for you, read our guide on choosing the right walking stick, or speak to our Expert Advice Service.
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