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Walking Sticks: how to get the most from your stick



As UK specialists in walking sticks, walking canes and other walking aids, Somerwood offer a comprehensive and inexpensive range of walking canes and sticks, suitable for
  • those who need help with walking,
  • ramblers, and
  • collectors.

    • Why use a walking stick?

  • To make you more stable while you’re walking – or while you are simply standing;
  • To aid your balance while you are walking or standing;
  • To assist the serious walker;
  • To have as a fashion accessory.
    • The advice on this page is intended mainly for those who are looking for greater stability and for those who need better balance.

    Learning to walk with a walking stick

    Walking stick in UK countrysideWhich hand should you hold a walking stick in?
    Decide which side of your body is the weaker side, or has an injury. Hold the stick on the opposite side from the weakness. It doesn’t matter which hand you normally think of as your dominant hand.

    Getting going
    First put all your weight on your stronger leg. Now step forward using – at the same time – your affected leg and the walking stick. Your weight should now be supported by the combination of your affected leg and the stick, so you can step forward with your better leg.

    If your main reason for using a walking stick is to help you balance, the main consideration is what makes you feel most comfortable. Place the stick firmly on the ground and make sure you feel secure before stepping forward.

    Never position your stick too far ahead of you, as this makes you more likely to slip and fall.

    Walking up and down stairs
    To walk upstairs, use your better leg to climb on the first step. Then bring your affected leg and the walking stick up on to that same step. Repeat this as you go up the steps one by one.

    When walking downstairs, first lower your bad leg and the walking stick on to the top step. Next bring your better leg down on to the same step. Continue down in this way, step by step.

    Precautions to take while you're using your walking stick

  • Take your time – and stop for a rest whenever you need to.
  • Think about your footwear as well as your stick. Wear sensible shoes with soles that won’t easily slip – and never wear high heels.
  • Special care is needed in wintry conditions. Avoid walking out in the snow and ice. Remember that wet surfaces may be slippery.
  • If you really have to venture out in bad weather: (1) go very slowly, (2) take plenty of rest breaks and (3) make sure the rubber ferrule on the base of your stick is in good condition and hasn’t worn down.

    • What to avoid when using your walking stick

  • Steer clear of wet floors inside buildings and wet surfaces outside. They are likely to be slippery.
  • Keep away from loose rugs and mats, especially if the surface they are on (like a wooden floor) makes them liable to slide about.
  • Watch out for electrical cables and wiring and similar things that you could easily trip over.
  • Avoid escalators, as your stick may get stuck and you usually have to hurry when you get on and off. Take the lift instead.
  • Don’t use revolving doors. You can never be sure how fast they will go round, and you usually have to hurry when you get in and out of the door.

    • Taking care of your walking stick

    Your walking stick offers you freedom and mobility, so it pays to take good care of it. And taking care of it will also reduce the risk of accidents.

    It’s easy to Keep your stick clean. They can be washed using ordinary soap and water. (It’s best to avoid using other products, as some of these can leave a film on the stick that may make you more likely to slip.)

    It’s a good idea to fix a strap to your stick. When you go out, you can loop the strap over your wrist. That way you are less likely to forget it and leave it behind, and there is less risk of the stick being stolen.

    Make sure the base of your stick is fitted with a rubber ferrule or tip. This reduces the risk of the stick slipping. Check too that your ferrule hasn’t worn down. (You can obtain spare ferrules from Somerwood.)
    To find out more about walking canes, please click below to find a relevant book that will help you. In Association with Amazon.co.uk



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