If you need help supporting yourself despite being able to walk reasonably well, the walking stick might just be the perfect mobility aid for you. Walking sticks offer support and give you the extra balance you need whilst walking or standing.

Using a walking stick may seem like the simplest thing in the world; however you can get even more out of this useful aid with a few handy tips.

Remember:

• Take regular breaks when walking with your walking stick if you feel exhausted or in pain.
• Place the walking stick at a comfortable distance in front of you to prevent yourself from falling or injuring yourself.
• And keep an eye on your walking stick for wear and tear – particularly the rubber ferrule at the bottom. As you use the walking stick regularly, the rubber ferrule may erode slightly and lose grip especially in wet conditions. It is important to change the ferrule before it compromises your safety.

If you are new to walking sticks you may have found yourself asking a few of these questions:

Will using a walking stick ease all my leg pains?

The answer to this is probably not. If you suffer from mobility problems then leg pains are probably a common experience, which a walking stick, unfortunately, cannot immediately eliminate. However, walking sticks can give you support and take some pressure off your weaker leg.

Which hand should I hold my walking stick in?

Often, when you have a disability or some other condition that affects your mobility, you will find one side of your body is weaker than the other. In order to give yourself the support that you need – always hold the stick on your stronger side (even if this means holding the stick in your non-dominant hand).

On which leg should I put my weight?

It is important to balance your weight between your stronger leg and the walking stick. Some weight will inevitable fall on the weaker leg however keeping most of your weight on your stronger side (on which you hold the walking stick) enables the walking stick to aid you to the maximum affect.

How do I use the walking stick when I am climbing upstairs?

Start climbing using your stronger leg. Next place the walking stick on the step and push your weight on to the stick so you can raise your weaker leg up. On returning down the stairs, again start with your stronger leg. Then move the walking stick on to the next step and use it to keep yourself sturdy as you lower your weaker leg.

We have a range of excellent walking sticks and other mobility equipment at Chemist2You, take a look here!