how to adjust a walking stick

Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Wrist straps - Wrist straps are designed to help you keep a firm grip on your walking stick and prevent it from slipping out of your hand. Remember to measure your height first and adjust the walking stick so that it reaches the crease in your wrist when your arm is hanging down by your side. Walking sticks are invaluable mobility aids that can provide stability and support, especially for those who need assistance with balance or walking. It keeps the load out of the way of your arm movement. Now youve chosen a walking stick with a comfortable handle, the next thing to do is make it just right for you. If you are someone who needs a little extra support while walking, a walking stick can be a great tool to help you get around. Specialist Mobility Limited trading as Ability Superstore. You will get the best benefits if you use your trekking poles correctly. Worn-down tip: The tip of your walking stick is responsible for providing traction and stability. If the walking stick is too short, you'll have to bend your wrist at an uncomfortable angle, which can cause pain and strain in your hand and arm. Effects of hiking pole inertia on energy and muscular costs during uphill walking. Pick your way down with small steps, keeping your knees soft. There are wooden walking sticks, aluminium sticks, adjustable and non-adjustable walking sticks, sticks that give you even more support with more than one base, colourful patterned sticks (if you want to stand out! A walking stick can help you if you're unsure on your feet or have an injury, or condition, that makes it difficult to balance. - YouTube 0:00 / 1:06 HOW TO HOLD AND USE A WALKING STICK CORRECTLY | Tim Everett Explains! HOW TO HOLD AND USE A WALKING STICK CORRECTLY | Tim Everett Explains! For stability going up stairs, you will be pushing yourself up rather than pulling. HIKING STICKS: Adjustable walking stick, 53" long when extended and 27" when collapsed. PEPE MOBILITY P10004 Foldable Walking Stick Instructions - Manuals+ If the wrist strap is too tight or too loose, adjust it accordingly. Replace the rubber tip if necessary. Using a walking stick can provide a great deal of support and balance, but it's important to make sure that it's adjusted to the right height and properly fitted to your hand. Then, slide the inner shaft up, or down, to the correct length and release the button into the correct hole. Measure again just to make sure, then mark that measurement on the stick, measuring from the top of the handle down the shaft towards the tip. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to adjust your walking stick for maximum comfort and safety. The offset design of the handle also helps to distribute weight more evenly, reducing strain on the wrist and arm. Dont include personal information e.g. A measurement should be taken from the floor, about 15cm (6 inches) out from your ankle to your wrist bone which is why you need a helper, as its difficult to stand straight and measure yourself at the same time! Welcome to our blog, your one-stop resource for news, features and resources for living life to the fullest. Trekking Poles - How to Adjust Hand Straps and Height Most aluminium sticks are easily adjusted for height, with clips, or buttons, usually spaced 2.5cm (1 inch) apart. If your walking stick is too, Washing Aids and Cast/Dressing Protectors, Bed Raisers, Hoists, Ladders & Blanket Cradles, Mattresses, Overlays, Elevators & Positioning, Reachers, Grabbers, Gripping Aids & Plug Pulls. Trekking pole technique is not meant to add any more exertion or calorie burn. To adjust your walking stick: Fig 1 To adjust the stick up or down press the two spring pins together (Fig 2). Menu. Walking devices can also reduce knee pressure, which is useful if you have a medical condition or are recovering from surgery or an injury. To keep your walking stick in good condition, it's important to clean it regularly. Hiking poles are very useful for hikers and backpackers, as they help to bear the weight of a large backpack. Medicare considers walking canes and walkers to be durable medical equipment (DME), which Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover. How Long Should a Walking Stick Be ? | Classic Canes Test your walking stick for stability and make further adjustments if necessary. Try it that way first, but if that doesnt feel natural after you have used it for a time, and you are more comfortable with the stick by your weakest leg, its fine to use it that way. Just how much bend indicates the correct length depends; there seems to be two schools of thought: (a) exactly 90 degrees; Best folding walking cane: HealthSmart Folding Walking Cane . But Im not the kind of disabled that you want me to. Aluminium sticks are easily adjustable through a series of e-clip style pop-out clips, usually in 2.5cm (1 inch) increments. Measuring your height accurately is essential for ensuring that your walking stick provides the right amount of support and balance. The first thing you should do is look at whats available. If you do, we have just the thing for you here. Copyright 2023, The Ability Superstore. Chat to an NHS operator in our Live Chat - opens a new window. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The stick usually arrives in a clear plastic bag which will hold the stick together in its folded position until it is removed. A more effective way is to keep your arm in a fairly neutral position (which is with a very slight bend) and use the shoulders to propel yourself forwards. Determine the proper height for your walking stick by measuring your height, as outlined in our previous article. Start with the grip. Adjusting your walking stick is a simple process that can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Adjust the strap tension so it supports your hand without requiring you to grip the poles tightly. The two kinds of poles have some key differences. View our articles on the latest mobility products and features with disability bloggers. . If your pole has multiple adjustable sections, start with the lowest part. When you use a stick that is adjusted to your height, it reduces the amount of strain and pressure on your joints, which can alleviate pain and discomfort. Community content from Health Unlocked - This will open in a new window. Josh earned his B.A. In this article, we will discuss the different types of walking sticks and their features, as well as how to choose the right walking stick for your needs. The durable, aluminum cane comes in black and several colorful patterns, which are chip-resistant. We spoke with home contractors and considered compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most handles are designed to fit the contour of your hand and provide a secure grip. It is typically made of wood or metal and is longer than a standard walking stick. Take a few more steps, testing your walking stick for stability. Trekking poles reduce downhill walking-induced muscle and cartilage damage in obese women. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the stick and remove any dirt or debris. We've put together another blog that you may find helpful How To Use and Adjust Folding Walking Canes. A walking stick can be a valuable tool for anyone who needs support while walking. Stand up straight and keep your shoulders relaxed to ensure correct use of the poles. This is a small upward motion of the forearm or a slight wrist flick. Extend it as necessary until it has reached maximum length, then move onto the next part if you still want it to be longer. Adjust the handle of the walking stick so that it fits comfortably in your hand. For more about how we use cookies, please see our, Our Guide to Adjusting Your Walking Stick. Some factors to consider include: Walking stick accessories can greatly enhance your walking experience by providing additional stability, support, and comfort. You are free to manage these via your browser settings at any time. It is not a substitute for correct and accurate diagnosis or recommendation or treatment by a medical professional. Ideal for strolling through the park or walking on trails, each Brazos Fitness Walker Walking Stick is handcrafted in the United States from a single piece of solid oak wood. Learn how to sit to stand and walk with a walking stick, Source: How To: Unfold Your Folding Walking Stick If you have recently ordered a folding walking stick and this is its first use, ensure that all packaging and tags are removed. Business, NHS, Schools, Colleges & Council Orders. 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Stability - Consider your level of stability when choosing a walking stick. Josh Goldbach is an Outdoor Education Expert and the Executive Director of Bold Earth Adventures. Questions answered! Most relevant Humans vary so much in height the length of our arms and legs, even the height of the heels on our shoes will have an effect. To see the full range click here. Dirt and moisture can ruin the expander pieces in your poles over time, so it's a good idea in general to the poles clean, or even disassemble them after each use. Trekking poles reduce exercise-induced muscle injury during mountain walking. There are several types of walking sticks available, each with its own unique features and benefits. They can be especially helpful during winter months or if you live in an area with frequent snow or ice. You may need to walk with a cane if you've recently had surgery, or if you need a little extra help with balance or muscle weakness. Do you need a walking stick? Expect to let each coat of stain dry overnight, and to lightly sand and wipe clean between applications. Please note:The tension in the elasticated bungee cord can be quite strong, so ensure you are in a safe environment when folding/unfolding the stick. Slide the walking stick to the desired height, making sure that it reaches the crease in your wrist when your arm is hanging down by your side. four separate actions. Apply the finish again. How to Choose Walking Hiking Sticks and Trekking Poles How to Adjust Trekking Poles Adjustable walking poles will have a number of different sections that can be twisted to adjust the length. Stand up straight with your back against a wall, making sure your heels touch the wall. Spring pins Choosing a new walking stick can be a daunting task, but there are a few key factors to consider that can make the process easier. Eye-ball the length of your pole When you are holding the pole with the pole angled back so that the tip of the pole is by your foot, then your arm should be bent. Then the person should position the walking stick next to the user, and measure the distance between wrist bone and the floor - this is the height of stick that you require. Unfortunately with non-adjustable walking sticks this process isnt too forgiving if you didnt get it right the first time. presentation was absolutely the best! Copyright 2023, The Ability Superstore. Look for a tip that's appropriate for the surfaces you'll be walking on most frequently. Relax your hold on the pole so that the pole can rotate forward and back between your thumb and forefinger. To fix this problem, simply replace the rubber tip. Grip and handle - The grip and handle of your walking stick should be comfortable and provide a secure grip. In this article, we'll go over how to measure your height for the right walking stick and the importance of doing so. A limitation of carbon fiber is that its more brittle than other materials like aluminum. 143 54K views 9 years ago Adjusting walking & trekking poles is easier than you think. Tips on How to Use Walking Poles the Right Way - Roaming Spices It can provide proper support, reduce pain and discomfort, improve balance and stability, increase confidence, and enhance your posture. Make sure that your walking stick remains stable and doesn't wobble or slip. The top of the walking stick should be at the crease of your wrist. Thanks to the quick twist fixation, the hiking poles are easy to adjust to your height and weight. Find the right length: You're aiming for a 90-degree bend at your elbow when pole tips touch the ground. Adjust the length of the poles, so you maintain an angled elbow as your poles contact the ground. PDF Service User Information Leaflet - NHS Fife With almost 15 years of experience, Josh specializes in outdoor adventure trips for teens both in the United States and internationally. You can mark your adjustments with a permanent marker if you'd like, making it easier to adjust in the future. Finish the step normally with your good leg. Whether you need a cane on a permanent or regular basis, there are many options to consider. In order to make this stylish walking cane we used world color tendencies. To unlock you will twist the pole one way and to lock you will twist the opposite way, this will often be indicated by arrows on the poles. The goal of hiking poles is to provide additional stability, so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable when using them. Folding seats - Folding seats are accessories that can be attached to your walking stick to provide a place to rest during longer walks. No matter how you like to sleep, youre sure to find a great fit. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Loosen the locking mechanism on the walking stick. Folding cane - A folding cane is a walking stick that can be folded up for easy storage and transport. If you often have to lift the poles over rocks or grass, you may want to shorten the poles a little. In conclusion, using a walking stick that is adjusted to your height can provide numerous benefits to your mobility and overall health. Step 2:Repeat this process for all remaining sections of the stick and fold in a zig-zag motion. If they do, it is simply to prevent them from slipping out of your hands. Keep the poles ahead of your body. When choosing a walking stick, consider your height, weight capacity, grip and handle, stability, and intended use. This article has been viewed 62,143 times. How do I determine the right Walking Stick length for me? Dont forget to take off the rubber ferrule from the cut end and replace it back onto your shortened stick. Step 2:Set to the required height by pressing the push button pin and sliding the telescopic handle section upwards or downwards until the pin pops out the required hole. If you find that the straps on your trekking poles irritate your hands, you may want to wear bike gloves. One of the most common problems with walking sticks is loose joints. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Adjust-Hiking-Poles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Adjust-Hiking-Poles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Adjust-Hiking-Poles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1557512-v4-728px-Adjust-Hiking-Poles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"