How to use walking sticks

Walking with a walking stick or a pair of walking sticks

• Using one walking stick:
  The walking stick should be used in the opposite hand to the affected or weaker leg. Place the stick forwards a stride length and placed out to the side a small way to keep it away from your foot for safety. Step forwards with your affected leg. Push some weight onto the stick as required for support and then step forwards with your unaffected leg.
• Using a pair of walking sticks:
  The sticks are placed forwards together a stride length and placed out to each side a small way to keep them away from your feet for safety. Step forwards with your affected leg. Push some weight onto the sticks as required for support and then step forwards with your unaffected leg.

Standing up

Hold the walking stick(s) with one hand in front of you on your un-affected side, by the handle(s). Place your other hand on the arm of the chair. Lean forward, use your un-affected foot and your free hand on the arm of the chair (not on the walking stick(s)), to push forwards and up to standing.

Once balanced, place your hand(s) onto the handle(s) of your stick(s), ready to walk.

Sitting down

Walk up to the chair as close as it is safe to do so. Slowly turn around until you can feel the chair with the back of your legs. Place the walking stick(s) in front of you but do not overreach. If using a pair of sticks then place both handles together, holding with your un-affected side’s hand by the handles. If using one stick, hold with your un-affected side’s hand by the handle. Reach down with your free hand for the arm of the chair and bend a little forward. Then lower gently into the chair.

When sitting always place your sticks nearby to be able to reach them safely.

Going upstairs

Hold onto the handrail on one side and use the stick in the other hand. If you are using a pair of walking sticks, hold the spare walking stick horizontally in the fingers of the hand, using the stick on the other side. Step up with the unaffected leg first, then step up with the affected leg to the same step, followed by the stick. Taking weight through both hands onto the handrail and walking stick to support your affected leg.

Going downstairs

Hold onto the handrail on one side and use the stick in the other hand. If you are using a pair of walking sticks, hold the spare walking stick horizontally in the fingers of the hand using the stick on the other side. Place the stick down first then place the hand a small distance down on the handrail. Taking some weight through the stick and with your hand on the rail, step down with your affected leg onto the step below followed by the unaffected leg to the same step.

If there is no handrail use both walking sticks in the same sequence as above to go up and down stairs and steps.

Safety advice

• The life expectancy of walking aids is estimated at 2 years.
• Do not use the stick(s) if you feel it is faulty or damaged.
• Ensure the stick is adjusted to the correct height before use. The hand grip should be at wrist height.
• When using 2 sticks make sure they are adjusted to the same height.
• Ensure there are no loose rugs or obstacles in the area.
• Avoid wet or slippery floors.
• Always try to use a chair with arms and a high seat.
• Make sure you are wearing supportive flat shoes.
• Be careful of slipping in icy conditions or on wet leaves.
• Do not store in sub-zero temperatures.

Safety checks

Please ensure walking sticks are checked regularly for safe use.

• Worn or split ferrules (rubber feet) need replacing.
• Check the tubing is not bent or cracked.
• Check the adjustment holes are not stretched – they should be round in shape.
• Ensure the clips come out through the adjustment holes.
• Check the handles are not loose.

If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your walking aid please contact the department that supplied it or your GP Practice.

Contact us

If you require further information please contact us on:

The Friarage Hospital Northallerton: 01609 763046

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