How To Walk With A Walking Stick

The purpose of mobility aid products such as walking sticks is to help users move freely by offering support. The use of walking sticks also promises to alleviate pain and discomfort for users and plays an important part in the healing process. To reap all these advantages, users need to know the correct way of using mobility aids. To achieve this objective, they need to avoid certain mistakes while walking with the help of a stick to avoid inconvenience and accidents.

Using an Improperly Adjusted Walking Stick

Users need to adjust their walking sticks to proper height before using the walking aid. An improperly adjusted stick won’t offer the support the user needs and can result in a fall. Users who find difficulty determining the correct height of the stick, can consult their therapist or talk to a medical walker manufacturer or walker mobility aid manufacturer who can provide useful tips on proper ways to use a walking.

Holding the Stick in the Wrong Hand

Many users strain their weak/injured/operated legs when they hold the stick in the hand that corresponds to the weak leg. To avoid this problem they need to ensure without fail that they always hold the stick in the hand opposite to the injured leg. Doing so is necessary to ensure the affected part gets maximum support and is necessary to speed up the recovery process.

Dragging the Stick While Walking

Users need to place the walking step close by their side while using them in such a way that the tip remains a few inches from the body. Doing so is necessary to ensure that they don’t have to stretch out as it can result in loss of balance and control. Users also need to maintain the correct upright posture while walking to make sure the walking aid serves its purpose.

Using the Wrong Walking Aid

Walking sticks are of different types, and one size doesn’t fit all. It is, therefore, imperative for users to determine their needs and health condition before choosing a walking stick. For example, someone who suffers from acute wrist pain may need a stick with an anatomically shaped handle that distributes the weight over the palm. Further people who are tall can use adjustable walking sticks and customize its height according to their preference.  

Conclusion

Apart from following the above tips, users also need to slow down while ascending and descending stairs to avoid accidents. Additionally, if they face any issues related to the use of walking aids they need to contact their therapist immediately. These specialists are trained to understand user needs and can provide important tips to ensure a swift recovery.