Arthritis changes how you walk before you even notice it. You start favouring one side. You slow down on stairs. You stop volunteering for the long walk because it takes too much out of you the next day. At some point, a walking stick stops being something you might need someday and becomes something that could genuinely help right now.
The question is: what actually makes a walking stick better for someone with arthritis? Because not all sticks are equal, and the wrong one can make things worse.
Why arthritis and walking sticks are a good match
Arthritis affects roughly one in six New Zealanders, with osteoarthritis being the most common form, predominantly affecting the knees, hips, and hands. Arthritis New Zealand notes that appropriate mobility aids are one of the most effective strategies for managing joint pain and reducing load on affected areas. A well-fitted walking stick can reduce the compressive load on an arthritic knee by up to 25 percent, which is significant when you consider that everyday walking generates forces several times body weight through that joint.
That load reduction matters. It is the difference between a walk that causes a flare and a walk that does not. Over time it affects how much you move, and how much you move affects everything else.
The handle is the most important thing
For someone with arthritis, particularly hand or wrist arthritis, the handle is where the walking stick either works or fails. A straight T-bar handle transfers load through a very small contact point, which concentrates pressure. Over the length of a walk, this becomes painful.
An ergonomic handle redistributes that pressure across the palm. The ooak Uno uses a handle with a natural dip that fits the curve of your hand. Your wrist sits in a neutral position rather than being cocked sideways or downward. This matters most for people with wrist arthritis or anyone who uses their stick for long stretches.
Handle material also matters. Foam grips compress and degrade. Wooden handles can become slippery with damp hands. The recycled plastic compound used on the Uno is non-slip when wet and does not degrade over years of regular use.
Height is not optional
A stick at the wrong height does not just feel uncomfortable, it actively undermines the point. Too short and you hunch, transferring load to your back. Too tall and your shoulder takes the strain. The correct height for a walking stick is your wrist crease measurement when standing naturally. Our sizing guide covers this in detail.
For people with arthritis that affects the spine or shoulder, getting the height right is especially critical. A slight adjustment can be the difference between a stick that helps and one that creates a secondary problem.
Fixed length versus adjustable
Most pharmacy walking sticks are adjustable. The telescoping mechanism sounds convenient but introduces flex and instability into the stick. When you are leaning on something for balance and load transfer, stability matters.
Fixed-length sticks are structurally stronger and more reliable. The ooak Uno is fixed length, available in small (80 cm), medium (85 cm), and large (90 cm). You choose the right size for your height and that is it. There is nothing to slip, loosen, or break mid-walk.
Style is a legitimate consideration
If you find a walking stick embarrassing, you will use it less than you should. The psychological side of mobility aid adoption is well established. People who feel good about the object are more likely to use it consistently, and consistent use is what delivers the clinical benefit. We wrote about this in more depth in our piece on overcoming the stigma of using a walking stick.
The ooak Uno comes in oak or walnut with eight colour combinations. It looks like something a person chose, not something that was handed to them at a medical supply counter. That distinction, small as it sounds, changes how often people reach for it.
If you have questions about which stick would suit you best, reach out at store@ooak.co or visit the full range.
