Most people who start using a walking stick receive very little instruction on how to use it. A few things done wrong from the beginning can make the stick less effective and, in some cases, cause the discomfort it was supposed to prevent.
Which hand to use
This is the most common mistake. Most people instinctively hold a walking stick on the same side as their pain or weakness. The correct technique for most situations is the opposite: hold the stick on the stronger side.
When you hold the stick on your stronger side and plant it as you step with your weaker leg, the stick and the weak leg move together. This distributes weight through the stick and across your body in a way that mirrors natural walking mechanics.
There are exceptions; your physiotherapist or GP can advise if your situation requires a different approach, but for most people, stronger side is the right answer.
Getting the height right
Stand normally in the shoes you wear most often. Let your arm hang at your side with a slight bend at the elbow. The top of your walking stick should sit level with the crease of your wrist.
A stick set too short forces you to hunch. Too tall and you cannot put proper weight through it. Both create strain rather than relieving it.
The ooak Uno comes in three fixed sizes (Small 80 cm, Medium 85 cm, Large 90 cm). Our sizing guide helps you find the right one based on your height.
The walking pattern
Move the stick and your opposite (weaker) leg forward at the same time. The stick plants as the weaker leg steps. Then your stronger leg follows.
Stick and weak leg together. Strong leg follows. This takes a little conscious effort at first and becomes automatic quickly.
Stairs
Going up: lead with the stronger leg, then bring the stick and weaker leg up together.
Going down: plant the stick on the lower step first, then step down with the weaker leg, then follow with the stronger leg.
If there is a handrail, use it on the opposite side from your stick.
On different surfaces
Polished floors, wet tiles, and loose gravel all reduce grip. Check the rubber foot on your stick regularly. A worn foot is a safety issue and should be replaced. The foot on the ooak Uno is natural rubber, it can be replaced if / when it wears down.
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