A Short Guide on How to Correctly Use a Walking Stick

A walking cane is used to give the body and the spinal cord support after an injury or a disability. A walking cane should essentially be able to support the weight of the user, while he is walking or standing upright. A walking cane usually comes with clear guidelines for the user. 

It can be classified into standard, extra strength, and petite. A well designed cane is able to support the major portion of the weight of the person who is using it. Using a cane enables a person to walk with confidence on slippery and uneven surfaces. It makes him or her mobile for a few more years and prevents him from being dependent on anyone. A professional should be consulted to get guidelines about the weight of cane that should be opted for. Have a look at a short guide on how to use a walking stick correctly.

1. Walking with a cane

Like any other medical aid or accessory there is right and a wrong way of walking with a cane. For starters a cane should always be used in the hand opposite tot the injury, especially in cases where the patient is recovering from a broken leg, hip or a knee surgery. When the cane is held in the opposite hand, the recovering muscles get a chance to exercise, as the majority of the load is shifted to the other limb. Always remember when walking with a cane, the opposite foot and the cane should touch the ground at the same time. The purpose of a cane is to avoid any more injuries and protect the joints from any wear and tear. 

2. Calculating the Correct Height of the Walking Cane

The walking cane user should stand absolutely straight, with his feet joined. He should preferably get measured in the shoes he wears regularly. His arms should be hanging on his sides in a natural manner. The steps are as follows-

·         The user needs to face a tall mirror and locate the bump of bone on the little finger side of your wrist, or take help from somebody

·         The position of this bone is the location where the top of the walking cane handle will reach.

·         It should allow the elbow to be bent at a small angle of 30 degrees, when holding the stick.

3. Handles on Walking Canes

A walking cane gives support on the basis of its handle style, the weight it can bear and the length of the cane in proportion to the user.

Handles are made of a wide range of materials, forms and thicknesses. Ergonomic handles are those that are designed in such a way, so as to cause no pain to the wrist, fingers and palm. They can also be custom made for the right or left hand. These handles suit most people and especially those suffering from arthritis. It should be kept in mind that walking canes that are marked as novelty are usually collector’s item and not meant for medical support. 

4. Important Tips

Try not to hobble when walking with a cane. Hobbling puts undue stress on the lower spine and back, and makes the leg lose its strength. If the cane is being used just to balance, then either hand is acceptable. Let the comfort level of the user be the guide for such cases. No slip rubber ferrules are a good option to prevent the user from slipping. They should never be placed too far or the user could fall or slip. It is strongly advised to wear strong and low heeled shoes, with non slip soles. Wet floors and uneven surfaces should be avoided if possible. Do not be in a rush to walk, walk slow and steady.

Ditch the Crutches – Physicians Recommend Knee Walkers

If you need to be outside & mobile, and crutches or a regular walker doesn’t help, a knee walker can be of great help. It will improve mobility and you can walk around easily without having to rely on someone.

A knee walker has two tyres in the front and one section at the back.

The back wheel is always stationery; only the front ones turn.

It can be easily folded and packed tightly with the help of straps.

Listed below are some of the biggest advantages that explain the reason why so many people use knee walkers in Florida.

1. Faster healing

A patient using conventional crutches tends to keep his injured foot down once in a while.

The weight that the leg feels during that time can hamper the healing process and even result in serious injuries.

A tired patient obviously need more time to heal completely.

Such situations never arise with a knee walker; the injured leg is always resting and weight of the upper body is never shifted to the injured limb.

The arms too won’t get tired.

Knee walkers do not tire and support the healing process completely.

2. Better Functionality

Knee walkers can be maneuvered with one arm; other hand is free to carry things or just be at rest.
Some knee walkers available in Florida have built-in baskets; it is easy to carry things around for a patient using them.

Constant use of crutches leaves a patient’s hands dirty and sweaty especially if hand grips are held tightly for long. 

This is not the case with a knee walker.

3. Superior Stability

Walking with crutches is a balancing act that can go wrong the moment your attention is diverted.

In bad weather especially, it is very risky to go out on crutches.

Knee walkers will provide more stability in almost all conditions except snow. The brakes on the walker will control the speed at all times and will never let the patient lose his balance.

4. More Flexibility

Steering in a walker is done by the good leg, while you kneel with an injured leg on the seat.

The handle bars can be adjusted according to the height of the user and the brakes allow easy mobility control.

The handles can be folded and the seat collapsed when you need to fold it and carry it in a vehicle.

Source - WNR blog