A walking stick, often called a cane, serves as a mobility aid, redistributing weight and improving balance. Determining the correct height is paramount, as an improperly sized stick compromises safety, stability, and comfort. The proper fit ensures the stick supports the body efficiently, maintaining a natural posture and gait pattern.
The Essential Measurement Rule
To find the correct height, the user should stand upright wearing their usual walking shoes, as heel height affects measurement accuracy. The individual should stand on a flat surface with their arms relaxed and hanging naturally at their sides.
The ideal height for the stick’s handle should align with the crease of the wrist or the prominent ulnar styloid process (the wrist bone on the pinky side of the forearm). This measurement is taken as the distance from the floor to this specific wrist point. Matching the handle height to this wrist level ensures the stick is proportionate to the user’s body structure and provides necessary leverage.
Verifying the Ideal Elbow Angle
Once the stick is set to the measured height, a secondary check involves verifying the elbow angle when gripping the handle. Proper stick height requires a slight bend in the elbow, typically falling within a range of 15 to 30 degrees. A common and comfortable target angle is often considered to be around 20 degrees.
This slight elbow flexion allows the arm to absorb shock with each step, preventing excessive force from traveling into the shoulder joint. Maintaining this angle also permits a more natural, relaxed grip on the handle, reducing pressure on the wrist and hand joints.
Safety Risks of Improper Adjustment
Using a walking stick that is not correctly sized can lead to physical consequences and increase the risk of falls. If the stick is too high, the user is forced to hike their shoulder up when gripping the handle, straining the neck and shoulder muscles. This unnatural elevation results in poor posture and makes it difficult to effectively bear weight through the stick.
Conversely, if the stick is too low, the individual will tend to stoop or lean forward to reach the handle. This forward-bent posture compromises balance by shifting the center of mass forward, increasing the likelihood of a fall. A stick that is too short also promotes chronic issues like back pain and neck strain due to sustained spinal misalignment.