A walking stick, often called a cane, is a common mobility aid designed to improve balance, increase stability, and reduce the load placed on one or both lower limbs. Utilizing this device correctly is necessary to achieve its benefits, as improper use can introduce new problems like poor posture, joint strain, or an increased risk of falling. The proper method is rooted in biomechanical principles that mimic a natural and healthy gait pattern.
Holding the Stick on the Correct Side
The definitive rule for using a single walking stick is to hold it in the hand opposite the weak, injured, or painful leg. This placement is not intuitive for many people, but it is supported by the way the human body naturally moves and distributes weight. When a person walks, the arm on one side swings forward simultaneously with the opposite leg, a synchronized movement that maintains balance.
Holding the stick opposite the affected leg allows the user to continue this natural reciprocal arm swing. The stick acts as an extension of the strong-side arm, allowing it to move forward at the same time as the weak leg makes contact with the ground. This technique enables the stick to absorb some of the impact and weight, reducing the vertical force placed on the painful joint, which is the primary goal of the aid.
A common mistake is holding the stick on the same side as the injury, which fails to unload the joint and disrupts the normal walking rhythm. When the weak leg is bearing weight, the user should simultaneously press down on the stick with the opposite hand, momentarily transferring pressure away from the affected side.
Adjusting the Walking Stick to the Right Height
Proper sizing of the walking stick is just as important as correct placement to prevent discomfort, shoulder strain, and poor posture. A stick that is too long forces the shoulder upward, causing neck and shoulder tension, while one that is too short causes the user to lean forward.
To measure the ideal height, a person should stand upright while wearing their typical walking shoes, allowing their arms to hang naturally at their sides. The top of the stick’s handle should align with the crease of the wrist when the arm is relaxed. This measurement ensures the upper body remains level and relaxed during use.
A correctly sized stick will also allow the elbow to have a slight bend when the user grips the handle. This slight elbow flexion should measure between 15 to 20 degrees, providing the necessary leverage to press down on the stick effectively. Maintaining this slight bend is necessary to absorb body weight and minimize the repetitive stress on the wrist and elbow joints.
Using the Stick While Moving and on Stairs
Integrating the walking stick into a smooth gait cycle requires a coordinated three-point movement pattern. The stick must move forward at the same time as the weak or injured leg. Both the stick and the weak leg should strike the ground together, followed by the strong leg stepping through to complete the stride. This sequence allows the strong leg to momentarily support the full body weight while the weak leg and the stick are simultaneously advanced.
When navigating elevations, such as stairs or curbs, a specific technique is used to maximize stability and minimize stress on the weak limb. The general principle is often summarized as, “Up with the good, and down with the bad.”
To ascend a step, the strong leg should lead, stepping onto the next level first. The walking stick and the weak leg then follow, joining the strong leg on the same step. Conversely, to descend a step, the stick and the weak leg should step down first. The strong leg then follows, controlling the body’s descent and providing stability.