walking sticks

I bought a folding one for my husband. It was more cumbersome somehow and much less easy to find the correct height. I would go for an ‘ordinary’ one which you will be able to adjust to the length which is best for you.

Thanks midgey.

I use a walking pole rather than a stick if I know I’m likely to be on uneven ground or steep steps without a handrail. It collapses and fits in my shoulder bag just the same as a folding walking stick.

They enable you to walk upright and not stooping forward.

merlotgran

I use a walking pole rather than a stick if I know I’m likely to be on uneven ground or steep steps without a handrail. It collapses and fits in my shoulder bag just the same as a folding walking stick.

They enable you to walk upright and not stooping forward.

Walking poles also tend to have a spring in that takes the strain off knees. Also if you remove the rubber ferrule they usually have a spike which is very useful for walking on uneven or slippery ground as well as grass.

Liz can you ask to be referred to a balance group to get guidance on exercising for this matter.
You could carry a stick when out and about in the meantime.

I use walking poles. I walk so much better and further with them because as Avalon said they take a lot of the weight and strain off your knees. They also stop me falling and give me a core workout as well as the exercise on your arms and shoulders. I found with a walking stick I was stooped over . I have severe arthritus in my knee

I use a Leki stick, which telescopes - not quite as easy to tuck away as a folding one, but much more reliable. It has a spike and a ferrule that you can put over the spike.
It's a good idea - I'd also suggest that if out walking for any distance, and it's practical, then use 2 walking poles.
And ask your GP surgery (easiest to send them a message) to ask about balance groups or physio referrals. In my area we can self refer, which saves GP appointments.

Liz this is my walking stick. Been using the same type since I was 29 that's 35 years. Because I have to lean on it I would never trust a folding one. Hence the adjustable one so I can hold it at the right height for mid hip height. You can get fancy ones if you like . But bog standard one works for me .

It’s always better to use two poles/sticks than one . Unlike a single one they They keep you up straight and are probably safer.

Thank you all for your very good advice.

Get a nice bright colour makes it easier to find if you put it down There are some really attractive patterns. Let’s face if it looks good you are more likely to use it
Yes it does remind you to stand up straight and wards off a playful dog hurtling around you on the beach or in the park

We have a 'Hurry Cane' - it has a different tip which gives a bit of stability. It comes in a range of colours. Ours doesn't fold but there are models that do. Lots of different ones come up it you Google. We bought it because we liked the play on words though!

I once bought a folding walking stick, but when it was folded it was too bulky for even a capacious handbag. Now I use an adjustable stick which I have been able to adapt to my height.

I was given a folding one, it's ok but rather wobbly compared to the sturdy NHS one.

Walking poles are good, if you use two, it looks as if you're hiking rather than hobbling.

Whiff

Liz this is my walking stick. Been using the same type since I was 29 that's 35 years. Because I have to lean on it I would never trust a folding one. Hence the adjustable one so I can hold it at the right height for mid hip height. You can get fancy ones if you like . But bog standard one works for me .

That's like my NHS one, good and sturdy.

If I remember right when you use two walking poles you you move the pole forward with the leg on that side not the opposite leg. I automatically used the pole opposite to the leg that was moving forward but read that I was doing it the wrong way round ( does that make sense?). However, I don’t use them as much as I’d like for fear of spearing my dog. And if I’m not walking the dog I’ve usually got a torch in one hand so I can only carry one pole. They have stopped me falling on several occasions, though. I don’t lift my feet as much as I used to and am always tripping over my own feet.

Where did you learn this? I was taught to use opposite pole and leg, always.

Anyone considering using a walking stick should see a Physio to get advice on type to use, and more importantly, how to use it or them. I so often see people using a stick on their bad/weak side, when it should be used on the other side. Using the wrong sticks, and wrongly, can cause more damage than good.

Fleurpepper

Where did you learn this? I was taught to use opposite pole and leg, always.

Anyone considering using a walking stick should see a Physio to get advice on type to use, and more importantly, how to use it or them. I so often see people using a stick on their bad/weak side, when it should be used on the other side. Using the wrong sticks, and wrongly, can cause more damage than good.

Where did you learn this? I was taught to use opposite pole and leg, always.
So was I.

And yes, I was told to use the one stick on the opposite side by the Physio when I had an ankle injury.
Mind you, sometimes I don't know which side is worse!

Crikey. I’ve just looked up different techniques for using walking poles and I’m totally confused now especially as I have no coordination whatsoever!

MayBee70

Crikey. I’ve just looked up different techniques for using walking poles and I’m totally confused now especially as I have no coordination whatsoever!

Just don't trip over them!

Precisely. I have enough trouble keeping my legs under control. One thing I read said to treat them as an extension of my legs and have them behind me not in front. I’d end up walking backwards!