Walking sticks

Just to add that each stick does have a rubber tip.

Do you hold your stick in your right hand and move it forward with your left leg?

You should hold the stick in the hand which is opposite to the leg which needs support. For each step - when you put weight on the affected leg - you use the stick simultaneously in the other hand to help spread the load. The follow up step is with your stronger leg. After a time you will get into a rhythm and not have to think about it.

However when I go UP stairs I find it more convenient to hold the stick on the affected leg side and use the other hand to grasp the bannister rail for support. My staits have a rail on only one side so I come down in the normal way with the stick in the opposite hand.

I hope this makes sense!

I do hold my stick in my right hand. I've been on Amazon and see that there are tips available with 3 rubber feet and reviews are good. Sounds like a good idea.

biglouis - I just found a video on Utube which demonstrated exactly as you describe. I will need to practice with the action and rhythm. Thank you.

I have spinal stenosis too Coolgran. I use a rollator, a folding walking frame on wheels and find it much easier than using a stick. It evens out my gait and has the great virtue of being able to stand on its own so I’m not juggling sticks when trying to pay for something. Mine has a seat so I can sit down if the pain gets too much.

Could you ask for a referral to the OT dept.?
They changed my walking stick to one with an ergonomic handle and advised me how to use it properly.
It did make a difference.

Sympathies for your pain.
You would probably find two sticks better than one because your posture will be better taking stress from your right side to the centre.
Two sticks can be difficult for shopping etc but for a walk it’s much preferable to use two.
I began a hip and knee thread over 2 years ago when I was snout to have a hip op. It doesn’t often get into the Active thread but can be found under the health forum . Look out for the dancing girls 👯‍♀️

Would say the guided injection I had didn’t help me either. Disappointing of course.

Most people have walking sticks that are too long for correct use. There are videos on line showing that the handle should be level with the inside of your wrist where it joins the hand, with a straight arm.

I’d suggest a professional to assess your use of sticks. There are rules you should follow but there are alway anomalies whereby an assessment by a physio in gait reeducation would be your best bet, maybe through your local surgery.

I have the 3 footed rubber tip on my stick- it's so much more secure than trying to balance on a single point. Well worth buying.