29 June 2020
Walking sticks are popular mobility aids that can offer support to people who are still quite mobile but require a bit of extra stability due to reduced balance or pain when walking.
Whether someone is spending more time outdoors or just moving around at home, we’ve put together 5 top tips to consider before purchasing a walking stick so everyone can get the most from their walking aid, wherever they are.
If a person is having difficulty with their mobility, they can request a needs assessment via their GP to discuss their requirements with a physiotherapist. At Healthcare Pro we offer a free Expert Advice Service, run by our professional in-house Clinical Team. One of our expert team will respond with professional guidance about products which may support the person’s needs. Please note our clinical team can only advise on the information that has been provided to them.
It’s important that a walking stick is the right height for the user to prevent uncomfortable bending and ensure maximum stability. To measure for the right height, the person should stand in a natural position wearing their regular walking shoes. The top of the walking stick should be level with the wrist joint, so the height from the floor to their wrist can be measured to find the most suitable height for their walking stick. There are a range of walking sticks that can be altered to find the best height for the user.
Many walking sticks include rubber ferrules that help to improve grip and reduce the risk of slips and falls when the walking stick is in use. It is important to change ferrules if they become worn to ensure the person using the walking stick has maximum support. Grey and black ferrules can be purchased separately from walking sticks, and there are also more advanced ferrules, such as the Flexifoot Ferrule which has shock absorbing abilities and improved grip.
Walking sticks typically feature one foot which can provide sufficient support for many people. However, some walking sticks are designed with multiple feet that make up a wider base. A tripod walking stick includes three feet and can provide extra stability to support a person’s balance when they are moving around at home or outdoors.
With so many different styles of walking stick to choose from, there are plenty of unique features to be found that could be beneficial. Folding walking sticks are popular for their ability to be stored compactly in a bag or car and are ideal if a person only requires support some of the time. Healthcare Pro provide a range of folding walking sticks that are available in different colours and patterns, enabling people to choose a style they love, as well as getting the support they need.
Some walking sticks even feature a fold down seat so the user can sit down when they need to rest. These walking sticks, also known as cane seats, can be helpful if a person is getting out and about often and would benefit from taking short breaks.
To view the whole range of walking sticks available at Healthcare Pro please visit our website. If you require some professional guidance about which product is suitable for your needs or the needs of a person you are caring for, you can contact our Clinical Team by emailing productadvice@healthcarepro.co.uk
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