Walking sticks are used by people who experience difficulty in moving around due to an injury or an operation. The use of walking aids offers support to the user by balancing their body weight. Using a walking aid also helps people who have undergone a surgery avoid further injuries and falls. Walking support stick suppliers / aluminium walking stick manufacturers offer different options to people seeking walking aids. To ensure that they pick the correct stick and use it properly, patients need to follow the important tips that the blog mentions.
Choosing the Correct Stick
Different people use walking aids for distinct purposes, and have different usage patterns; therefore, there’s no single product that can meet the requirements of different users. It is, therefore, imperative that users consider the following factors while choosing a walking aid.
The Stick’s Height
Using a short / long stick can result in inconveniences and may do more harm than good to the user’s cause. It is, therefore, important for users to know the height of the stick they should be using. To achieve this objective, they need to follow the below steps.
- The user should stand facing a wall with their normal footwear on
- A helper can then measure the distance between the ground and the top line of the wrist for the intended user. The measurement is the correct length of the walking stick the user would be needing
The User’s Condition
People who need more stability can opt for sticks that have a swan- necked shaft. The designing of these sticks spread the person’s weight over the base, therefore, offering a firm and even grip. For patients who suffer from acute wrist pain and find it difficult to grip the stick, opting for a stick with an anatomically shaped handle, which allows it to distribute pressure over the wider area of palm can be a prudent option. Additionally, patients suffering from mild, sensory or coordination problems and need an aid that offers support can opt for a standard stick. For patients experiencing osteoarthritic hip or knee pain opting for an offset cane that can bear more weight will be a more suitable choice as compared to other options.
Using the Walking Stick
Patients can follow the following tips while using the stick to ensure they get proper support for their leg.
The Proper Movement Pattern
Patients need to hold the walking stick in the hand opposite to the affected leg. While moving forward, users need to synchronize their movement to ensure the stick moves with the weak leg. Doing so provides support to the affected leg, therefore, ensuring better mobility for the user.
Using the Stick on Steps
While climbing steps, users can grab the railing for extra support and need to place their unaffected leg forward to ensure proper transfer of body weight. When descending the stairs, users need to place their cane on the lower step, followed by the unaffected leg and then the affected leg.
Conclusion
Users can follow the above tips to ensure they get proper support while moving with the help of a walking stick. Patients also need to check the ferrule of the stick they use at regular intervals and should order a replacement if it is worn and is no longer fit for use. Doing so is necessary from the safety perspective as the ferrule helps the stick establish grip over the walking area, therefore, helping the user avoid falls and accidents.
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