Choosing the Right Walking Stick

MACPHERSON, Singapore - Nov. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- No doubt that there are many benefits derived from using a walking stick. A walking stick is not only an aid for support but it also contributes towards active ageing.  To fully utilize its benefits, the walking stick has to be fully suited for the older persons. With its big market, choosing the right walking stick may become a confusing issue. Thus this article is meant to help and give advice on how to choose the right walking stick.

Usually the first consideration when it comes to choosing a walking stick is the type of tip. The tip of the walking stick is made of rubber and found on the bottom of the walking stick. The tip also absorbs the weight impact of the user.  A good tip will grip the floor and will not slide. In addition the tip should be supple and in good shape.

There are 2 types of walking stick tips, the single tip and quadruple tips. The single tip helps the user maintain their balance. This type of tip is suitable for users who need a walking stick mainly for support while walking. The quadruple tips on the other hand are suitable to bear the weight of the user. This means that the quadruple tips will enable users to somewhat lean their weight on the walking stick. Trends also show that users who are less mobile and have joint pains prefer to use walking sticks with quadruple tips compared to single tip.

Ensuring the ideal height of the walking stick is extremely important. The perfect height of the walking stick should enable the user’s elbow to bend slightly (approximately 20 to 30 degrees) while gripping the handle of the walking stick. The top of the walking stick should also be the height of the crease in the user’s wrist. A walking stick that is too tall will cause soreness or injuries after prolonged usage. Walking sticks which are too short will cause instability as excess weight is placed on it. Fortunately most of the walking sticks available now are height adjustable for convenience and suitability.

A question that was quite common would be on whether a wooden handle is better than a plastic handle. The answer would be that it depends on the preference of the user. A wooden handle will usually have a matte finish and smoother to hold. A plastic handle is usually slightly lighter and has a simpler finish. Other types of handle include foam and rubber. The right type of handle is when the user feels comfortable gripping the walking stick for long periods.

While choosing a walking stick, the length of the handle should also be considered. The length of the handle should be just right for the user to grip. This means that the handle should not be too small causing insufficient grip. The handle should also not be too long as it will cause the user’s grip to slip off the handle. Users with arthritis or other joint pains might prefer a handle with a larger grip. Choosing the appropriate handle length will relieve unnecessary stress on joints and help prevent joint deformities. A signal that the walking stick handle is unsuitable would be numbness or pain in hand or fingers.

There are a few consideration factors when it comes to choosing the right walking stick. When these considerations are fulfilled, the quality of the walking experience of your elderly loved ones will be enhanced. In addition when a walking stick is used properly, it will maximize your elderly loved ones walk, protect them from various elements and bring them to a new level of walking.

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References

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Sauerburger, D. (n.d.). What Type of Cane Should I Use? Retrieved from VisionAware: http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/essential...

National Institute on Aging(2013).Falls and older adults: Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/faq/faqlist.html