| | | | | | | Aidmobility Ltd
Unit 5
The Empire Centre
Imperial Way
Watford WD24 4YH
tel: 01923 243001
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| | | on all orders over £50 to UK mainland* |
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| | | Walking Stick Measurement | |
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Getting the right height walking stick for a user is very important, this will ensure the user is comfortable in using the stick for long periods of time.
The correct height for a walking stick will be dependent on what the user requires from the stick. Walking sticks are generally used as either supportive or stabilising.
Supportive Stick Use
This is where the user requires the stick to support their weight. The walking stick will be weight bearing and the user will be quite reliant on the stick. Measuring the correct height for a supportive stick is very important and the following can be used as a guide;
Physiotherapists recommend the following method of determining the correct height for a walking stick. The walking stick user should stand upright, in the type of shoes they usually wear, with their arms hanging naturally by their sides. Another person should turn the walking stick upside down, so that the handle is resting on the floor. Positioning the walking stick next to the user, make a small mark on the shaft of the stick level with the bump at the bottom of the wrist bone. Using a small saw, cut the stick at this point. This will mean that the user's arm will be slightly bent when they hold the stick.
If the walking stick user is not present, for example if they are buying their walking stick by mail order or through the internet, they can determine how long their walking stick should be by asking another person to measure the distance from their wrist bone to the floor. The walking stick user should ensure they are standing correctly i.e. standing upright, in the type of shoes they usually wear, with their arms hanging naturally by their sides.
For walking sticks that are height adjustable and cannot be cut to size the same method should be used, the stick should be adjusted as close to the correct height as possible.
Stabilising Stick Use
This is where the user primarily requires the stick to steady themselves and may not require the walking stick all the time. Folding walking sticks tend to be a popular choice for this sort of use, as they can be stored easily and brought out when required. Measurement of a walking stick for this type of use is exactly the same as above, but the height of the stick can be slightly taller depending on user preference. This is because the user does not need to put a lot of weight onto the stick.
Please note that this information is a guide only. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you require specific, medical advice on this matter. |
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