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Everything To Know About Walking Sticks

Submitted by sjukunte on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 10:03

Seniors use mobility aids such as walking sticks to preserve their stability and balance while going about their everyday routines. As a result, they give seniors freedom of movement, act as their closest friends in tough moments, and allow them to lead an independent life!
Anyone struggling with the following criteria can benefit from the usage of a walking stick as effective assistance:

  • Obesity makes it difficult to carry the weight of one's body.
  • Difficulty keeping body balance as a result of conditions such as Vertigo
  • Shortness of breath caused by respiratory or cardiovascular disorders
  • After a stroke or hospitalisation, rehabilitation is required.
  • Acute medical diseases such as osteoporosis, MS, Parkinson's disease, or hemiplegia
  • Injury to the legs
  • Postural issues
  • Pain due to arthritis

Walking Stick Varieties
Numerous Walking Stick versions are available for purchase, each with its unique set of perks and features.

  • Fixed Walking Stick

The classic sort of walking stick is the 'Fixed Walking Stick,' which is manufactured from a single standard piece of timber or metal. When constructed of metal, this sort of stick can still be height adjustable; however, hardwood fixed sticks are not.

  • Folding Walking Sticks

'Folding Walking Sticks' are just that: folding walking sticks. Because of the ability to unfold the stick, these are great for infrequent users who might just need additional support when on the go since they can be easily stored in a bag or car.
These sticks are often constructed of lightweight alloy with an elastic cord linking the segments due to their foldability. They are usually adjustable in height and come in a range of designs and patterns.

  • Medical Walking Sticks

These handles are often contoured for long-term users to provide better pressure distribution. They come in foldable and non-folding variants and are often built of aluminium alloy for ease of usage.
Height Evaluation
The most crucial factor to consider when deciding on a walking stick is the suitable height for you. To use a walking stick at the wrong height might cause posture, spinal, and balance problems. If you use a walking stick that is too short for you, you may have stooping and back pain, whereas a walking stick that is too high may cause equilibrium difficulties and an inadequate amount of support from the stick when moving.
Simply follow these three simple steps to determine the proper height of your walking stick:

  • Allow the person using the walking stick to stand up straight in their ordinary footwear, arms by their sides.
  • Measure the distance between the ground and the wrist bone of the limb which will be wielding the stick. If you're chopping a wooden stick, turn it upside down and indicate the position of the wrist bone on the stick.
  • This is the proper walking stick elevation for this person.
  • A few walking sticks are configurable in height in 1" increments, and the range of altitudes for each stick is specified. If you're buying or recently bought a wooden walking stick, the size you have is the one to which one must cut the stick.

Visit Vissconext to know more about Walking Sticks!
Also, check out why are mobility aids required