Why Use a Walking Stick?

There are many reasons why you may decide to start using a walking stick. As a type of mobility aid, walking sticks provide extra stability while walking by easing the stress and strain placed on the body and allowing the user to move more naturally and freely.

Walking sticks are commonly used by those who experience pain or discomfort when walking and require additional support and stability to move around and perform their daily tasks. This may be a result of disability, injury, chronic conditions, or age. While walking sticks and walking canes both help to provide balance and lessen the risk of falling down, a walking stick is designed for temporary use and a walking cane is used regularly as a mobility aid or walking aid on a long-term basis.

When You Need to Use a Walking Stick

There is no right age to start using a walking stick. You may choose to use one if you feel unstable while walking or have trouble getting up or down the stairs. You may also be recommended if you have had surgery as part of the rehabilitation process and to reduce pressure injuries that can occur when a person has been immobile for long periods of time.

Walking sticks and canes are commonly used by the elderly and those with a disability on the NDIS Scheme. They may be part of a wider range of home care equipment, aids and installations that aim to make daily living easier and more comfortable. This can include:

• Mobility scooters
• Walking frames
• Shower chairs
• Lift chairs
• Leg raisers or lifters
• Bedpans and modified toilet seats
• Bed rails
• Bath boards
• Transfer benches
• Shower stools
• Shower commodes
• Overbed tables to safely hold meals and cutlery

Different Types of Walking Sticks Available

There are different types of walking sticks to choose from which offer varying levels of mobility support and stability. The type you choose will depend on your height, weight, condition, and other factors. The most common walking sticks and walking canes include:

• Folding walking stick - This is a great option for those who love to travel and walk long distances. They have a foldable design for convenience and portability so you can easily pack them in your bag or car when out and about. Our SurgiPack folding, adjustable walking sticks come in black and pink and let you customise them to your height.
• Handle walking stick - This is the most common walking stick. It features a crook handle or t-handle with many variations to suit the user, including offset handles for even weight distribution and swan neck designs. Shop our SurgiPack men's walking stick with crook handle and standard length today.
• Quad walking stick - A quad walking stick provides greater stability and can stand up by itself. They have a quad base which consists of four-pronged stoppers with rubber caps that reduce slippage.

Features to Look Out for and Consider in a Walking Stick

When shopping for a walking stick, you want to choose one that combines comfort plus stability so that you can safely maximise your mobility and feel comfortable while walking around. A wrist strap is a handy feature for a walking stick as you can keep it close and accessible while freeing your hands up to do other things. You may also wish to consider foldability and adjustable height features, as well as moulded handles and palm grips to ease the pressure on your hands when moving. 

Are Some Canes or Sticks Adjustable?

The length of your walking stick is crucial as an incorrect length can lead to postural problems and increase the chances of a fall. A walking cane or stick with an adjustable height feature is a great way to ensure you have a walking aid that matches your individual height. Our walking sticks by SurgiPack are adjustable and made from rust-proof anodised aluminium with rubber tips to prevent slipping. Choose from foldable designs in black and pink with an adjustable height range of 10.2cm, or standard sticks in black and blue with an adjustable height range of 22.9cm.

Choosing the Right Size Walking Stick for You

Walking sticks come in various types to suit both men and women of different ages and lifestyles. When choosing one, make sure you consider the extent of support you require, your weight, your height, and whether you want comfort or style in a walking stick. 

A stick that is too high will force your shoulder upwards, while a stick that is too short will cause you to stoop. The best way to measure yourself for a walking stick is to wear your regular shoes and stand up straight. Measure from the bottom of your wrist bone to the floor to find the ideal length for you. You will also need to consider your gender as the handles may be built differently to accommodate male and female hands.

If you need help, a healthcare professional can assist you in finding the perfect size walking stick for you.

Differences Between Walking Sticks and Walking Canes

While walking sticks and walking canes are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between them. Both are used to provide stability and balance to the user, however, a walking stick is intended to be used for a short amount of time and only when the individual requires additional support while walking, such as on long hikes or over rough terrain.

A walking cane is considered to be a mobility aid that is used daily and helps to ease the pressure on the legs so that the user can move around more easily and get through their daily tasks. 

Weight Bearing Capacity for Different Canes and Sticks

The type of walking stick and walking cane you choose, along with the materials used to create it, will determine its weight-bearing capacity. Walking sticks made out of aluminium are lightweight and durable but made for occasional use. They typically have adjustable and foldable features to make them more convenient. Canes and sticks made out of wood are great for daily use as they offer more stability and can hold more weight. Always check the weight-bearing capacity of each walking stick before purchase.

If a walking stick or cane can't support your weight, it increases the chance of injury. For more support, consider walkers. These mobility aids offer greater balance and stability and come in a range of types, from bariatric walkers for heavy-duty support to rollators with wheels for easy movement.

How Long do Walking Sticks Last?

Our SurgiPack walking sticks are made out of high-quality aluminium or wood and are designed to be very strong and durable for years of use. Shop a great range of walking sticks at Amcal including, wooden walking sticks that have been traditionally handcrafted using the finest materials for strength and aesthetic appeal, and aluminium sticks that are adjustable, long-lasting and comfortable with rubber handgrips.

Buying Your Walking Stick with Amcal

Amcal is the top choice for reliable SurgiPack walking sticks to help you move easier with more confidence. Discover wooden walking sticks and folding walking sticks made with lightweight aluminium and adjustable height features. Add them to your shopping cart today for easy checkout and free delivery for orders over $89 Australia-wide, or pop into your nearest Amcal and let us help you choose the perfect walking stick to suit your needs.

FAQs About Walking Sticks

What is the Best Walking Stick?

A good walking stick will be comfortable, durable and provide optimal balance and stability for the user when they walk. Our range of SurgiPack walking sticks come in a range of options to suit your mobility needs and personality. Shop from:

• Wooden walking sticks for men with crook handle
• Adjustable height aluminium walking sticks with wrist strap in black or blue
• Foldable and adjustable walking sticks made out of aluminium with rubber handgrip, wrist strap and an easy fold-up design to take with you wherever you go

What is the Correct Length for a Walking Stick?

The correct length for a walking stick will extend from the ground to the bottom of your wrist bone. This will allow you to stand upright and bend the elbow slightly as you walk. A walking stick that is too short will cause you to stoop, while a stick that is too long will cause back and shoulder problems. Speak with one of our Amcal team members and let us help you find the right length of walking stick for you.

What is a Walking Stick Called?

A walking stick is a walking aid that helps to provide balance and stability while moving around. Many people use the terms 'walking stick' and 'walking cane' interchangeably, but there is a difference. Walking sticks are used temporarily for additional support while walking canes are used on a daily basis to ease the pressure on joints and legs. Shop our range of wooden and aluminium walking sticks today and enjoy free delivery for orders over $89.

Which Side Should a Walking Stick be Used?

If a walking stick is part of your rehabilitation process, it should be used on the strongest side of your body and move along with your weaker side. This enables the weight to be shifted off from the injured side and provides support for the lower limbs to promote faster healing. Amcal stocks a great range of walking sticks and medical equipment to aid in recovery and manage pain, including knee braces, back supports, and TENS machines.