HealthInfo Canterbury
Walking sticks & crutches
Ngā tokotoko, ngā rākau hauā rānei
A walking stick is a simple tool that can make a big difference to a person's safety and ability to walk. There are a few important points when choosing and using a walking stick or crutch.
Using a walking stick to help with balance
If you feel unsteady in certain conditions, having a walking stick that you use from time to time can be a great investment. Simply having something to touch on the ground can make a big difference if your balance isn't perfect.
Often people only use walking sticks when they're tired, when they're walking on uneven footpaths or when they're in busy shopping malls. Using a walking stick signals to other people to give you a bit of extra space.
If you only use a stick occasionally, one that folds up can be handy. You can keep it in your handbag (or your wife's handbag!) or the car.
If you need a walking stick all the time to keep you steady, get assessed by a physiotherapist to find out the right option for you. They can advise you about balance and strength exercises that might improve your poor balance.
You should also tell your general practice team if you feel unbalanced as they may need to investigate other causes, such as blood pressure issues, medical conditions or your medications.
Using a walking stick or crutch to take the weight off a weak or injured leg
If you have a leg that's weak, painful or injured, you may need a walking stick or a crutch to help support your weight. An elbow crutch offers more support than a walking stick but can be more complicated as you have to thread your arm through while standing up.
If you use a walking stick. it's important that it's the right height and you use it in the correct way.
Measuring the height
To get the right height for your walking stick or crutch, stand with your arms by your side. The hand grip should sit at the level of your wrist. This is just a rough guide, and you may find it more comfortable to adjust it up or down one notch. A physiotherapist can check this for you if it doesn't feel right or if you would like help.
Correct use
If you are using a walking stick or elbow crutch to take the weight off one leg, it's important that you hold it in the hand opposite the affected leg. This sometimes feels odd to start with and if you've used it in the other hand for a long time, it can seem wrong. But it's important to do this to keep your body balanced and prevent getting pain in other joints over the long term. Remember, when you walk normally, your arms and legs swing at opposite times!
If you're using two walking aids, you still need to move the stick at the same time as the opposite leg.
Getting help
If you need help choosing the correct walking aid, getting the height right or learning the correct way to use it, ask a physiotherapist to visit you in your own home to make sure you're getting things right from the start. Using the wrong aid or using it in the wrong way, can increase your risk of falls or cause issues in other joints over time.
On the next page: Using crutches (non-weight-bearing)
Written by Jessie Snowdon (physiotherapist), On the Go Physio, Christchurch. Copyright 2011. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDAH-120231
