A Walking stick is an indispensable walking aid for people with corresponding impairments, walking difficulties or weaknesses. It serves as a support and stabilizer when walking. A walking stick can give affected people more mobility again. There are many different models for individual needs.
What is a walking stick?
From a medical point of view, a walking stick is a means to facilitate walking and to relieve certain skeletal sections by supporting them.
There are simple walking sticks that are used on one side only. To improve hold, there are also walking sticks with ergonomically shaped handles or additional holders. It may also be necessary to use canes on both sides or to use canes with forearm supports.
In the case of particularly unstable patients, a walking stick shaped like a four-legged aid is recommended. The contact surface is expanded accordingly by four rubber feet and the stability of the walking stick is increased. A walking stick is also usually adjustable in height.
It is available in different materials. Often, a walking stick is also made with an attachable or extendable spike to ensure stability and grip in bad weather and icy conditions.
Shapes, types & types
Walking sticks differ in the material used, the shape of the handles, any additional equipment that may be present, the adjustability and the practical foldability.
As a basic model, there are very simple wooden sticks with a curved handle and a plastic knob as an attachment for running contact. The wooden walking sticks are usually not height-adjustable and must therefore be adapted to the user directly in the medical supply store. Traditionally, wooden walking sticks are mostly used on one side only. For older people, a wooden walking stick is often a valuable and indispensable support for everyday life.
If medically necessary, walking sticks are also prescribed by the doctor and financed by the health insurance company. As a medically prescribed walking aid for people with walking difficulties, walking sticks are prescribed on one or both sides.
Two-sided walking sticks are mostly used in rehabilitation or when the musculoskeletal system is severely restricted in the ability to coordinate. In this context, double-sided walking sticks with forearm rests made of plastic, which secure the movement and are made of light metal tubes, are known.
Walking sticks made of light metal or carbon are popular. They come in many modern colors and patterns. The grips are available in many versions, for example the classic derby grip, soft grips, anatomical grips or Airgo derby grips with an additional strap. A distinction is still made between rigid and foldable walking sticks.
Structure & functionality
A standard walking stick is 91 cm long, has a stick diameter of around 2 cm and can be loaded with up to 100 kg. Made of wood, the stick is mostly solid wood and has a weight of around 330 grams. A wooden stick must be shortened manually to the appropriate length. In the medical supply store, the appropriate pole length is determined for the user and then adjusted for an additional charge.
A metal walking stick consists of metal tubes. This metal tube is divided in two, as the height can be adjusted using knobs and holes. The handle and the soil attachment are made of rubber. The metal walking sticks are available in rigid and foldable versions. Reflective lights are also attached to some walking sticks or a light is integrated in the handle. Often these walking sticks are more popular with older people, as they are often equipped with an ergonomic handle that allows a better grip than a classic derby grip. There is also a practical loop on the handle so that the stick cannot slip out of your hand.
For more mobile people with walking difficulties, there are also the variants of hiking sticks or trekking sticks with stick handles. These are often used on both sides in order to compensate for uncertainties when running faster or hiking through uneven terrain and to be able to support yourself effectively.
Walking sticks are used by first moving the stick forward when walking. If he has found a safe essay, the next step is taken. The walking stick thus provides hold and supports the step. The user usually takes two steps before moving the walking stick away again. However, it depends on your personal requirements whether only one step or two steps are necessary between moving the cane.
The walking stick often provides the user with support not only when walking, but also when standing. Then the walking stick is held at an angle and supports the hips.
The foldable versions are particularly practical for people who do not always need a walking stick, but only for heavy loads and long walks. They can be folded up so small that they fit comfortably in a pocket. They can then be taken out and unfolded on the go if necessary.
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➔ Medicines for balance disorders and dizzinessMedical & health benefits
Movement is quality of life.It therefore makes sense not to choose a wheelchair or rollator when the leg muscles first become weak or the first age-related problems when walking, but rather to be able to stay mobile with an appropriately adapted walking aid.
A walking stick is a valuable support. It provides adequate support when walking and can support the skeleton on one or both sides so that the running movement is easier to carry out. A walking stick provides the necessary security when walking.
From a medical point of view, it makes sense for older people to keep on regular activities for as long as possible. A walking stick reliably supports the mobility required for this.
