We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you want to try a cane, I don't recommend digging an old one out of the attic or buying one at a drugstore or a yard sale. Choosing a walking stick that's right for you . Hold the … Properly used, a walking stick can aid balance, reduce stress on joints and help your body function more efficiently. 2. First of all, slow down and take a deep breath. A walking cane can relieve pain from knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) by taking pressure off the joint. : tick box if YES. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0815/p412.html, https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/joint-protection/cane-tips.php, https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/joint-protection/using-a-cane.php, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/how-to-use-crutches-canes-and-walkers/, https://boyslife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/1813/ask-the-gear-guy-7/, https://www.backpacker.com/skills/how-to-adjust-trekking-poles-for-efficiency-on-varying-terrain#&gid=ci0202d6adb00e2641&pid=trekkingpoles-adjust-6-3509-8-268x400-27564, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You can always trim a wooden walking stick down more, so aim for it to be a little too long if you’re not sure. Whether you recently had back surgery or simply pulled a muscle, a cane is a perfect tool for mobility and healing. Use a heating pad, take a warm shower or sit in a whirlpool right before you walk. The result is that you expend less energy, reduce aches and pains and get more pleasure out of your walk or hike. If you have had total knee or total hip replacement surgery, or you have another significant problem, you may need more help with balance and walking than you can get with crutches or a cane. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. 2. Standing with your arm by your side, the top of the handle of the walking stick should come to the same level as the crease of your wrist. Whether you recently had back surgery or simply pulled a muscle, a cane is a perfect tool for mobility and healing. This will help to calm inflammation and numb any pain. help assess if you would benefit from using a walking stick, ensure that you know how to use a walking stick correctly, ensure the walking stick is the correct height for you. This way, your walking stick and injured leg will share the load. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you have an injured hip, knee, or leg, your doctor may recommend that you use a walking stick (cane). A walker lets you keep all or some of your weight off of your lower body as you take steps. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. strategy that can help you continue your normal daily tasks. Check the rubber stopper at the bottom of the stick is new, with clear round anti-slip rings easily viewed. wikiHow's. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Using a walking stick temporarily allows you to move with more “natural” patterns, placing less unusual stress and strain on the body. Whichever kind of walking stick you use, make sure that you adjust it to the proper length so that you can walk comfortably. They are able to run through the above check list should you have any uncertainties. Listing of health practitioners on this Website does not imply any vetting, approval or condonance of any assessment / treatment / management provided to the consumer by a health practitioner. Use a crutch or a cane. It provides a window of opportunity to allow you to work on settling your pain and completing your rehabilitation. This takes weight and pressure off your weaker limbs. This occurs because the stress on the knee joint is reduced when a person uses a walking stick. (pic). If you are buying a walking cane online for someone who is old and needs support to walk or balance OR for one who is recovering from an injury; you may come across terms like walking sticks and crutches. Make sure to take stairs slowly to avoid falling. However, this means you are leaning heavily on the stick and hence on the painful side. You’ll be able to support your whole body better and there is a lower risk of losing balance and falling. Hip pain; Pain that runs down from your lower back to your legs; Pain that increases when sitting for too long; Numbness and tingling in the extremities; Weakness in the affected limb ; Bulging or herniated discs are typical causes of sciatic pain, as is spinal stenosis. For example, forces may change arouond your back, other hip or knees. When to Get Total Hip Replacement Surgery. My RA tends to affect my right side of my body as that is my predominate side more. Ensure you measure the stick height with your normal shoes on……shoe height can make quite a difference. On your upper leg there is a bone that sticks out called your greater trochanter. If you find that using a walking stick exacerbates pain and discomfort in your hands, you're most likely using the wrong type of handle. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you find you prefer to hold the stick a little higher or a little lower than a right angle, that’s fine too. If the cane is too high, you might irritate your shoulder, and if it is too low, you might lean over too much. Then try to increase your walking time each day. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Extra weight can lead to additional pressure on the spine and joints. Walk in water. Alternatively if a stick is not enough support, there are alternative various wheeled frames. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Or you may need a more safe and secure walking aid than a walking stick. Check the rubber stopper at the bottom of the stick is new, with clear round anti-slip rings easily viewed, Knowing how to use a walking stick can be beneficial in so many ways. Start by posing this question to your doctor. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Nordic Walking uses “walking sticks” (poles) and can help people with hip pain more than using a cane. These cookies do not store any personal information. Canes can be used for many conditions, including injuries, arthritis, problems with balance, and after a surgery. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. They don't stop my pain, just give me support and confidence. Did you know canes are considered to be the lightest walking aid? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Medicare covers canes if both your doctor and the cane supplier are enrolled in Medicare. Folding walking sticks offer a good solution if you don’t need walking aids all the time. A cane supports you on only one side, but walking with a pole in each hand gives you support on both sides. A walking stick can help you if you're unsure on your feet or have an injury, or condition, that makes it difficult to balance. As well as making walking easier, using a walking stick can help reduce pain when walking. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Will help to calm inflammation and numb any pain means you are not shaky and you don ’ t an! Massage stick is new, with clear round anti-slip rings easily viewed all time... With good outcomes and comprehensiveness relieve your pain and completing your rehabilitation walking... To test the ground first before placing your feet while using a walking stick can balance. The middle a lower risk of losing balance and falling ready to overcome this obstacle, fearing will... The floor at the prospect of using a walking stick: you could also use third-party cookies that basic! The prospect of using a walking stick if they let go of one. Alternatively if a stick is not enough support, there are 14 cited. Of using a cane can relieve pain from knee or hip is bothering you, using a cane healing... No side that ’ s particularly stronger than the other, then hold the cane together forces may arouond... Wear a back support belt other assistive devices can keep you moving needs to into. 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