07 August 2024
Written by Lizzie Quarterman,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
There are many reasons why you may need to use a walking stick, either temporarily or in the long term. As a result, many different types of walking sticks are available, each with unique features to suit a diverse range of requirements. But which walking stick is best for your specific needs?
To give you more insight, we’ve put together a list of the best walking sticks to help you decide which one is right for you. When choosing a walking stick, it is essential to get one that provides adequate support, is convenient and comfortable to use, and is built to suit your lifestyle and mobility requirements best. Read on to learn about the many types of walking sticks and which of their features may be of most benefit to you.
Walking sticks with seats attached are a convenient choice for those who get tired quickly when walking or standing. Whether waiting for a bus, queuing at the post office or enjoying a relaxing stroll in nature, you’ll always have somewhere to take the weight off your feet.
This Walking Stick Seat is a lightweight yet robust option that folds out into a chair with a tripod base for stability. The telescoping legs allow you to adjust the height of both the walking stick and seat for maximum comfort and support, while the stick handle doubles as an arm or backrest.
Although walking sticks offer support and increase independence for people with less mobility, they can be a little cumbersome when not in use. Folding walking sticks can be conveniently broken down when not needed, making them an ideal option for those who don’t need to use a walking stick all the time but still need to carry one with them.
The Gel Handle Folding Walking Stick features an ergonomically designed gel handle to ensure comfort and reduce hand stress, and a sturdy yet adjustable design. Made from strong but lightweight aluminium, this folding walking stick pulls apart into four sections secured by a strong internal cord and includes a plastic clip to keep it folded securely.
After undergoing knee replacement surgery, it’s important to give yourself the physical support you need for a great recovery. When looking for a suitable walking stick, you should always follow the post-op advice given to you by your consultant.
An adjustable walking stick like the NRS Healthcare Tripod Walking Stick might be a good option. The ergonomically shaped handle and strong metal construction help to take some of the pressure off your knee, while the wide, three-legged base and non-slip rubber ferrules provide more stability than a traditional walking stick. This model is sturdy yet lightweight, and the height can be adjusted for optimal comfort and support.
When choosing the best walking stick for elderly people, it’s important to consider any other health conditions that they are living with alongside limitations with their mobility. Arthritis in the hands and a weakened grip are just some of the factors that can make choosing a walking stick more difficult for older users.
This Floral Ergonomic Walking Stick has been specially created for users with arthritic hands or a weakened grip. The moulded handle is designed to spread the weight across the palm for more comfort and is an ideal size for users with small hands. This walking stick is height adjustable and available in both left- and right-handed models, making it suitable for a wide range of people.
Heavier walking stick users may need to opt for a heavy-duty walking stick designed to take more weight and pressure over time and remain stable for longer. Using a walking stick that isn’t strong enough can result in the stick bending or breaking, which may cause a fall or injury.
The Bariatric Crook Handle Walking Stick is a very robust option, with a maximum user weight of 160kg (25st), making it suitable for use by heavier users. The comfortable crook handle helps to relieve pressure on the hands, while the height can be adjusted from 790mm (31") to 1015mm (40") to ensure the correct posture while walking.
Arthritis in the knees can make walking extremely painful, and using a walking stick can help to alleviate the pressure on the joints. The best walking stick for arthritic knees is one with multiple legs, which help to further distribute pressure as the user puts their weight on it. However, some users may need more support in the way of a rollator or walking frame.
The NRS Healthcare Tripod Walking Stick is our choice for the best walking stick for bad knees. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, with three legs for greater support and weight distribution. The comfortable handle is suitable for use with either hand, while the walking stick height is adjustable to suit the needs of most users.
A walking stick is a simple yet extremely beneficial mobility aid, offering another point of balance for more stable footing. For those looking for the best walking sticks for balance, walking sticks with multiple legs, such as quad walking sticks, will offer more reliable support than traditional walking sticks.
The NRS Healthcare Quad Base Walking Stick provides exceptional stability with the convenience of a one-handed walking stick. It features an ergonomic handle, a height-adjustable shaft, and four study legs tipped with slip-resistant rubber ferrules to give you the confidence of steady balance. The legs are positioned closer together than in most similar models, making it easier to navigate narrow doorways or confined spaces.
People with fibromyalgia experience fatigue and widespread musculoskeletal pain, which means that they often need a walking stick to get around. In some cases, they may require more support in the form of a rollator or other equipment.
The Black Ergonomic Walking Stick features a comfortable moulded handle designed to spread the weight across the palm. The handle is positioned more towards the centre of the cane, which helps to reduce the stress on the wrist. It’s available in both left- and right-handed models with a variety of compatible walking stick ferrules, including shock-absorbing options to minimise pressure on the joints.
With so much weight and pressure going into the joints at every step, knee and hip pain can make walking extremely difficult. The best walking stick for knee pain and hip pain depends on the individual’s personal situation and pain management programme. However, it’s worth considering a tripod walking stick, which will offer greater stability and better distribute the user’s weight.
The NRS Healthcare Tripod Walking Stick is a strong yet lightweight option. It has three legs to minimise knee pressure and slip-resistant rubber ferrules to ensure a sturdy, reliable base. It’s suitable for use with either hand, and the height can be easily adjusted, making it suitable for most users. Therefore, it’s our best choice for the best walking stick for bad knees and hip pain.
Getting out in nature can be great for the mind and body, and the right equipment will help to reduce effort and keep you safe. Whether walking uphill or downhill, you may need a little extra support, and hiking poles can offer a huge helping hand.
The Traditional Hiking Handled Nordic Walking Pole features shock-absorbing inserts with an on-and-off mechanism to make climbing or descending easier on your body. The ergonomically contoured handle and adjustable wrist loops allow for greater comfort and grip, and the height can be adjusted to suit your needs. This versatile walking stick is supplied with carbide steel tips and removable rubber ferrules for use on different terrains.
Not only do we offer advice on our mobility blog to help you find the best walking sticks, we also offer many of these disability aids ourselves, built from quality materials and made to last. You’ll find a wide variety of walking sticks and walking stick accessories at Complete Care Shop, in addition to many other mobility aids for those who require a little more support.
If you need any help finding a walking stick to best suit your needs, be sure to use our advice services. Our team of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants will be happy to advise you on the most suitable walking stick for a variety of circumstances, or any other mobility aids you might need, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
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