6 Step Guide For Adjusting a Walking Stick or Crutch
Quite frequently we find that people are not too sure what height their walking stick should be to benefit them most, and the short answer really is to have it at a height that feels most comfortable for you. There is however a recommended way to where about that height should be that is backed up by physiotherapists. The method for finding that height can be explained with this simple image below:
How to adjust or cut your walking stick/crutch:
- Stand upright in shoes that you usually wear.
- Get the person
helping you to put the walking stick/crutch to the side of you so it is on the side of your arm/leg (put the walking stick upside down if it’s not adjustable). - If you are using a non-adjustable walking stick make a little mark near the ferrule (rubber on the end) where the walking stick meets the bump of the wrist bone and move to step 5. If it is adjustable or is a crutch simply just push the small button on the stick in and adjust it so it is at the wrist bone and move to step 6.
- Use a hacksaw and cut the stick where you made the small mark and remove the ferrule and put it back on the end of your stick.
- Test the stick/crutch and see if it’s comfortable! Unfortunately with non-adjustable walking sticks this process isn’t too forgiving if you didn’t get it right the first time. If it’s not comfortable and your stick/crutch is adjustable adjust it higher/lower until it is.
Whilst you should adjust the stick/crutch to be comfy be wary not to stoop when using the stick/crutch and remember your arm should be slightly bent when holding the handle and your walking stick or crutch should not make your shoulder raise.
If you are looking at purchasing a stick online and therefore can’t use the actual walking stick to measure you can quite simply just get some measuring tape and measure the distance from the wrist bone to the floor and make sure the stick you buy is adjustable within that height or if not adjustable is higher than it so you can adjust it yourself.
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