Walking Aids – Walking Stick

If using one stick for pain or weakness:

• Hold your walking stick in the opposite hand to your weak or painful leg.
• Always move the stick forward first followed by the weak or painful leg, then your other leg.

If using a walking stick for your balance:

• Hold the stick in your most comfortable hand.
• Always move the stick forward first then the opposite leg.
• Do not place your stick too far in-front of you or too far out to the side.
• Do not carry your stick in the air as this is unsafe and you may be at risk of falling.

Getting Up from a chair

• The stick should be near the arm of the chair.
• Lean forward, place your hands on the arms of the chair and push yourself up to stand.
• Carefully pick up your stick. Pause before moving off.

Sitting down on a chair

When returning to the chair, turn until you feel the chair on the back of both legs. Put the stick down close to you. Place your hands on the arms of the chair, bend forward and slowly lower yourself into the chair.

Watch this video on how to use your walking stick.

Stairs

• If your stairs have a secure handrail, hold onto it for safety.
• Where possible go up and down the stairs normally.
• Only attempt the stairs yourself if you feel safe, otherwise ask someone to help you.

Upstairs

• Step up with your good leg, then with your affected leg onto the same step.
• The stick is the last to move up a level with your feet.

Downstairs

• First, place the stick safely on the lower step keeping it away from the edge.
• Step down with the affected leg.
• Follow with the good leg onto the same step.
  • Make sure you place the whole foot onto the step.
  • Always take your time.

A useful video on how to use walking aids on the stairs can be found here (Please note this is demonstrated using elbow crutches but the same principles apply):

• Crutch Walking Stairs – No Banister
• Crutch Walking Stairs – Using a Banister