walking stick

[grannie39]

I am having to use a walking stick for the first time, which hand should I use, there seems to be different thoughts on this matter, so perhaps someone with experience, could give me some guide lines thanks.

[woofgang]

Which leg is bad or are they both? What actually wrong? If you have got a bad leg and a good one and you haven't had a stroke, then the stick goes in the hand opposite to the bad leg so you will naturally swing the stick and leg forward together. If the wasn't measured for you by a clinician, it should be as long as from the floor in your normal walking shous to the bump in your wrist when you are stood straight and with your arm hanging down relaxed. This is so that when you ean on the stick, you shoulder stays in a neutral position and so does your spine. You may need the stick slightly longer than this, but only by about a inch or less if you have a long stride.
Hope this helps, shout if you want more answers.

[woofgang]

Sorry, "shoes" and "lean"

[Sqad]

woofgang's post is excellent......answer her questions (particularly the nature of your condition) ad she will provide the appropriate advice.

[woofgang]

ooo sqad, you flirt!

[Sqad]

I know! I know!.......just watch out for my "main move"..........;-)

[grannie39]

many thanks, my condition is arthritis in the right knee, I am awaiting a knee replacement sometime. but many moons ago I did google this subject and It said to use the stick in the opposite hand, which sounded a bit silly to me. any way I will use the right hand. in future. have a good day.

[Mamyalynne]

As Woof has stated use on the opposite side to the bad leg.

[woofgang]

No grannie, if your right leg is the bad one (arthritic knee) use the stick in your left hand. When people walk, they swing the opposite arm forward to the leg that is swinging forward.
Like this http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http:/
/www.worldofstock.com/slides/TAI1072.jpg&imgr
efurl=http://www.worldofstock.com/stock-photo
s/marching-chinese-soldier-in-beijing/TAI1072
&h=499&w=333&sz=48&tbnid=aqCzH8Xkzd_QhM:&tbnh
=115&tbnw=77&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmarching%2Bso
ldier%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=marchin
g+soldier&usg=__3p12b_qtWnr2x9AKMGB8DoThQl0=&
docid=LW0eDtVdm358QM&sa=X&ei=yrf1T7OCPcO88AOM
9ejBBw&ved=0CE0Q9QEwAg&dur=123

so you want the stick in the hand that swings forward at the same time as your bad leg which will be your LEFT hand.

[woofgang]

bad link
sorry
http://www.worldofsto...er-in-beijing/TAI1072