The first obvious step is using a single walking pole or cane stick. There may come a time in an elderly person’s life when it is necessary to have support to assist them while walking.
One of the main reasons people require a walking aid for safety is when they face the possibility of losing their balance on rough or sloped ground, gutters, or even indoors. Sometimes, a person may be fine on flat ground but can still lose their balance and fall if there is a danger. In such cases, using poles or a stick as a support can help prevent that.
In situations where individuals have had strokes or joint replacements and are experiencing weakness in their affected leg, an aid such as a stick or other support can help boost their strength. This can be particularly helpful when navigating stairs or uphill terrain. It may also be beneficial in improving their walking ability and speed. Another reason for using a walking aid could be the loss of strength in their lower limbs.
The person affected can experience less discomfort while walking, and the use of support can help ease the pain by taking the weight off the affected side. Not only can it cause problems in the affected leg, such as a painful limp and an uneven gait, but it can also cause pain in the ankle, knee, or hip region. In some cases, it can even cause a person to stop walking altogether or slow down.
What is the best walking pole?
The main emphasis of trekking poles and Nordic walking poles is on stability, rather than speed and fitness. These poles are equipped with more stable tips, higher weight capacities, and hand grips that are specifically designed for use as a walking aid. When searching for walking aids, consider poles such as Urban Poling’s “Activator” model, which has been designed by a health professional with the elderly population in mind, as they are deemed to be the most suitable walking aid.
How do I choose walking poles?
When looking for a safe and stable walking aid for seniors, it is important to consider that there are several features that are needed. It is not as simple as finding any walking aid, as not all poles are equal in terms of suitability for pole walking.
When choosing walking poles, it is important to first see a professional health physiotherapist to check if the height is correct for you. Secondly, make sure that the poles are adjustable so that you can easily adjust them if needed. For example, if you have stiffness or shoulder pain, adjusting the height of the poles may affect these issues. It is not advisable to rely solely on the manufacturers’ instructions, as they may not consider the specific needs of each user. If the height of the pole is wrong, there is a possibility that it may be less safe or even result in discomfort. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the poles you choose are adjustable.
It is important to get the right height for adjustable poles, as every extra part creates the possibility for increased vibration when the pole is placed on the ground. Look for a pole that has anti-vibration features. The pole may have ferrules where three or two pieces intersect, which can have anti-vibration properties. Additionally, the tips, boot, and grips can provide cushioning with thick rubber to reduce vibration.
Sliding mechanism poles offer greater security compared to collapsible and folding poles. Poles equipped with clip or button adjustment locks are more secure than twist lock ones. This is especially important for users who heavily rely on poles for stability or to lighten their load, as it can pose a risk. It is always advisable to check the weight limit specified for each walking pole, as many have a limit as low as 20kg per pole.
It is important to have hand grips and trekking poles that have ergonomic hand grips, as they ensure a secure and comfortable hold when using walking poles. These features help to make it easier to hold and grip without causing pain and discomfort. Having a small shelf at the bottom of the hand grips also makes it easier to rest the hand on. It is important to sell poles that are larger than those on trekking poles, so that they provide the best hand grip and ensure comfort.
When modifying poles, pressing buttons, attaching locks, or a combination of both proves to be more user-friendly. Employing a rotating locking mechanism also presents challenges in securely rotating the lock. In addition to the challenge of unlocking and adjusting the height, elderly individuals often struggle with pole adjustment due to weakened wrists and diminishing wrist and hand strength that comes with aging.
You need to make sure that they will fit snugly and not fall off. It is possible to buy flat pole tips from online specialty stores. Most Nordic walking poles have sloping boot-shaped tips that provide less stability for the walker, while trekking poles have very small tips that resemble the end of a pair of crutches or a flat walking stick, and the tip should be as wide as possible. If you are using a walking pole, the tip should have a rubber end that fits securely. Many hiking poles that are sold for hiking do not come with any rubber feet, but instead have small metal spikes or very small rubber tips.
It would be highly beneficial to consult with a specialized pole provider or healthcare professional if you are considering using walking poles. We have discovered that not all poles are identical. Many factors, which older adults who need a walking aid may experience, can impact their walking technique.
Are sticks the best walking aid?
Using a stick as walking poles could be a preferable alternative considering the disadvantages that exist. However, there are advantages to using walking poles, such as their ease of transportation, affordability, and lightweight nature. When seeking a simple walking aid, the stick becomes an obvious choice.
Apart from the benefit of balancing your walking by preventing leaning to one side, similar to the proper use of a single walking stick, the use of two walking poles follows the same principle. Nonetheless, there are a few distinctions. Firstly, two poles are used instead of one. Walking poles are adjustable, lightweight, and convenient, akin to top-quality sticks. Although it may appear as a more intricate walking method, it actually involves a relatively uncomplicated technique of coordinating opposite arms and legs, resembling a marching motion.
You are using your abdominal and upper back muscles to stand straighter by pushing slightly down on the poles. This is an advantage that allows you to stay more upright. Your elbows are bent at 90 degrees by your side, rather than being higher than the poles.
If you have better balance, using walking poles can assist you in stabilizing and supporting yourself. Additionally, these poles allow you to have four contact points, and finally, they provide three points of support.
Do walking poles help with balance?
Walking aids are designed to help balance to some extent. Feet 3 are better than 2, and feet 4 are better than 3. The reason for this is that there is more area on the ground to spread the load. You can also use your arms to support your legs, and walking aids are designed to help balance to some extent.
There might be instances where problems contribute to numbness, weakness, or pain. It is especially important when your legs are not working well. Offloading weight from the affected leg makes you much more stable. This supports offloading weight from the affected leg.
If you put the pole down at the same time as your leg, it can help support you without any work. However, it is important to place the pole down at the same time as your affected leg, otherwise, all the work will be done without any help. When you step down with your left pole, and when you step down with your right pole, always use the pole opposite your leg on the ground.
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This provides an overview of how to walk with them, and how to choose the correct poles when you have many happy hours of walking ahead.