Walking sticks, also known as trekking poles, provide a number of benefits to people who use them for assistance. Benefits include reduced stress on legs and knees, a better overall workout and preventing the blood from pooling in the hands during long walks.
Leg and Knee Strain
Using walking sticks can help reduce the strain on your legs, including your hip and knee joints. According to BodyResults.com, a study conducted in Austria demonstrated that "use of trekking or ski poles caused reductions of external and internal loads on the knee joint up to 20 percent." If you have moderate knee pain, you might benefit from the use of walking sticks--particularly on rough terrain.
Better Workout
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, walking with walking sticks gives you a better overall workout. Using a walking stick helps keep your weight leaning slightly forward, increasing your momentum, and it works your hands and arms as well as your legs. People who use walking sticks can burn 20 percent to 25 percent more calories.
Hand Comfort
Most hikers know about the discomfort of blood settling into the hands during a long hike with hands held at their sides. According to Slackpacker.com, using walking sticks keeps your hands near your heart level, which keeps your blood circulating better instead of pooling in your hands. Also, it's safer than keeping your hands up by tucking them under the straps of your backpack. Trekking poles can help break your fall if you trip, but hands tucked into your backpack straps cannot.
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