About Walking Sticks

If you're trudging through beach sand dunes in search of shipwrecked treasures or poking through brush for old bottles, a walking stick can assist in your search while protecting your hands. In addition, hikers often use walking sticks on uneven terrain, because the sticks provide an extra contact point with the ground. Sticks can provide extra leverage as you maneuver yourself up or down steep inclines.

Function

In addition to their value on hiking trails, walking sticks can provide a potential means of defense against unfriendly dogs you meet while walking in your neighborhood. The sticks also can serve as an assist for a partially sighted person walking outside. Walking sticks can provide a sense of security for rehabilitation patients who aren't confident in their balance, or those with balance disorders.

Body Support

Walking sticks can help support your body in three ways. According to the website The Trailmaster, the stick helps improve your posture while you're walking or hiking, and that helps you breathe more efficiently. The walking stick helps to transfer weight from your lower body to your arms and shoulders, resulting in reduced strain on your legs and lower back. Finally, a walking stick decreases stress on joints and muscles.

Hiking Sticks

According to the website Hiking Trips and Gear, a walking staff is ideal for hiking on a reasonably level surface. Walking staffs feature an adjustable length and a cane-like grip. Hiking staffs are for moderate terrain. These sticks are adjustable in length and can feature a compass or thermometer. If you are tackling challenging terrain, choose trekking poles. These aluminum poles come in pairs and are adjustable in length.

Mobility Canes

Mobility canes are similar to walking sticks in function, but can differ considerably in design. Although plain wooden or aluminum canes can provide you with mobility assistance, you also can find mobility canes finely crafted from exotic woods. Lightweight carbon fiber canes, as well as folding canes, can provide a convenient walking aid. Accessories such as ice tips and wider rubber tips can help you adapt to all types of surface conditions.

Considerations

To choose a walking stick, maker Wupen Sticks recommends you determine the type of surface on which you will use the stick. For level terrain, hold a broom handle at a comfortable height. Measure from the floor to the top of your hand, and then add 2 inches; this should provide you with a good stick height. For rougher terrain, you probably will want a longer stick to help you with uneven slopes and steep grades.