Walking sticks, and setting one up properly
A walking stick costs $35 and most of them are set up wrong. Too tall and the shoulder lifts with every step. Too short and you lean over it.
Set to the crease of the wrist, with the arm hanging loose, it takes real weight off a sore hip or knee and you walk straighter. The stick itself is the easy part. Below is how to choose one, set it, and know when it's time for something with more support.
Single point or quad
A single point stick is for light steadying and faster walking. It's what most people want after a knee replacement has healed or when one side is a bit weaker. The Max Mobility adjustable cane ($34.95) adjusts from 740mm to 970mm, weighs 355g and comes in six colours.
A quad stick has four feet and stands up on its own. It suits someone whose balance is poor on one side, after a stroke for example, who needs to put real weight through the stick.
The Smik quad stick, low base ($69.95) has a 150mm by 200mm base, small enough for a stair tread. The handle turns for left or right hand use. It's rated to 100kg.
There's a middle option. The quad leg tip ($24.95) and tri leg tip ($22.95) press onto a standard 19mm cane and give it three or four flexible feet. The cane stands on its own and the feet flex through the step, which many people find kinder on the wrist than a rigid quad base.
Handles for sore hands
A round handle asks the fingers to carry the load. If you have arthritis in the hands, that's exactly where it hurts.
The palm handle cane ($34.95) spreads the weight across the flat of the hand and keeps the wrist straight. It's shaped for one side, so order left or right. The standard Max Mobility canes have a soft-touch moulded handle, which is comfortable but still a finger grip.
Folding sticks
A stick you can't put anywhere gets left at the cafe. The Max Mobility folding cane ($37.95) folds into four and fits a handbag or car door pocket. The trade-off is a narrower height range, 810mm to 910mm, so check that covers you before ordering. A carry bag ($12.95) stops it unfolding in the bottom of the bag.
Height and weight limits
| Stick | Height range | Max user weight | Weight | Price |
| Max Mobility adjustable cane | 740 to 970mm | 120kg | 355g | $34.95 |
| Max Mobility palm handle cane | 700 to 930mm | not published | 400g | $34.95 |
| Max Mobility folding cane | 810 to 910mm | 120kg | 355g | $37.95 |
| Smik quad stick, low base | 715 to 940mm | 100kg | not published | $69.95 |
Heights are floor to the top of the handle.
Setting the height
Wear the shoes you walk in. Stand straight, let the arm hang, and have someone measure from the floor to the crease on the inside of the wrist. Set the stick to that number.
When you hold it there should be a slight bend at the elbow. Hold the stick on the side opposite the weak or painful leg, and move it forward with that leg. If that feels backwards, it's because it is for most people the first week, and it's still right.
Replace the rubber tip when it goes smooth. A 19mm tip or 16mm tip is $8.95. Measure the tube, not the old tip.
When a stick isn't enough
If someone needs two sticks, or holds onto furniture between the stick and the wall, the stick isn't doing the job. A walking frame gives support on both sides. A rollator adds wheels and a seat for longer distances. We'll say so if that's where you've got to, because a stick that's not enough is a fall waiting for a wet floor.
NDIS and walking sticks
Sticks and tips are consumables for NDIS participants, bought from the core budget without a quote. The NDIA's assistive technology page explains what counts as low cost. We're NDIS registered (4050144759) and invoice plan managers direct. The NDIS walking aids guide covers frames and rollators too.
Questions
Which hand holds the stick?
The hand opposite the sore or weak leg. It feels odd at first and it's still right. A physio will confirm it for you.
Can I cut a stick down?
The adjustable ones don't need it. A fixed aluminium stick can be cut with a tubing cutter ($62.95), which leaves a square end a hacksaw won't.
How do I stop it falling over?
A cane holder ($11.95) clamps on and rests the stick against a table. A wrist strap ($7.95) keeps it on you at the checkout.
Quad stick on stairs?
Only the low base fits a standard tread. Turn it so the long side runs along the step. If stairs are a daily thing, a rail is the real answer.
Is a wooden stick fine?
Yes, if it's the right height and the tip is sound. Wood can't be adjusted, so measure before you buy one.
Do you fit them?
Yes. Come into the Picton showroom and we'll set the height and watch you walk. It takes a few minutes and it's free.
Not sure which one?
Tell Nadim your height, which side is weaker and where you walk. He'll pick the stick and the tip in one call.
Call 1300 216 888
