Walking Sticks?

D

davide

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
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Can anyone recommend a good walking stick? I've had multiple operations on my left kidney (one to remove a tumor, five more to fix the first surgery) and, while I've still got a ton of energy walking long distances can be a drag as my left side is weaker than the right.

I'm interested in getting a walking stick. I like the look of the Cold Steel city stick but I'd prefer one where I can customize the length. Do you guys have any recommended models or makers?
 
Cold Steel's the only one I know. I think you could cut the CS walking sticks shorter if needed. I think the rubber cap at the end comes off and then you could perhaps saw it shorter and put the cap back in.
Or jsut find a local store selling 'em, after all such an item should be tried before actually purchasing IMO.
 
well If I were you either I would get one custom made, or if your feeling up for it make yourself one. That could be easy just by either spending a day in the woods or just going to a lumber yard. I would recommend Maple or Hickory for wood types. They give a bit but are very sturdy. Plus then you can customize it either through paint or stain. It would be a great conversation piece. (before you do this, go to walmart or elsewhere and try out multiple cane lengths once you found one you like just measure it)
 
I carry a Canemasters cane, whether I am walking from my bike to work or walking trails. They will make them whatever size you like.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. If I do go the DIY route do you know where I can get custom brass knobs and what not? I prefer those over crook canes.
 
 
If you like the look of traditional Irish blackthorn sticks, check out Lollysmith.com Irish Gifts. The cool thing about their store is that they get different sticks in all the time and put each one up on their site. That way you can choose the specific stick you want (including the length and diameter). I ordered one of their pug ugly blackthorns and was extremely happy with it and their service. They update their stock quite often so check back if they don't have what you want the first time.
 
Another vote for Canemasters and their cutomer service department. Also their wide crook design is ulra stable when you 're eleaning you're weight on it, not to mention comfortable, since the wider crook spreads the downward pressure more widely.
 
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LEKI Wanderfreund Walking Staff/Cane -- I've been using one 24/7 for many years and I can't say enough good things about them.

Carbide tip under the rubber end... Multi-medical grip (a fancy name for a grip which allows a variety of hand positions)... adjust to length (cane height up to staff height)... very light weight/strong and if you want, you can get one with a shock absorber built into it (I use the non-shock model).

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Get a Leki cane or poles. They make a world of difference when I hike and they are very durable. I can't believe I waited so long to get my first set ... ;)
 
Sorry to hear of your injuries, davide. Not being able to do the things you love is a downer, but you can adapt and overcome to a surprising degree.

First rule: Seek professional advice for your needs in walking aids.

Whatever you finally choose as a walking stick, and particularly if you will need it long term, I strongly recommend that you take the stick along to a physiotherapist and have him/her (a) measure you for the correct length of the stick for your height and reach, and (b) demonstrate to you the correct way to hold the stick when walking on level ground, up and down sloping ground and stairs, and believe it or not which is the correct hand to hold the stick to best assist your injury or disability.

It will cause all sorts of long term posture and skeletal problems if your stick doesn't fit you and you are supporting yourself incorrectly. Seek professional advice about using a spring loaded or shock absorbing stick, these can be very unstable in certain circumstances and may exaggerate an existing injury.

I am constantly amazed to see people with obvious injury holding their walking stick in the wrong hand.

Using a walking stick as a medical requirement is a whole different ball game to using one as a hiking accessory.
 
The hand that you hold the stick in is largely irrelevant if you are walking properly with it. Many people don't realize that you need to bring the stick down simultaneously with the injured leg in order for it to offer any real support. Likewise, as previously mentioned, it is important to have the stick properly sized. The general guideline is that when standing in a relaxed position, arms at your sides and wearing your usual footwear, the top of the stick should come to the crease of the wrist. I recommend these folks for an excellent selection of walking sticks and canes, and they will cut the stick to your length at time of ordering for free if you just give them your measurement. Also, be sure to pick up a few of their deluxe rubber stoppers--they have a steel plate inside of them to prevent the end of the cane from wearing through the rubber from the inside out.

My personal recommendation would be something ergonomically minded, such as a derby-styled stick:

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Thanks Bluey and Fortytwo for the advice. I have a PT and will ask him about it. So far there have only been a couple times when I've felt like I really needed one: after being on my feet for over an hour and having walked a long distance. But I'll definitely consult with him before making nay purchase.

Tim and Sid, those Leki sticks look quite cool.
 
davide said:
Thanks Bluey and Fortytwo for the advice. I have a PT and will ask him about it. So far there have only been a couple times when I've felt like I really needed one: after being on my feet for over an hour and having walked a long distance. But I'll definitely consult with him before making nay purchase.

Tim and Sid, those Leki sticks look quite cool.
Click to expand...

Just to note, I tried a waist high cane for a while, but found that I'd fall over it (holding a cane at waist height lowers the center of gravity of the support). A staff or longer pole allows one to grip it at shoulder height, thus raising the supports center of gravity (and for me, having balance issues, it works much better than the waist height stuff).
 
timcsaw said:
Just to note, I tried a waist high cane for a while, but found that I'd fall over it (holding a cane at waist height lowers the center of gravity of the support). A staff or longer pole allows one to grip it at shoulder height, thus raising the supports center of gravity (and for me, having balance issues, it works much better than the waist height stuff).
Click to expand...

This is why you use a cane or walking stick in time with the normal step such that the injured foot and the cane land at the same time. When used in this way you're never shifting your balance too far forward and the likelihood of unbalancing yourself is greatly reduced. A staff works best in a "support, step, stand" approach for problems like lower back pain since they support the body better, but are incapable of producing an equal amount of leg support as compared to a cane or walking stick.

:)
 
I use a customized Bo Staff, the handle of which is made from the cut down length, I use a 'T' handle, though an 'L' or ball type can fit, to suit.

The base has a Fussells rubber, bell-end ferrule which is easily and inexpensively replaced.

The stick will support loads at angles which will collapse any other type, which can be useful for raising or lowering oneself, or retaining stability when ascending steep hills or embankments.

Most martial arts suppliers will have Bo Staffs available.
 
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