How to measure the walking stick?
A frequently asked question is, what height should my walking stick be? The answer to the correct measurement and fitting of walking sticks is not determined by how tall you are, but by the distance between your hand and the ground. Physiotherapists recommend the following method of determining the correct height for a walking stick:
The walking stick user should stand upright, in the type of shoes they usually wear, with their arms hanging naturally by their sides. Another person should turn the walking stick upside down, so that the handle is resting on the floor. Positioning the walking stick next to the user, make a small mark on the shaft of the stick level with the bump at the bottom of the wrist bone. Using a small saw, cut the stick at this point. This will mean that the user's arm will be slightly bent at the elbow when they hold the stick, and their shoulder will be level. A stick that is too long will force the shoulder unnaturally high. A stick that is too short will force the user to stoop.
If the walking stick user is not present, for example if they are buying their walking stick through the internet, they can determine how long their walking stick should be by asking another person to measure the distance from their wrist bone to the floor. The walking stick user should ensure they are standing correctly i.e. standing upright, in the type of shoes they usually wear, with their arms hanging naturally by their sides.
Please note that this information is a guide only. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you require specific, medical advice on this matter.