A walking stick set to the wrong height does more harm than good. Too tall and it strains your shoulder and wrist. Too short and you end up stooping, which throws off your balance and tires your back faster than you might expect.
The good news is that getting the height right takes about a minute. Here is how to do it, whether you are fitting a stick at home or measuring up for an online order.
The simple way to measure
This is the same method physiotherapists use, and you can do it yourself at home without any special tools.
- Stand up straight in the shoes you normally wear, with your arms relaxed by your sides.
- Have someone note where the crease of your wrist sits.
- The top of the stick handle should line up with that wrist crease.
- When you hold the stick, your elbow should have a slight bend, around 15 to 20 degrees.
That slight bend in the elbow is the sign you have got it right. It lets your arm absorb a little movement and push down comfortably whenever you need support.
Measuring for an online order
If you are buying online and cannot try before you buy, you can still get it right the first time.
Stand upright in your shoes and measure in centimetres from the floor straight up to the crease of your wrist. That number is your ideal handle height. This is exactly why we recommend adjustable walking sticks for online buyers. You can fine-tune the height when it arrives, so there is no stress about ordering the wrong size.
Adjustable and fixed sticks
How you set the height depends on the type of stick you have.
- Aluminium sticks adjust with a push button or twist lock. Set the height and you are done.
- Wooden sticks are a fixed length and are cut to size, so take your measurement carefully before trimming.
- Quad and folding sticks adjust the same way as standard aluminium sticks.
One thing worth remembering: if you switch between flat shoes and ones with a heel, it is worth re-checking the height, as even a small heel changes the fit.
Key takeaways:
- The handle should sit level with your wrist crease when you are standing upright.
- Your elbow should have a slight bend of around 15 to 20 degrees when holding the stick.
- For online orders, measure from the floor to your wrist in centimetres and choose an adjustable stick.
Once your height is sorted, technique is the next step. See how to use a walking stick correctly to make the most of your stick from day one. Need help finding the right adjustable stick for your situation? Our Australian team is happy to help. That is our promise.