Here is the short answer: hold your walking stick in the hand on the opposite side to your weaker, sore or injured leg. So if your right knee is the problem, the stick goes in your left hand.
It is the most common thing people get wrong, and once you understand why, the technique clicks straight away.
Why the opposite side is correct
It feels natural to hold a stick on your sore side, but that is not how the body works best.
When you hold the stick on the opposite side, it widens your base of support and lets the stick take weight at the same moment your weaker leg does. This shares the load away from the painful joint and keeps you balanced. Holding it on the same side bunches your support to one side and can actually throw you off.
The walking pattern that goes with it
Once the stick is in the right hand, the movement is straightforward.
- Move the stick and your weaker leg forward together.
- Let them share the weight as you step.
- Bring your stronger leg through past the stick.
For the full routine, including getting up and sitting down, see our guide on how to use a walking stick correctly. People often also ask which leg moves first, which we cover separately.
Are there exceptions?
For most people with one weaker side, the opposite-hand rule is the way to go. If you have balance issues on both sides, or you are recovering from specific surgery, your needs may differ. A quick chat with your physiotherapist will set you up with the safest pattern for your situation.
Key takeaways:
- Hold the stick in the hand opposite your weaker or sore leg.
- It widens your support and shares weight away from the painful side.
- Move the stick and weak leg together, then step through with the strong leg.
Getting the side right is half the battle; a properly fitted stick is the other half. Shop walking sticks with fast Australian delivery, or call us for friendly advice. Because independence matters.