Simple Steps on How To Measure For A Walking Stick

Posted by Mike Phipps on December 10, 2018

Why it's important to measure for a walking stick

A walking stick which is the wrong height can cause back and shoulder problems, as well as uncomfortable joint pain. If your walking stick is too long, it will force the shoulder unnaturally high, whilst a stick that is too short will force the user to stoop and develop back pain. Fortunately, our handy guide will show you how to measure for a walking stick, and how to adjust and alter your stick to suit you.

Measuring for a stick

Firstly position yourself, or the walking stick user, in a natural upright position, with your arms hanging loose and naturally by your sides. You should also wear shoes that you normally wear for walking, as this will estimate your average height when out and about.

In order to find the right height walking stick for you, measure from the bottom of the wrist bone (where the bump is), to the floor. This ensures your wrist is at the optimum comfort position when holding your walking stick, with the arm slightly bent and the shoulders level.

Adjusting the stick

If you’ve ordered a wooden walking stick from us, it’s simple and easy to adjust it to the correct height. Position the stick next to yourself or the user, ensuring that the top of the stick is in line with the bottom of the wrist bone and make a small mark on the stick shaft.

For wooden walking sticks, use a small hacksaw to cut the stick to size. Remove the rubber ferrule from the discarded section of the stick and fit it back onto the resized stick.

For height adjustable walking sticks, use the in-built mechanism to adjust the stick by pushing the small button on the stick shaft. Then, slide the inner shaft up or down to the correct length and release the button into the correct hole.

We have a wide range of walking sticks at Ability Superstore, both folding and fixed-height, with different patterns and handle styles to suit everyone. Shop them here.