How to Use Walking Sticks Correctly | Avoid These 6 Mistakes

Use a walking stick on the opposite side of your weak leg, moving both together with a slight bend in your elbow.

Most people pick up a walking stick and lean on it like a crutch — that’s the first mistake. Using walking sticks correctly means matching the stick to your height, holding it on the right side, and moving it in rhythm with your weaker leg. Get those three things right and the stick takes real weight off your hip or knee while keeping you balanced.

Choosing the Right Height for Your Walking Stick

Stand in the shoes you’ll actually walk in, with your arms relaxed at your sides. The top of the handle should sit at the crease of your wrist. When you grip the handle, your elbow should be slightly bent — not straight, not sharply angled.

Most walking sticks have push buttons for height adjustment. After setting the height, push down firmly and check that the button clicks fully into a hole. A stick that collapses mid-step is dangerous, so test the lock before you put weight on it.

Which Hand Should You Hold the Stick In?

Hold the stick in the opposite hand from your weak or painful leg. If your right knee hurts, the stick goes in your left hand. This lets the stick share the load with the weak leg and keeps your body weight centered rather than tipped to one side.

If you’re using a stick purely for balance rather than pain, you can use whichever hand feels comfortable — but keep the stick close to your body, not out at arm’s length.

The Correct Walking Pattern and Stair Technique

Move the stick forward at the same time as the weak leg, then step through with the stronger leg. The stick should land close to your body, not far ahead or out to the side. Walk upright with your head up, and let the stick take some weight rather than leaning on it heavily.

• Going upstairs: Strong leg up first, then the stick and weak leg together.
• Going downstairs: Stick down first, then the weak leg, then the strong leg.
• Sitting down: Back up to the chair, place the stick close, and lower yourself using the armrest or seat for support.
• Standing up: Push up with both hands from the chair or bed, then reach for the stick once you’re stable.

Safety Cautions and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common errors are placing the stick too far forward, leaning too much weight on it, and carrying it in the air while walking. Each of these throws off your balance and increases fall risk.

• Wear flat, non-slip, supportive shoes — not flip-flops or loose slippers.
• Keep the rubber ferrule (the tip) in good condition; a worn tip slides on wet floors.
• Use a handrail on stairs whenever one is available, and skip stairs entirely if they feel unsafe.
• Avoid wet or slippery surfaces where possible.

These instructions apply to both single-point and multi-point sticks, but multi-point bases give more stability on uneven ground — just check that all tips are in contact with the floor. If you’re looking at upgrade options, our roundup of awesome walking sticks with better grips and bases is a good place to start.

FAQs

Should a walking stick be on the same side as the injury?

No. The walking stick should be held in the hand opposite the weak or painful leg. This keeps your weight centered and lets the stick share the load with the injured side. Using it on the same side encourages a lopsided gait that strains your back and hips over time.

What height should a walking stick be?

The handle should reach the crease of your wrist while you stand straight in normal walking shoes. When you grip the handle, your elbow should bend slightly — about 15 to 20 degrees. This position lets you put weight through the stick without hunching or overextending.

Is it better to use a cane or a walking stick?

The terms are essentially interchangeable for single-point mobility aids. A multi-point stick (four prongs at the base) offers more stability for balance issues, while a single-point stick is lighter and easier to maneuver for those who just need weight relief on one leg.