How do you choose the right walking aid?

Why do walking aids matter?

Walking aids such as sticks, crutches and frames widen the base of support, improve balance, take weight off a weak or painful leg and help people stay active and independent. A review of assistive devices notes, however, that many people have never been shown how to use their device, and aids are often the wrong height, damaged or unsuitable 1.

An incorrectly chosen or fitted aid can increase the risk of falls and cause shoulder, wrist or back pain, so professional assessment is valuable.

When is a walking stick suitable?

A single-point stick suits people with mild balance problems or pain or weakness in one leg. It redistributes some weight away from the affected leg, increases the base of support and provides feedback about the ground through the hand 1.

Quad sticks, which have four small feet, offer more stability but can be awkward on stairs and uneven ground. Walking poles used in both hands suit some active people with mild balance problems.

When are crutches or frames more suitable?

Crutches are useful when people need to put weight through their arms, for example when told not to put full weight on a leg after an injury or surgery. They require good upper body strength, balance and coordination 1.

Walking frames provide the most stability for people with leg weakness or poor balance by increasing the base of support and taking some body weight. However, they require more attention to use than sticks and make stairs difficult 1. Wheeled frames, called rollators, allow a more natural walking pattern and often include a seat and brakes.

How should a walking aid be fitted?

The top of a stick or frame should be level with the crease of the wrist when standing upright with the arms relaxed by the sides 1. When holding the aid, the elbow should be slightly bent.

Rubber tips on sticks and frames should be checked regularly and replaced when worn. Rollator brakes should be tested and adjusted.

How do you walk with a stick correctly?

A stick should be held in the hand on the opposite side to the weak or painful leg, and moved forward at the same time as that leg 1. This pattern mimics the natural arm swing and shifts load away from the affected side.

On stairs, a common approach is to lead with the stronger leg going up and the weaker leg going down, using a handrail on the other side where possible.

Can a walking aid make balance worse?

Relying on an aid without addressing weakness and balance can lead to further deconditioning. Walking aids work well alongside a strength and balance programme.

People with memory problems may find complex aids difficult to use safely, so the choice should also consider cognition and the home environment 1.

How should a walking aid be maintained?

Check sticks and frames regularly for worn rubber tips, loose screws, bent frames and damaged handgrips. Worn tips reduce grip and increase the risk of slipping, especially on wet floors.

Rollators need checks of the brakes, wheels and seat. If you are unsure whether your aid is still safe or the right height, ask a physiotherapist or the service that supplied it to review it.

When should walking difficulties be assessed?

Seek assessment if walking becomes suddenly more difficult, if falls or near-falls occur, if you notice new weakness, numbness or dizziness, or if pain limits walking.

A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assess which aid suits you, fit it correctly and teach you how to use it.

Frequently asked questions