Ahmad Risk wrote:
> > How long should a walking stick be compared to
> > the height of the person using it?
The clue lies in tailoring. If you were being measured up
for a suit, arms by your side, your tailor would measure
your arm length down from the axilla to the base of your thumb.
Measuring for a walking stick, is from the base of the thumb down
to the ground.
The walking stick used with an extended arm should turn a biped
functionally into a triped / tripod, a sturdier situation.
If the walking stick is too long, the arm wobbles (unsafe).
If the stick is too short, this encourages stooping (bad for the back,
and could risk overbalancing).
Apart from incorrect length, the other commonest error in aged persons
using walking sticks, is holding the stick in the hand of the
affected side. A stick should normally be held, if that upper limb
is capable, in the hand opposite to the dysfunctional lower limb,
allowing more weight to be taken on the good leg.
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Dr Rob Pearson
General Medical Practitioner & RCGP District Faculty Tutor (East Leeds)
95 Moresdale Lane
Leeds
LS14 6BN South Seacroft One Stop Services :
Tel 0113 295 1200 Primary Medical Care, Social Services
Fax 0113 295 1210 Housing, CMHT, Community Benefits & Rights
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