Walking Aids-Correct Height

How to check the correct height for walking aids

It is very important to have the walking stick at the correct height for use. If this is incorrect then the support will not be adequate and may cause discomfort.

If the walking stick is too high, this will result in you raising your shoulders which reduces your balance and comfort.

The best method of checking the height is to stand in your normal footwear with your arms hanging relaxed with a slight natural bend at the elbow (flexed at 15 degrees). Then take a measurement from the wrist crease/ big knobble on the wrist bone to the ground. This should be the height of your walking aid.

Check the height from time to time-your height and posture may change over time so it is worth checking occasionally. If large changes are needed do this slowly in increments so that you can adjust the way you walk slowly. If your health care professional has set the stick high for you this may be for a specific reason, so do not change it without asking.

The correct height for crutches

Crutches must be at the correct height for use. Just like a stick you should stand with correct footwear on and the height of the handle should be set at a height level with the protruding bone at the side of the wrist.

The correct height for walking frames

It is very important to have the frame at the correct height for use.

• If the frame is too high, you may find it difficult to straighten your elbows sufficiently and may not take enough body weight through your arms
• If the frame is too low, it will encourage you to be bent over in a poor posture. However, a physiotherapist may deliberately set up a frame at a low height for people who tend to fall backwards – this will encourage them to lean forwards
• When being measured for the height of your walking frame wear appropriate and supportive footwear.

Generally, to ensure that the pushing handles are in the best position for weight bearing, the height of the handgrips should be at the level of the wrist bone when the user’s elbows are very slightly bent (at an angle of about 15 degree flexion)

Some models are available in a number of fixed heights – the nearest suitable height should be chosen. Others have telescopic handles, with spring-loaded catches, so that their height can be more finely adjusted.