Which hand should hold a walking stick?
A walking stick is commonly held in the hand opposite the leg that needs the most support.
For example, if the right leg is painful or weaker, the stick is usually held in the left hand.
This allows the stick to move forward with the affected leg and can provide additional support during that part of the walking cycle.
Why is the stick usually used on the opposite side?
Using the stick on the opposite side can help create a more natural pattern of movement.
It can also help reduce the demand placed through the affected lower limb by allowing some support to be transferred through the opposite arm.
This is one reason the opposite-side technique is commonly taught for unilateral leg pain or weakness.
How should the stick move when you walk?
A common technique is to move the walking stick forward at the same time as the affected leg.
The unaffected leg then steps through.
This pattern allows the stick to provide support when the affected leg is taking weight.
What if both legs are affected?
If both legs are weak, painful or unstable, a single walking stick may not provide enough support.
Depending on the individual, two sticks, crutches, a walking frame or a rollator may be more appropriate.
Where both sides are affected, professional assessment is useful to determine the safest option.
What if you are left-handed or right-handed?
Dominant hand preference is less important than the reason the walking stick is being used.
The stick is normally positioned according to which leg requires support rather than simply being placed in the user's preferred hand.
That said, some people may need an alternative setup because of shoulder, wrist or hand problems.
What if the opposite arm is painful or weak?
If the arm that would normally hold the stick cannot be used comfortably, the usual technique may not be practical.
Examples include significant shoulder pain, wrist problems, hand weakness or reduced grip.
In this situation, another walking aid or a different walking strategy may be more appropriate.
Important: Do not force yourself to use a walking stick in a hand that cannot comfortably or safely support it. If upper-limb problems make normal stick use difficult, seek advice about an alternative walking aid.
Can you use a walking stick on the same side as the painful leg?
Some people naturally place the stick on the same side as the painful leg because it feels intuitive.
However, this may not provide the same mechanical support as using it on the opposite side.
If same-side use has been specifically recommended because of an individual condition or upper-limb limitation, follow that advice.
Does the same rule apply to a tripod or quad cane?
In many cases, yes. Tripod and quad canes are also commonly used opposite the affected leg.
The wider base provides additional ground contact, but the relationship between the cane and the affected side remains similar.
The larger base should also be positioned so it does not interfere with the user's feet.
What about a walking stick after surgery?
If a stick is being used following hip, knee, ankle or foot surgery, follow the instructions provided by the clinical team.
The appropriate side and amount of weight that can be placed through the leg may depend on the procedure and stage of rehabilitation.
Do not change weight-bearing instructions independently.
Can a walking stick help with balance rather than pain?
Yes. Some people use a walking stick mainly for additional balance or confidence rather than because one leg is painful.
In this situation, the most appropriate side may depend more on the person's gait, strength and preferred support pattern.
If balance problems are significant or falls are occurring, assessment by a healthcare professional is recommended.
What if you alternate the stick between hands?
Regularly swapping hands can make the walking pattern inconsistent and may reduce the benefit of using the stick in a coordinated way.
Once the most appropriate side has been established, it is generally better to use the stick consistently unless advised otherwise.
What else matters besides which side you use?
The walking stick should also:
- be adjusted to an appropriate height;
- have a secure and comfortable handle;
- have a ferrule in good condition;
- lock securely if it is height-adjustable;
- be suitable for the user's weight and support requirements.
When should professional advice be considered?
Consider professional assessment if:
- you are unsure which side to use;
- both legs are affected;
- you have significant balance problems;
- you have had repeated falls;
- you cannot comfortably use the opposite arm;
- the stick is being used following surgery or significant injury;
- walking remains painful or unstable despite using the aid.
