Why the Right Height Matters More Than You Think

A walking stick is only as helpful as its setup. Set too high, it forces your shoulder up and your arm into an awkward bend, so you end up leaning away from the stick rather than over it. Set too low, and you stoop forward, putting extra load through your lower back, hip and wrist. Either way, you tire faster, your posture suffers, and the stick gives you far less stability than it should.

The good news is that getting it right takes about two minutes and a tape measure. There is a well-established starting point used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists across the UK, and it works for almost everyone as a first setting.

The Wrist-Crease Measurement

This is the method to start with. It gives you a stick height that lets your elbow stay slightly bent when you are standing upright with the stick beside you.

• Stand as tall as you comfortably can, in the shoes you normally wear outdoors. Footwear makes a real difference — a thick-soled walking shoe can add 2–3 cm.
• Let your arms hang loosely by your sides, shoulders relaxed.
• Find the crease on the inside of your wrist, where your hand bends.
• Measure from the floor to that crease. That measurement is your starting height.
• Set the stick so the top of the handle sits at that point.

If you are adjusting a stick you already own, extend the leg sections until the handle reaches the crease, then check that each section is firmly locked. Twist-lock sticks should be tightened until they will not turn further; clip-lock or push-button sticks should have every button fully popped out through its hole.

Standard Handle or Ergonomic Handle?

The measurement itself is the same whichever handle you use, but the way you measure can vary slightly.

• Standard crook or derby handle: measure to the top of the curve where your palm rests. This is the simplest and most common setup.
• Ergonomic or anatomical handle: these are moulded to fit the shape of your hand, with a shaped grip and often a small ledge for your fingers. Measure to the highest point of the grip, where the heel of your hand sits.
• Fischer-style or offset handle: the handle sits forward of the shaft, which can suit people with wrist or hand arthritis. Again, measure to the top of the grip, not the shaft.

Some ergonomic handles are handed — left or right — so check you have the correct one before you adjust anything. Using the wrong side can make your wrist sit at an uncomfortable angle, no matter how carefully you set the height.

Fine-Tuning Once You Are Standing

The wrist-crease figure is a starting point, not gospel. Once the stick is set, stand up and test it.

• Your elbow should be bent at roughly 15 to 30 degrees — a gentle bend, not a right angle.
• Your shoulder should feel relaxed, not lifted or hunched.
• When you push down on the handle, you should feel stable rather than as though you are reaching for the floor.
• Your back should stay upright. If you find yourself leaning forward to put weight through the stick, it is probably too low.

Walk a few steps along a corridor or across a room. If you feel yourself gripping hard or lifting your shoulder, raise the stick by one hole or one twist increment at a time. Change one step, walk again, and repeat until it feels natural. Small adjustments make a big difference — a single 2.5 cm step is often enough to change the whole feel.

If you have a condition that affects one side of your body, such as after a stroke, your therapist may recommend holding the stick in the opposite hand to your weaker leg. That gives you a wider base of support and a more natural walking rhythm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adjusting your posture to fit the stick. The stick should fit you, not the other way round.
• Leaving the height alone because it feels "about right". A centimetre or two out can cause real discomfort over a long walk.
• Setting it too high for reassurance. A taller stick can feel safer, but it usually pushes your weight sideways and reduces stability.
• Ignoring the rubber ferrule. The tip is what grips the pavement. Check it every few weeks and replace it when the tread wears smooth or the rubber hardens — a worn ferrule is one of the most common causes of slips.
• Forgetting the second stick. If you use two, set them to the same height and test them together.

Is Your Height Changing?

Height is not fixed. Posture shifts, and many people lose a little stature over the years. If you have had a change in medication, a spell in hospital, a new pair of shoes with thicker soles, or a period of reduced activity, it is worth rechecking the measurement.

You may also find that your needs change. A stick that was ideal six months ago might now feel less secure, and a different handle, a wider base, or a walking frame could serve you better. That is not a backwards step — it is simply matching the equipment to the job.

If you are unsure, ask your GP for a referral to a community physiotherapist or an occupational therapist. In most parts of the UK you can also contact your local council's adult social care team and ask for an assessment of your needs. These assessments are free, and they can look at your walking, your home, and the equipment that would help most. A short conversation with someone who does this every day can save months of guessing — and often a fair amount of discomfort along the way.