Best Types of Stick ?

[composter55]

I do enjoy some gardening and benefit greatly from the exercise and of course the garden fork is very useful as a stabiliser as I wobble around a garden. the handle seems quite a useful shape.

Does anybody recommend a commercial walking stick as my garden fork looks a bit like a weapon other than in a gerden ?

Composter55

[angelite]

Hello Composter,

Lots to choose from online : )

google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid...

If you have a physiotherapist, they could give advice/ possibly let you try out some.

A good pharmacy might also stock a few. I manage with a lightweight metal foldable, height adjustable one ordinarily and the clumsy , heavier but sturdier one given to me by the NHS during relapse ( suspected MS, ataxia is a part of my symptoms ). It has a hanging loop and a ring I can attach various seasonal keyrings to , to bling it up ! You can get some fab patterns on the foldable ones these days and their light weight makes it easier on weak arms. I know exactly what you mean by using garden tools as support - used my fork, spade and brush for this purpose but can't realistically go clanking down the road with one ! : ))

The rule of thumb height ( to the wrist bone ) does not suit everyone - I prefer mine a little higher for better support, slightly further away from my body and less impact on my back. I have bought a spare ferrule from a pharmacy, ( the little rubber widget on the end ! ) for when mine gets worn, as they can wear unevenly and lose grip after a while. Happy hunting : )

Angela x

[Wyndham in reply to angelite]

I thought my walking stick was at the right height, but as soon as I was assessed by an Occupational Therapist they corrected my walking stick to the correct height and it really makes a difference for the better.

[sheild in reply to angelite]

Definitely experiment with what is out there, I used a foldable stick for a short time but felt insecure and wobbly. I tried a couple of quadsticks and found one from Amazon suited me the best, it has a fairly small spread of feet at the bottom, not the gangly ones you see in physio departments. Mine is also pink with an ergonomic handle, very comfy and stylish!

[Hidden]

Hi composter I love gardening to but can only manage a bit at a time- gone are the days when I could garden all day. I use my big veloped all the time in the garden to carry my tools and can position it and sit on it if I need to do pruning e.t.c. When I go out I have a walker in the car but to get to the car and walk short distances I bought 2 walking sticks with big round bits on the end which I use rather like skis. They are supposed to 'stand up' but I quickly wore that off and my husband adapted them by sticking non slip rubber pads on the end. Chris