Advice about walking poles?

[Archaeopteryx]

Hi folks, does anyone have experience they could share of using walking poles when hill walking? I have RA and my ankles/knees/hips need protecting but I'm desparate to get out in the hills again. Do they help? How best to use them? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Hi, they are better than ordinary walking sticks because your hands are in a safer position ( thumbs upwards). But I don't do much hill walking now, just flat countryside walks.

[Kanders]

I use ones with a bit of suspension on them, GO OUTDOORS have a good selection at a reasonable price, and you can order online. I live up a country track and use mine all the time for general walking.

[Hidden]

I used them instead of walking sticks when first ill, then progressed to folding walking stick, I am now in a position were I could use them for leisure walking, though im not keen on hills. mine were from a company called Oswald Bailey.

Make sure your walking shoes are supportive too x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Just today I received the StrongArm canes, which have a wrap around support bar above the wrist, for supporting your elbow, and the hand hold keeps your wrists from bending backwards. I am already amazed at how sturdy and stabile they are. Not sure how they would be walking uphill, but they sure are sturdy and allows me to stand up straight, more than my regular canes did.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I use the Nordic walking technique, using two canes, goes very easily.

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

That's great Loret, hope they help you get out and about while your wrist recovers. Px

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

I think I like them, though the walker is the safest and practical, since I can carry things about the house, and the gardens. They are bronze, pretty classy. My daughter-in-law ordered them on line for me. Lxxx

[Hidden]

I don't use sticks but if I do start to need them I think I would concentrate on the handles because of wrists and fingers. Good luck - my ankle hurts on uneven ground just now but am hoping it won't for too long. Tilda x

[helixhelix]

I use one, and helps as more likely to grip on bumpy tracks. But changing my boots made a bigger difference. Got a bigger size to fit extra thick insoles, and much more comfortable. Polly

[magglen in reply to helixhelix]

it is important always to use two poles even for fit people as one puts the spine out. Two keeps the spine in balance. see the difference.

[Archaeopteryx]

thanks everyone for taking time to reply - will give some sticks a try. and will check boots are doing their job too.

liz

[magglen]

I could not do without my poles. I walk miles every day with them. It is important to learn the proper Nordic Walking tecnique though. They take weight off joints, exercise upper body as well as lower. Great form of exercise for RA sufferers. Go ahead and enjoy

[Archaeopteryx in reply to magglen]

thanks! I was wondering about technique - did you have someone show you, or did you work it out for yourself?

[magglen]

I found Nordic Walking site on the internet and then joined a local class. I do think this is really important so that you will have someone to help you do it properly. NW is on prescription in my part of Wales. It is also a nice social group.... at least my one is. Enjoy