How much weight can I put on the walking stick?
Is it okay to put too much weight on a walking stick?
- What you need to know about safe and secure use -
One of the questions we often get from people who have just started using a walking stick or are considering using one is,
"How much weight can I put on a walking stick?"
However, you may still have concerns such as "Will it break?" or "Is it safe to lean on it?"
However, a walking stick is not a tool that you can use to support your entire weight.
◆ The basic rule when using a walking stick is to "not put too much weight on it."
The basic premise is that a cane is merely an aid to support walking.
It is not designed to support your entire body weight, but rather as a tool to help you maintain balance and take some of the strain off your legs.
For example, its original role is to provide "partial support" by preventing you from wobbling when walking and distributing some of the weight on your legs and hips to your hands.
◆ How safe is it? Based on the SG mark test standards...
Among the many walking sticks on the market, those with the SG mark (Product Safety Association Certification Mark) meet safety standards and are reliable. This SG standard has been verified by conducting strength tests based on actual use, and is "designed to be safe for normal walking," but you should be careful not to lean too much on the walking stick.
◆ Don't apply too much! It puts your body at risk
Relying too much on a cane and trying to support most of your weight with your hands puts a lot of strain on your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Especially for those with weaker muscles or the elderly,
Wrist pain
Stiff shoulders and arm fatigue
Risk of tipping over due to cane tilt
Sometimes things like that come up.
◆ Correct usage: "Help" rather than "support"
The ideal way to use a walking stick is to imagine it as a part of your body, lightly supporting you.
By "lightly supporting" a few percent of your body weight on the support, it becomes easier to maintain balance when walking and reduces the strain on your entire body.
◆ If you are unsure, consider using a walking frame or Lofstrand clutch.
If you want to support your weight securely or feel uneasy using one hand, devices such as a walker or a clutch type that requires support with both hands (Lofstrand clutch) may be safer.
It is important to consult with a specialist staff member and choose a walking aid that suits your physical condition.
If you find yourself gripping the cane too tightly or leaning on it too heavily, it may be time to reconsider the type of cane you use and how you use it. For your peace of mind, we encourage you to choose a cane that suits your body with the help of a staff member at your nearest KINDCARE store.