A Review of Switch Sticks Folding Walking Canes
Six months after my knee surgery my walking style without the crutches was a bit Frankenstein fashion to say the least. I had to admit it, I was going to need a bit more help if I was going to progress this monster stomp into something that resembled a normal walking gait. I was going to need a walking cane, for a little while at least.
Once I decided I needed a stick, I made another important decision .... If I have to get a walking stick then, I'm going to do it in style! I'm fed up of boring crutches, I love colourful stuff, I want it to look fun, but it needs to be very sturdy too as I am still terrified of falling again. So I started to do some research. Browsing the Internet for funky walking canes and visiting local shops to test drive a few to make sure I knew which type felt safe and looked great.
After researching and trying out many different types, I came across Switch Sticks and they seemed like just the right type of walking cane for me. Read my review of Switch Sticks Walking Canes to find out why I made my decision to buy one and what I think of it now its arrived.
A Wide Variety of Switch Sticks Styles
10 Things I Liked about Switch Sticks Walking Sticks
I really did lots of research before I decided to buy my Switch Stick. This including reading lots on the Internet and visiting some shops to try out the different makes. I spotted Switch Sticks on Amazon when I was looking for information. I liked the look of them straight away! When I got to try one out at a shop I liked them even more. This is why....
1. Plenty of colours to choose from
2. Funky patterns and designs - but also plain ones if you prefer
3. Not too heavy but enough weight for you to know its right there with you
4. Made from aluminium not plastic so feels sturdy
5. Easy to fold up, easy to flick out into action
2. Funky patterns and designs - but also plain ones if you prefer
3. Not too heavy but enough weight for you to know its right there with you
4. Made from aluminium not plastic so feels sturdy
5. Easy to fold up, easy to flick out into action
6. Not at all rickety or shaky, it feels solid and strong to use - this one is not going to give way on me!
7. The rubber grip does exactly that, grips! (And you can buy these in different colours too!)
7. The rubber grip does exactly that, grips! (And you can buy these in different colours too!)
8. Adjusts with a safety lock device to keep it the height you need it
9. Safety handle strap just incase you drop it - also useful for handsfree tasks
10. Waterproof carry case for when you don't need your stick
My Progression to a Switch Stick... and the improvement in my walking because of it!
When my Switch Stick arrived I unpacked it and tried it out at once.
My progression to walking again has so far gone like this...
The next stage was to be walking unaided .... eek!
Whilst I could actually walk about 10-20 steps without aid, I was very unsteady and wobbly. My gait was also incorrect, walking with my arms flailing out, swinging the hip of my bad leg out and throwing my good leg forward very quickly to save me! A mega limp, Frankenstein style!
With the Switch Stick my walking gait is almost normal, I don't lean too hard onto my good side for support (as with the crutch) and I can feel the wasted muscles in my leg actually waking up and playing their part again!
It felt like I was actually walking around my home normally for the first time in six months rather than making a huge deal of getting from A to B!
What an improvement... and what a relief!
My progression to walking again has so far gone like this...
- Almost immobile for 6 weeks
- Walking between parallel bars at physio sessions
- Walking with a Zimmer walking frame once the splint was removed
- Walking with two crutches
- Walking with one crutch (good side) and linking arms with someone (bad side)
- Walking with one crutch
The next stage was to be walking unaided .... eek!
Whilst I could actually walk about 10-20 steps without aid, I was very unsteady and wobbly. My gait was also incorrect, walking with my arms flailing out, swinging the hip of my bad leg out and throwing my good leg forward very quickly to save me! A mega limp, Frankenstein style!
With the Switch Stick my walking gait is almost normal, I don't lean too hard onto my good side for support (as with the crutch) and I can feel the wasted muscles in my leg actually waking up and playing their part again!
It felt like I was actually walking around my home normally for the first time in six months rather than making a huge deal of getting from A to B!
What an improvement... and what a relief!
Patterned Design Switch Sticks
At the shop I found that stocked Switch Sticks, the patterned designs were on sale at £47.99. I found mine on Amazon at £35.99! Bargain!
Should I Buy Walking Canes Or Walking Sticks? In this article I will clear up the issue of walking sticks vs. walking canes. Source for more about Senior Supported.
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