Getting used to a walking stick.

ExDancer I have been using a walking stick since I was 29 now nearly 65. If I didn't use my stick I would fall over. I hold my stick in my right hand as I can't control my left also my right hand is my stronger hand. I have an aluminium one which is height adjustable.
You won't be able to use an umbrella will a stick as it will over balance you. I use a backpack for my shopping as I can't carry anything heavy in my left hand.

I am 5' 2" and my stick is 32" long from top of handle to base. Perhaps the best thing for you would be to go too a mobility shop and try different sticks some have 3 bases.

When my Mum first had to use a stick the OT told her to use it in the opposite hand to the leg that was painful. She also said it was very important to adjust the height of the stick to get it right.

Poor Mum never really did get the hang of it and used to twirl it around like the umbrella in “Singing in the rain.”

PS She was better with one of those folding push/walker things that have a seat so you can stop for a rest.

This is my stick I use it so the handle is top of my thigh height.

I have a stick but somehow just does not feel right.I will keep trying as of course I do need it.

I find that top-of-thigh makes me hunch and gives me backache. Hard to find one that is taller, foldable and not too heavy. I'm 5' 4". My problem is not balance. I use it (or would if I could find one that suits) as protection when out and about - have little sight in one eye and am afraid of being knocked over and being unable to get up again after 2 lots of surgery on one knee.

This might help in choosing correct size of stick.

www.stickandcaneshop.co.uk/cane-stick-height-guide-shortening#:~:text=To%20measure%20someone%20for%20a,length%20of%20walking%20stick%20required.

See if your local area has self-referral to physio service (ask your GP practice) if not, ask them for a referral.
If you can afford it, use the physio2u services form the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists to find one who will give you a session's coaching in using the stick.
Personally I found it enormously helpful. Good luck

If I could afford it, I'd book one session with a physiotherapist to teach me how to use the sitck and the best height.

Agree with fleurpepper. See far too many people with a walking cane totally at wrong height, etc. Top of cane (Handle) should ne at hip level. When I first started to use one of these it was largely for the same reason as OP - and became a sort of 'third' leg to help prevent me tripping over.

Forget the umbrellas, have hooded jackets, use a wheeled shopping trolley instead of trying to carry bags. Handbag on long strap across body. Have a strap on top of cane and keep that on your wrist, so the cane does not fall down.

Totally agree with Fleurpepper and Franbern. I found using a stick frustrating at first but practice makes perfect, well nearly! I wouldn’t be without it now.

Coats with good pockets are a help too.

I use a hospital style one with a hand grip & a cuff cuff that wraps around your arm so it stays put , hands free , no matter what , like wanting to be picking up shopping bags or opening an umbrella ect . Also it’s fully adjustable for any hight and has good rubber grip so doesn’t slide on floors . I were lucky enough to acquire one from a friend but I believe the same style can be bought online , don’t think they expensive, around £15 or so . ?

Yes, you do need your stick to be at a good height. Physio in hospital adjusted sticks for me after a tkr. I’m fairly tall, 5’6”, and the sticks looked huge. She explained it’s important not to bend down to the stick as that affects balance and posture, also causes back pain.

I’d hope you could get a physio assessment exdancer. Your GP sounds very dismissive, there are many reasons balance mechanisms fail, not simply those attached to older age. In many areas the physios run balance classes. I’m disappointed for you at the lack of input

That’s one cuff not two …lol….🥹

I read somewhere recently that the measurement from your wrist to the ground is the length a walking stick should be. I think the idea is that if it's too high, you will be pushing your shoulder up on the side you're using the stick and if it's too low you'll be leaning to the stick side.

www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/pages/walking-stick-measuring

How does one cope with an umbrella? and shopping bags?
I tend to wear a mac with a hood rather than try to cope with an umbrella.

A cross-body bag and, if you have to carry shopping, can you use a backpack or shopping trolley? I'm not sure how stable shopping trolleys are though.

I have had to use a stick for years after breakages. Here is some advice.

Stand up straight always when using it. Don't be a bent over little old lady unless absolutely necessary!

Get a cross-body handbag - you can then have your hands free when looking for your purse or whatever.

Get a stick with a hand loop, so your hands can be free when standing.

Beware of slippery pavements - you must have a working rubber ferrule that is not worn down. I have Flexifoot sticks with firm corrugated ferrules that stay firmly planted on the ground even on slopes and hills ...... most sticks' bases do not sit flat to the ground on hills and can be hazardous if the surface is wet.

Put as little weight on it as necessary - only enough to keep you balanced - leaning heavily on the stick will cause arm and shoulder pain in the long term.

I use the stick in my right hand because the breakages were on the left, and continue to do so even though I have hip problems on the right. You must do whatever feels right for you.

I think you are wise to get a stick - falls can cause our older bones to break with long term unpleasant results. Good luck

flexyfoot.com/collections/flexyfoot-premium-oval-handle-walking-sticks

These are what I have. The ferrules concertina and always stay flat to the ground.

I had a frightening fall with a shopping trolly.
I was crossing the street in town, and used an area where the kerb was lowered for pedestrians but must have pushed one wheel off the kerb and the whole thing tipped over sidewards.

Stupidly I kept hold of the it and went down, falling sideways into the traffic.

A kind young man pulled me to my feet (twisting my shoulder in the process, bless him), for which I was very grateful. But its put me off trollies and strollers so I'm persevering with the stick. Hip light, opposite side to worse leg.
Thank you.

My stick was provided by the OT dept. They adjusted the height to suit me. It also has an erglnomic handle, which is much easier and less painful to hold than my previous hospital one.
It also has a loop attached, so that I don't drop it.
I use a cross body bag and jackets with hoods.
I can' t carry shopping, so I wheel the supermarket trolley to my car.
My stick gives me the confidence to go out and about.