These strong yet lightweight support sticks are designed to provide reliable assistance and comfort for everyday use.
A walking stick — also called a walking cane — is one of the simplest ways to stay steady, confident and independent on your feet. The right stick takes weight off a painful hip, knee or ankle, improves your balance, and gives reassurance whether you are moving around the house or heading out and about. Every Helping Hand stick is lightweight, height adjustable and finished with a comfortable non-slip handle and a hard-wearing ferrule. Most customers qualify for VAT relief, and UK delivery is free on orders over £15.
How to choose a walking stick
- Standard adjustable sticks — light and easy, with push-button height adjustment. Ideal for everyday support and confidence.
- Quad (four-point) canes — a four-footed base that stands up on its own and gives the most stability, useful after a stroke or for significant balance problems.
- Fischer and ergonomic handles — an anatomically shaped handle that spreads pressure across the palm, easing strain for arthritis or a weaker grip. Available for left or right hand.
- Swan-neck (offset) sticks — the handle sits directly over the shaft so your weight is centred for extra stability.
What height should a walking stick be?
A stick set to the right height keeps your posture upright and your wrist comfortable. Wearing your normal shoes, stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides: the top of the handle should sit level with the crease of your wrist. When you hold it, your elbow should bend very slightly — around 15 degrees. All our sticks are height adjustable, so you can set them precisely.
Which hand should I hold my walking stick in?
It can feel natural to hold a stick on your painful side, but it should usually be held in the hand on your stronger side — the opposite side to your weaker leg. As you step forward with the weaker leg, the stick moves with it, sharing the load and keeping you balanced. If you are recovering from surgery or a stroke, your physiotherapist can confirm what is right for you.
Our walking sticks
- Aluminium Walking Stick – Height Adjustable — a lightweight everyday stick with simple push-button adjustment.
- Adjustable Fischer Stick – Black — anatomical Fischer handle that eases pressure on arthritic hands.
- Adjustable Fischer Stick – Silver — the same comfort-shaped handle in a silver finish.
- Aluminium Quad Cane – 4-Point Walking Stick — a self-standing four-point base for maximum stability.
Frequently asked questions
Walking stick or walking cane — what is the difference? They are two names for the same thing. "Cane" is more common in North America and for quad canes; "walking stick" is the usual British term.
When should I use a quad cane instead of a single stick? A quad cane gives more support and stands on its own, which helps if you have significant balance difficulties or are recovering from a stroke. A single-point stick is lighter and better for everyday confidence.
Can I buy a walking stick VAT-free? Yes — if you are disabled or have a long-term illness you can usually buy VAT-free by completing the short declaration at checkout.
Walking sticks are part of our wider mobility aids range. If you need more support than a stick provides, take a look at crutches and walking frames, or a rollator for longer distances outdoors. Not sure which stick is right? Call our UK team on 01531 635678 or email shop@helping-hand.com — we have been making mobility aids in Britain since 1965.
