What are Mono sticks?
Mono sticks are designed not only to aid the movement but also reduce the risks of falls. It assists in proper balancing and improves stability. These sticks are straight rods made of different materials. A handle is provided for grip and on the other end a rubber stopper to hold the stick in its place. It is the most portable and convenient medical device.
These are used for milder instability. It helps in lifting the weight of the patient. The weight is distributed uniformly. Therefore, reduces the risk of falls and pain in knees or back.
It can be classified depending on the type of neck, the material used etc.
- Material- Aluminium, wooden
- Neck type- Straight/curved
- Base- Mono, tripod, quadripod
Benefits
- Increases a person’s degree of mobility thereby improving productivity and daily activities.
- Increases a person’s confidence in moving around without anybody’s assistant thereby decreasing the depression.
- Reduces repeated falls, which are common in elderly due to weakening bones and poor healing time.
- Dependence on other people decreases.
- As it helps in mobility, their sedentary lifestyle decreases and gives other benefits of exercise.
How to select your stick?
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- Affordability and usage are important factors for the selection.
- Depending on the durability of the device, for a long-term use, it is necessary the stick is made of good quality material.
- The degree of effectiveness to which the device improves the level of functioning, capability, and independence.
- Operability Of the device and whether is sufficient response to a person’s needs.
- The reliability of the device to operate repetitively in the set manner and offer reasonable levels of accuracy when needed.
- The selection also depends on the use of the patient.
Important features of the sticks
The Handle
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- Walking stick handles are commonly made of foam, rubber, plastic, or wood. Wood and plastic are usually more durable than foam. However, due to pain in the hands, some users prefer foam or rubber handles as it may be more comfortable. The handle should be of appropriate size. Users with arthritis or other joint pains might prefer a handle with a larger grip. A wrong size handle can bring stress on joints and help prevent joint deformities.
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The Height
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- It is very important that the height should be adjustable. The patient may feel soreness due to the too long height of the stick. Too short height can cause back pain and stress on knees.
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