Walking sticks

For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated July 2026).

Walking sticks can improve your balance and give you extra support. They can be a helpful way to let people around you know that you may need extra room or time to move around.

Some people with Parkinson’s find this reduces anxiety caused by people crowding them, which could lead to freezing.

You might be able to borrow or be given a stick free on the NHS, either from a physiotherapist or your GP.

You’ll have a wider choice at most mobility shops and larger pharmacies. Here you can try different styles to find which gives you the right level of support.

Walking sticks should be regularly checked for wear and tear. If the tip of the stick (the ferrule) becomes worn, it must be replaced.