Hi Liz,

Walking stick time, huh? Oh well, these things can transform our lives. I always need pictures to explain anything like this to me.
Here are a couple of picture sites (for people 170 yo, don't let that bother u!!):
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_caneuse_sha.htm
http://www.falls-chutes.com/guide/en.../handout1.html
and here's a blog discussion of House (M.D.) and the fact that he uses it on the wrong side..
http://blogs.chron.com/realrehab/arc..._is_wrong.html

all the best, don't go tripping up now!