Trekking poles are just poles for use when hiking, they offer support and balance on rough terrain. I decided to try them because I need to break bad habits I've developed using a rollator.

They are very similar to ski poles but are typically widely adjustable for length, have carbide spikes to bite the earth, and come with alternate tips for various surfaces. I have mine adjusted to about as high as my elbow to force my back to return to active duty. It's working very well for me.

There are different styles of use, I use the basic Nordic stride style, but at a much slower pace. My PTs call it "four-point walking".

I have deplorably poor balance and have been able to keep from falling pretty well with them.