Thread: Hiking poles, whos uses them?

Gday team, just wondering what the general concensus is on hiking poles/ walking sticks? I got yarning to an old biddy up the top of the Rangitata and she couldn't shut up about her bloody walking poles. Having recently had a knee reconstruction (Cartilage out, Torn Meniscus fixed, plus ACL graft) I got thinking about them and I reckon they might be a bit of allright.
From what I understand they are used to take some of the weight off your knees, ankles etc and seem like they would be bloody good for downhill, which is what originally busted out my knee.
Is there any one technique to using them that works better than others? What about height, what height should they be set up at? Just until they "feel" right?
I have bought one as I was originally concerned about the extra weight but it doesn't weigh very much so im wondering if the benefits of using two are worth it?
Im thinking of taking them into fiordland with me and hope they don't just turn out to be a bloody hinderance and spend all their time strapped to my pack.