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Nordic Walking Sticks

Posted , 8 users are following.

linda80011
linda80011

How soon can I start using my Nordic walking sticks?  I am 10 weeks post op and still use a cane/Walker. I can walk unaided but with a bad limp. Have bad knees too.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen linda80011

    Posted

    Dear Linda

    The idea of using walking sticks is to take distribute some of your weight from your legs/hips to the sticks which in turn should mean that you walk with an improved walking gait.

    As your muscles and confidence improve you can reduce your pressure on the walking sticks at whatever rate is right for you.

    Cheers Richard

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen

      Posted

      Apologies not walking stick but walking poles! To be clear if you are having difficulty in supporting yourself then it is too soon to be trying to move onto the walking poles.

      Cheers Richard

  • julie40975
    julie40975 linda80011

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    I'm not an expert but if you are walking with a bad limp you are not ready to leave your sticks behind. The Nordic walkers won't give you the support you need as Richard said. I would wait until you are walking better before you go Nordic walking!

    I'm 6 months on and only really starting to walk minus the limp due to weak muscles.

    Take it easy

    Julie

    • carolSte
      carolSte julie40975

      Posted

      Hi Julie, Im 4 months post THR and frustrated because I walk with a significant limp without using my stick. Im trying so hard as I want to be 'stick free'. My muscles just dont seem to want to play ball. Any suggestions please? I had a reconstruction, rather than a replacement, ith extra metal and bone grafts. Best wishes

    • julie40975
      julie40975 carolSte

      Posted

      Carol

      You don't need to rush in view of the surgery you have had it will take longer than the norm whatever that is! I understand the frustration to get rid of the stick/s but in the long run it's better to be patient than end up with a permanent limp

      Julie

  • gay81225
    gay81225 linda80011

    Posted

    I did a lot of walking before the arthritis got too bad and I always used a trekking stick - just one which was useful for finding the depths of puddles and warding off dogs!  I had a total right hip replacement 11 weeks ago and have just started using two trekking poles.  Like you I can walk unaided and only have a limp when I have been sitting down for a while, or first thing in the morning.  After a few minutes the limp goes and I can walk normally.  I find the trekking poles are good in that they give me a feeling of confidence where balance is concerned, but unless you set them low they don't help with support.  If you really need a stick to lean on it would probably be better to wait until you're not limping.

  • linda80011
    linda80011

    Posted

    I appreciate everyone's responses. I don't feel secure enough yet, at almost 10 weeks post op, to go out without a walking aid. I am putting my Nordic walking poles up for a few more weeks.  

    • Toplis
      Toplis linda80011

      Posted

      I used my walker for total balance and support until one day I was able to walk away from it with confidence

      Took three months

      It most and more important to be safe and secure than to prematurely confident and hurt yourself

      If it hurts use support.

  • jomary
    jomary linda80011

    Posted

    You need to be quite clear of the difference between Nordic Walking and traditional trekking poles and there is a helpful site on "youtube" nordic wlaking vs trekking poles which would help you decide which you need.  Nordic walking poles are for brisk walking, upperbody strength etc. They are pushed into the ground behind you at an angle and help you forward. The terrain needs to be level or only sightly hilly. Trekking poles are for support and stability and are used upright and to the front and side of you  for level of hilly walking up to the limit of Everst Base Camp!

  • nicola_75118
    nicola_75118 linda80011

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    Just a thought, are you having physio?

    I paid for my physio as it was not offered, I came off a walking aid at 8 weeks post op but left with a terrible limp.

    The physio told me it was due to weakened muscles and gave me specific exercises for my glutes, my limp has practically gone,it's worked wonders,I had posterior approach so this makes sense.

    I know this discussion is about the Nordic walkers but it made me think physio will help with your limp and strengthening the muscles before moving on to the walkers.

    I'm unsure if that is the problem or what approach you had? Hope this helps.

    Regards

    Nicky

    • linda80011
      linda80011 nicola_75118

      Posted

      Hi Nicky, thanks for reaching out. I had physical therapy for 8 weeks. I am now 10 weeks post op and limping without an aid although it is better every day. I am 71 and have decided I just need to give it more time. My therapist gave me exercises to keep doing. I'm interested in your comment about the glutes needing more strength. Is there one exercise that really helped you?

    • nicola_75118
      nicola_75118 linda80011

      Posted

      Hi Linda

      Your welcome, glad to hear your limp is improving.

      Basically I had alot of knots in tne muscle area(all bottom) so have deep tissue massage. Physio explained to me I have to get rid of the knots before the glutes exercises can take full effect.

      I use a hard tennis ball and push against the knots(where you feel pain) against a wall for a minute or so,until pain goes away,I do this several times a day.

      Glutes exercises squats against a wall,not deep ones,bend your legs a little legs slightly apart. I do around 20 I try and hold each one for ten seconds.

      Lay on your side,keep your good leg straight and take operated leg up and down, I do 20.

      I have a sheet there's a few more but hard to explain on this,if I can work out how to send you the picture of the sheet, I could.do this,if you like?

      Although it may be better to check with a physio?

      One exercise that I have read on here which is really good is to squeeze your bottom cheeks as hard as you can and hold as long as you can 10-20 seconds.also squeeze one bottom cheek after another,for example squeeze right cheek,then left and keep going.

      Hope this is of some use.

      Best wishes Nicky

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