1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Osteoarthritis

Using a cane with OA

Posted , 7 users are following.

john_70747
john_70747

My mother is 67, she has moderate osteoarthritis in her knees and severe osteoarthritis in her left hip. She also has osteopenia. I think she needs to start using a cane but she won't hear it. There is so many studies that show that using a cane is tremendously beneficial in OA patients. She was referred to an ortho surgeon and has her first appointment coming up. I don't want to tell him in front of her that I think a cane would help because I know that would irritate her. from your experience do you think there is a good chance he will tell her to use a cane?

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

Next
  • CelsB
    CelsB john_70747

    Posted

    Hi John,

    Yes, I think it is highly likely that he will suggest a cane.  He will want to see how she walks and if he sees she is struggling to weight bear i think he will be surprised she isn't already using one.  I also think before they consider surgery they like to investigate pain relief and walking aids.  

    Your mum is the same age as me and I admit I was too proud to use a cane at first but I knew the time had come when I was shopping in town and in so much pain I struggled to get back to my car again.  

    She may listen to a surgeon rather than her son.  We are stubborn like that.

    Cels x

     

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK john_70747

    Posted

    Hi John

    I agree, I think he will see how she walks and suggests she uses one.

    He will {I would think } send her to the physiotherapist to show her how to use it.......opposite side etc I'm 2 years older and have had one for a few years but didnt want to "give in" at first. I was told it was a coping mechanisim...something to help you do something or go somewhere you wouldnt normally be able to do.

     The other thing is if she has osteopinia that can quickly change to osteoporosis. Mine did.!!  Its not sore but if it does change to osteoporosis and she falls it wont wont take much to fracture or break something and that is  sore

    Let us know what happens at the appointment

    Love

    Eileen

  • constance.de
    constance.de john_70747

    Posted

    eileenUK is right.  If your mother has osteopenia it could easily turn to osteoporosis - much worse state of affairs!  Mine did within 16 months!

    It's pride that stops people using the correct equipment.  So silly!  I had the same feeling, but a cane really helped and ANYTHING that relieves the pain must be worth it.

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK john_70747

    Posted

    Hi John

    Just another thought......I know its pride that stops us {female in particular} using things like that.  You get some really nice sticks......I take it you aren't in the UK? we tend not to use the word cane.

    google some nice patterned ones. and show them to her.

    I dont know where you are but if you have "Switch Sticks" try and bring those up on the computer and show them to her......tell her she can have one for every outfitwink  Just a thought and they aren't the only ones.

    I'm now on crutches......2nd hip replacement went wrong. When I discovered that I was going to be on them permanently I thought I'm not having those grey NHS sticks/Crutches........so googled and sent away for a lilac pair and then sent away for a pink pair. Makes you feel much better biggrin

    Love

    Eileen UK

  • constance.de
    constance.de john_70747

    Posted

    John, if your mother has a computer, get her to join this forum.  There is always someone on here with advice/help, or just a listening ear.  We are here to help each other and to give tips, etc.
  • jacquie16342
    jacquie16342 john_70747

    Posted

    Hi everyone

    I am now 64 (2 days ago) have been through crutches prior and after hip replacement and have tried to walk without anyone but do use a cane.  I was actually told NOT to use a stick by my Doctor - she said it would bring another set of issues.  As it happens, I cannot walk outside of my home with out  one.  I am quite unstable, slow at walking and painful when walking.  The cane/stick takes such a lot of pressure of my body - so lets hope your mother is advised to use one. 

    Let us know what happens.

    Best wishes

    Jacquie

     

    • constance.de
      constance.de jacquie16342

      Posted

      I was like that, then I took a step further.  I bought a rollator.  It's fantastic! I can walk much further and when I am tired I just sit down - find a place in the sun if possible - great.  Forget pride, be comfortable.
    • jacquie16342
      jacquie16342 constance.de

      Posted

      Hi

      Is that where there is an arm on either side with seat in the middle? Are you in uk or USA? Where would I get one? I have been thinking about wheelchair or scooter. It's so good to know I'm not the only oa sufferer.

      Thanks for this

      Best wishes

      Jacquie

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK jacquie16342

      Posted

      Hi Jacquie

      I'm in the UK {wasnt me that posted about a rollator} but I have one...its similar to a zimmer frame on wheels, you push it and it has a seat brakes etc. you can stop and sit down if you are tired. The seat well you just lift that up and mine has a basket underneath it where you can carry things. Others have a bag...not a basket.

      You are far from being the only oA sufferer...where are you? UK or USA?

      I also have a scooter.....I bought it second hand but its too heavy for me to put in my car but my husband can put it in his car and if I go to our shopping centre if I'm buying a few things or am particularly sore that day I hire a scooter from them

      Love

      Eileen

       

    • constance.de
      constance.de jacquie16342

      Posted

      Correct!  A comfortable walking/sitting device!!  I also have a wheelchair in case of need (only used it four times so far).  A rollator keeps you independent, it also keeps you active, sitting in a wheelchair doesn't.

      Google it!  You can buy them online and they are not expensive.

      I am British, but I have lived in Germany for 45 years.

      Have a great, pain free weekend.

      Regards fr Constance. 💐

  • jules130
    jules130 john_70747

    Posted

    Hi John, I am 62 and have to use crutches at the moment for my OA. I had my left knee replaced 7 years ago. I am on the waiting list to have my right one replaced. I am bone on bone. I have found that the crutches do help.I was without them for a couple of days and did notice the increase of pain.I have been using them since Jan 2015. Not actually a cane. Hope this helps. Goos luck to your mum.
    • constance.de
      constance.de jules130

      Posted

      Hi Jules!  I bought crutches too, but found them very limiting.  Couldn't go shopping with them (where to put the shopping?).  alright for round the house though.
    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK constance.de

      Posted

      Hi Constance

      I'm poking my nose in againbiggrin

      I have had crutches permanently for 2 and a half years, sometimes I use a scooter, if I have a lot of shopping, or I try my walker but I cant use it very well now.

      With the crutches I put a rucksack on.......a smallish one if I'm window shopping or might just get small things. Or a larger one if I think I'm going to get a few things. Peter does the weekly shopping but most supermarkets have shopping trollys. We have a large shopping mall about 15 mins drive from me. I go there a  lot with a rucksack. I also bought a small camera case and my husband attached it to a crutch. That is very handy. I keep my card, then coffee cards, Boots cards etc in it. Lipsick and small mirror. Most important......paracetamol cheesygrin. I also got one from the £1 shop and thats on the other crutch and I keep my mobile in it. It was so difficult if you had the phone in your rucksack and it rang.....what a carry on stopping, propping up the crutchs, opeing the rucksack getting the phone out and by then its stopped.

      Same with money...purse is in my rucksack but the card is in the camera case hanging on the crutch. So that gets used the most.

      Sorry for the ramble

      Love

      Eileen

       

    • jules130
      jules130 constance.de

      Posted

      Hi Constance,Yes it is a pain to go shopping, that's why my 83 year old mum comes with me.lol She loves it because it makes her feel useful.
    • constance.de
      constance.de eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Wow -  very  innovative!  Far too much messing about for me though.  I have a shoulder bag over my head with all my 'essentials' in it, shopping bag attached to my 'rolly', a seat to sit on when tired or in pain.  What more could a woman want?

      Regads fr C. 💐

    • constance.de
      constance.de jules130

      Posted

      Not only 'useful' but gets her out into the world.  Most important when you are old - mixing with people.
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.