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what sort of walking stick?

Posted , 6 users are following.

gentian
gentian

Dear All

I havent posted here for a long time but the medics have decided I have "unidentified myalgia" which wont go away but I should keep doing and moving.  I walk slowly and a bit painfully with 2 walking sticks with those rightangled shaped heads - called Derby I think.  They come in various colours and look quite debonair. or so I claim!

However my hands and arms are really sore, tingling and at times numb,  because I need to put a lot of weight on the palms of my hands, particilarily to get up stairs.  I wondered if those sticks that fasten round the forearm are more supportive, (if less cool) and save pressure on the hands?  Otherwise I am going to be in difficulties soon.  Has anyone experience of different sticks/ canes/ crutches?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • constance.de
    constance.de gentian

    Posted

    I've tried the lot - then I got a rollator.  I've never looked back!  Less weight on hands - they are so easy to push, and if you get tired you just sit down.

    It's a struggle with a stick or crutches.😡

  • faye______00403
    faye______00403 gentian

    Posted

    You are way better off with a rollater.  I tried the crutches and have a

    lot more stability and balance with rollater or walker....

    Get off the canes they are hard to deal with....

  • EileenH
    EileenH gentian

    Posted

    Some people swear by Nordic walking poles - they are like normal hiking poles but have a hand strap that helps holding them.

    If you need more support than that, and it sounds as if you do, then the rollator constance recommends is ideal - and the permanent seat being available is such a benefit! 

    But your best place to go is to a physio or an occupational therapist and ask for advice - they are the experts. Your GP should be able to refer you to them.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga gentian

    Posted

    I don't know how any cane could help you going up and downstairs, although I do think you would find the nordic poles helpful for walking generally.  When I went to a workshop the instructor said his favourite poster child was an 80 year old woman who had been walking with two canes but was determined to learn how to walk with Nordic poles.  He said she still cannot achieve the ideal posture the poles encourage, but in general she is walking with much greater comfort.  We didn't get into discussing how she might navigate stairs....  The poles I have include detachable loops, and I recommend that kind as it's very convenient to be able to snap the pole off rather than having to manouevre out of the loop if you need to handle something.
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