WALKING STICK learning to use | Arthritis Information

 

The state physio visited me yesterday and left a walking stick behind for me to 'try'. I'm surprised how hard it is to use it, but it does help my walking a lot and I would love to visit the art gallery again.

The first challenge was getting used to seeing it hanging on my bedroom doorknob. But I'm ok with that now.

Has anyone any advice about ergonomic handles and which ones worked best for them?

Did you find a way to avoid putting too much stress on your shoulder?

And any hints about using them in busy areas - I'm nervous about planting the thing on someone's foot and of having it kicked out from under me.

I don't even know what a walking stick is. Is it like a cane?

CathyMarie

I forgot to say, my good shoulder is not connected to an RA-free hand, so using the cane is only good for awhile. When my hand hurts too much and I let up from the cane, I end up turning my foot sideways to avoid the foot pain. That's how I gave myself achilles tendonitis in addition to the original foot problem, in fact, Xrays show bone spurs now too from the big achilles pulling the bone so hard. Honestly, things get more and more complicated. Be sure you do learn how to use your walking stick correctly so you don't cause more things to go wrong. This is plain crazy.

CathyMarie

Hi CathyMarie,

We call canes walking sticks over here. Thanks for the warning, I thought there could be some problems because that always happens doesn't it? I thought walking aids would be out for me because of my hands etc, but I'm concerned I'll fall and injure my decrepit back. And I live alone so I really do have to get out of the house most days.

Sounds like I'd better visit my private physio regularly to avoid causing other damage. I wouldn't have thought to do that without your advice. Thank you so much for replying, I appreciate your help.

JanHi Jan - My cane/walking stick of choice, happens to be a "forearm crutch", also called a "Canadian crutch".  Although you may not be familiar w/the name, I'm sure you've seen them:  there is a strong grip for your hand, which is perpendicular to the shaft of the crutch, BUT, instead of the crutch extending all the way up to your underarm, there is a cuff which encircles your forearm.  (There are 2 places to adjust both the length of the crutch and the height of the handle.......)  Since I've had shoulder replacements, this works much better for me, putting ZERO strain on the shoulders - also, it gives you the freedom to grasp something, i.e. turn a doorknob!, with that hand, without letting go of, or possibly dropping, your cane or crutch.  I hope I've explained this well enough for you?  I'm sure your Physical Therapist could explain it much better than I did!!  Good luck and let us know how you make out?

Dogmom  I have a cane/walking stick. If your left foot is hurt put the cane in your right hand. As you put your right foot forward-put the cane forward. I have one that is made of wood that used to be my dad's. I have found that if I use it alot my shoulder and hand hurt too. There's just no way to get around it. I also have a cane with four prongs at the bottom but I like the wooden one better. It is from Ireland. My dad's friends visited there and brought it back. It's called a shalaylee (sp?) and is blessed with properity and health. I say bring it on! LOL

Thanks for starting this thread, Jan.  It's something I'm thinking about right now, so I am interested to hear what everyone has to say.  I do furniture walking right now, like a baby does when it's learning to walk.  I shop only at stores that have shopping carts so I can use it like a walker.  I guess it's getting time to get over myself and think about a cane!

PS  - CinDee - it's spelled shillelagh! 
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