Stick or crutch?

[Tumsie]

Hi, I wanted to find out from those of us who have had to use a walking aid during a flare up or recovery... Which was more user friendly, walking stick or crutch(s)?

[HVAC]

This is where getting evaluated by a good PT a Physiatrist is important. We can do our bodies more harm by choosing the wrong device or having the wrong fit. I had a walker but I had it adjusted wrong, crutches have to be fitted and the height of a cane is important.. Also learning to use a cane on the opposite side not on your bad side.


Alex

[SarahL2491]

sometimes fancier ones, home made, or designed more are called walking sticks also.  My grandfather had one he called a walking stick.

I am forever leaving my cane, so buy the cheap ones, and I too, carry my walker in the truck, just in case I have a bad day and need to sit along the way!

My pet peeve with canes is that they always fall over!

[karryon55]

A walking stick is a cane.  :-)

Cheers.....Karry.

[essdipity]

Could you explain for us Americans what a walking stick is? Not a term in common use here, but I think it's the same as a cane. If not, please do correct me.

I have a cane that I used mostly in the latter stages of recovery from a broken ankle a few years back, and I found it helpful. More recently I haven't needed it, but it's there if I feel unsteady outside. I have trouble walking on uneven surfaces including grass.

I can't possibly use crutches as my balance is pretty bad, and they're very cumbersome besides. Using two makes it impossible to carry anything, so for me they're not a solution.

I think experimentation is the key here. What is ideal for some is a disaster for others.

ess

[karryon55]

I have used a walking stick up until recently but it's been suggested that this was making my kyphosis on my back worse & to try elbow crutches. I only use one elbow crutch because it enables me to have my other hand free & I have to admit I'm not stooping as much as I was with the stick. I also find that I can leave it dangling on my arm if I need to use that hand. Ideally you should use bilateral elbow crutches & not just one which I do if I'm walking a lot.

There are many kinds of walking sticks available & I used one that has a moulded grip to assist with the arthritis in my hands. This makes it comfortable to use but it can't be used in the other hand so I now have a left & a right handed one. It's important to have any walking aid at the correct height so be sure to get that checked before using it. It is often a good idea to choose one with adjustable height settings.

I also have a walker with a seat which I use when I'm not having such a good day. I think walking sticks are more convenient because they are less cumbersome when you need to sit & leave it somewhere. It also depends on what issues you are having to require an aid. If you need to put some weight on an aid I wouldn't go for a stick.

I hope this is helpful.

Cheers..... Karry.

[immisceo]

You may find this recent discussion helpful. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Using-a-cane-in-winter/show/2048273

I think people use a variety of things depending on personal preference and specific situation (do they need something for icy situations, etc.). Again, I'd have a read of that.