welovemarmite Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Wanted to talk to anyone who uses a walking stick. I have a poorly back which if i walk or stand for too long leaves me with a limp and painful leg. It doesnt take a lot to trigger it off. Its rather frustrating as once it starts I can't keep going and as I am only in my 30's there is so much i need to do. My husband has suggested that when it gets bad I use a walking stick so I can keep a little bit more mobile, even if slower. Does anyone have any experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 I tend to use a walking pole or two for that matter when I am out a walk but not in general but they are a great help for you to lean on if you are unable to walk any further - try one and see how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 You can get some really pretty ones now too. ive seen cartoon ones and flowery ones and some very cool looking ones too. Give it a go, if it helps, its all good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welovemarmite Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 think i might have to go and find one. If I get a fold up one then i only need get it out when i really need it. Determined not to give in!! Thanks for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 My MIL has one of those fold-up flowery ones and its a lifesaver for her. Ditto an uncle. Neither can see very well it helps their confidence as well as their balance. My mum used one when she first had a hip done and she said its important for the stick not to be too tall for you - again it was a confidence aid as much as anything. I suppose you've seen a doc/physio/osteo/chiro to try to treat the problem rather than the symptom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welovemarmite Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 I dont think i would have to worry about it being too tall for me as i am 5ft 9. I have been having treatment for years but not yet managed to get it mended. I am seeing a chiro and bowen at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helly Welly Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 I'm 35 and use a stick when my hips are painful with Hypermobility Syndrome. I have a black folding stick for when i'm nt sure if i'll need one or not, and i also use a trekking walking stick which i got from Millets. These are good because they don't look like normal walking sticks. You can get them with two styles of handle, either vertical like a nordic walking stick or a more conventional handle so you can lean if necessary. The only thing you have to be careful of is that you don't get too reliant on a stick, they can make things worse if you are constantly leaning to one side. I only use mine when i really need it, so i can still get some exercise. Don't be embarrassed to use one though, as others hae said, you can get all sorts of styles now ad even plain ones can be customised with stickers. I would also recommend getting a wrist strap so that when you are in shops you don't end up dropping it on the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welovemarmite Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 thanks, the wrist strap sounds like good advice. You should see me in a shop if i have to go down to look at a lower shelf!!! I certainly don't want to rely on it, but just allow me to finish whatever I am doing at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Yup, I always have one folded up in my car for those 'wobbly' moments that take you by surprise!!! Works a treat. Makes life so much more liveable.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 I used to work in a shop that sold them........its important to get the stick that suits you & is comfortable. I noticed that the Yaktrak people do a snow & ice stopper for the end of walking sticks too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Good point sarah, it's also ESSENTIAL it's the correct height or it's counter productive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 I mostly don't use mine now but I also have a Leki walking pole with the walking stick type handle - they extend in two places so you can always get the right height and they close down smaller for transporting. Make sure you buy a good one with good shock absorbancy - it really does help. I have a rubber ferrule on mine but the Yaktrax one for ice that Sarah mentioned sounds good, I use Yaktrax on my wellies. If I'm walking on uneven ground then I use two Leki walking poles with the straight handle - you soon get used to looking strange on low level hills - they extend longer for using when going downhill so are safer if you have knees which are likely to suddenly just 'give' as mine do. I use those with the spike on the end as they stablise you on rough ground. If you do too much walking on uneven ground using just one pole then your gait will be out - much better to use two poles. (more for 'proper' walking as opposed to using a walking stick to help when you go shopping or short walks - it might look a bit odd in the supermarket!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
