Walking sticks -- when do I need to use one?

luminated

sunnyone wrote: »

Your Gp can refer you to a physio who will provide you with a stick and show you how to use it properly, if walking sticks are used wrongly they can cause more damage.

They may suggest a stick or a crutch if they think it will help you, how are your arms, shoulders and wrists because sticks and crutches really put pressure on them.

Generally I am weak but my legs are the real problem. My arms would be happy to have more pressure on them if it gets me around a bit better and safer.

LadyMorticia

luminated wrote: »

I am glad you have a supportive GP. I have moved twice in recent years and have needed to get used to two new GP practices and haven't fully tested the new ones attitude towards the M.E. part of my health issues. I am about to submit a DLA claim and will have a full and frank chat with the new GP next week.:eek:

I hope it goes okay.

I always find writing a list helps lol but I just give it to my doctor to read because otherwise I start to fumble and stutter.:o

I moved about two years ago. I also have mental health problems and have found that the mental health service here is so much better than where I'm from, same with the GP surgery.

pwales_2

use one when you need to nobody needs to tell you ,
next time you see the doctor ask for one, then you will get it for free

pinklady21

Something else to consider would be a lightweight folding stick/seat.
A bit like one of those old fashioned "shooting sticks".

This can be carried in a shoulder bag when you don't need to use it, and when you do, unzip the bag, and heh presto it unfolds and you have a stick, or a handy spot to perch if you need a rest.

I bought mine a few years ago from a disability aids shop, not sure you would be able to get one on the NHS, but then again, if you don't ask.....

Best of luck!

margaretclare

Go to a disability shop and make sure they sell you one that's the right length. Use it in the opposite hand to the bad leg.

Alternatively, I've recently seen a couple of people using the kind of trek-poles that Nordic walkers or serious hikers use. Easier to get them to the right length, and I understand, easier to use.

luminated

pwales wrote: »

use one when you need to nobody needs to tell you ,
next time you see the doctor ask for one, then you will get it for free

My wife is a rambler and I keep meaning to have a go with her walking stick/pole but don't feel the pole is right. No handle.

luminated

margaretclare wrote: »

Go to a disability shop and make sure they sell you one that's the right length. Use it in the opposite hand to the bad leg.

Alternatively, I've recently seen a couple of people using the kind of trek-poles that Nordic walkers or serious hikers use. Easier to get them to the right length, and I understand, easier to use.

This means I will need two:eek:

Until earlier in the year it was left leg but now my right leg is catching up (excuse the very poor pun).

As I just posted I may have a go with my wifes walking stick/pole even though it would be more sensible to wait until the end of next week and ask my GP. My GP's surgery is 50 yards from where I live so I must make sure I don't use it walking by there or he may rush out and tell me off:)

daska

I can't use walking sticks because the ME affects my grip and so it just makes me more unsteady BUT I have a hiking pole and when I was able to use it the lack of handles wasn't a problem. I slipped my wrist through the loop and that kept my hand high so I could use it like the third leg of a tripod (does that make sense) and I only had to grip it enough to keep things in place.

luminated

daska wrote: »

I can't use walking sticks because the ME affects my grip and so it just makes me more unsteady BUT I have a hiking pole and when I was able to use it the lack of handles wasn't a problem. I slipped my wrist through the loop and that kept my hand high so I could use it like the third leg of a tripod (does that make sense) and I only had to grip it enough to keep things in place.

Just been for a walk around the block with my wifes stick/pole and interesting. I feel a little as if everyone is watching me but I guess this is something I would get over very quickly.

And yes 'third leg of a tripod' does make sense as it would save me keeping stopping and holding on to the nearest fence/wall or wifes shoulder.

OneYorkshireLass

luminated wrote: »

I see so many people with stcks and who do not seem to use them correctly and so this is something I sure don't want to do.

I use a stick sometimes but I use it in the way that causes me less pain, which may not be the 'right' way. IMO there really is no right or wrong way, it's just what works for the individual.