Help? Where can I buy my first walking stick?

only_mee

Depending where you are there used to be a disability shop in palace ave in Paignton.

only_mee

Just a thought the father in law uses one of those walkabout frames, same as this built in seat too.

luminated

only_mee wrote: »

Depending where you are there used to be a disability shop in palace ave in Paignton.

We're not far from there so will take a look - thanks

wolfehouse

even if it is just for balance, a physiotherapist (free on nhs) will give you a properly suited one (height adjustments etc),
teach you technique, and may have suggestions of simple excercises to improve your balance.

If you are having trouble with daily activties caused by poor balance, an ot assessment might point you to simple equipment
like a (stable) tea trolley that can help.

luminated

only_mee wrote: »

Just a thought the father in law uses one of those walkabout frames, same as this built in seat too.

NO NO NO please not yet but who knows in future. Thanks for the help but it is enough me trying to get my head around having to use a stick for the first time:)

Mupette

Well you have a choice, do what your gp says... and get help with your walking with a frame, the gp can refer you to a OT and see what is suited to your needs to help you.

Or being the Alpha Male buy a stick on ebay which could be unsuitable for you and cause more harm than good, but you won't feel embarrassed by it.

Accept that even Alpha males need to accommodate their needs..

I got my stick from the OT, i had to be assessed to which type of aid would suit me, also recommended for wheelchair (i hate wheelchairs and will only use it if i really really need to).

The OT will listen to what you want, and may be able to accommodate you, you of course don't have to have what they recommend but seeing as they know what they are doing, might be worth listening to them

only_mee

luminated wrote: »

NO NO NO please not yet but who knows in future. Thanks for the help but it is enough me trying to get my head around having to use a stick for the first time:)

lol i know what you're saying but if needs must.

margaretclare

Oh goodness me no! Walking frames? I'm an alpha female so I appreciate what you're saying. Wouldn't want to be seen dead...etc etc.

However, I seem to be seeing more and more people who're using Trekpoles as walking sticks. The advantage of these is that they're very light and can be adjusted for length, also, have a wrist-strap in case you drop it.

The correct length is important. Put your arm down by your side so elbow is on a level with your waist (or thereabouts) then put arm out at right angles. That's the correct length. If you only use one, use it in the opposite hand to your bad leg.

I see far too many people with walking sticks too long for them causing discomfort and strain on the arms, and also those old-fashioned NHS ones with a curved handle - very uncomfortable.

I got my Trekpoles at the local Wildlife Trust visitor centre, and the man there explained about the length and how to adjust.

luminated

wolfehouse wrote: »

even if it is just for balance, a physiotherapist (free on nhs) will give you a properly suited one (height adjustments etc),
teach you technique, and may have suggestions of simple excercises to improve your balance.

If you are having trouble with daily activties caused by poor balance, an ot assessment might point you to simple equipment
like a (stable) tea trolley that can help.

Yes I think you, and others, are right I should seek a bit more in depth advice from the professionals. When I see my GP I have my list and start feeling I am well over my time before getting to the end. Although I do moan to my wife - and on forums but I probably suppress my moaning side, at the Doctors, thinking they are very busy and are probably seeing those far worse than me. I should ask for a longer appointment --- an hour may do it:D

luminated

Mupette wrote: »

Well you have a choice, do what your gp says... and get help with your walking with a frame, the gp can refer you to a OT and see what is suited to your needs to help you.

Or being the Alpha Male buy a stick on ebay which could be unsuitable for you and cause more harm than good, but you won't feel embarrassed by it.

Accept that even Alpha males need to accommodate their needs..

I got my stick from the OT, i had to be assessed to which type of aid would suit me, also recommended for wheelchair (i hate wheelchairs and will only use it if i really really need to).

The OT will listen to what you want, and may be able to accommodate you, you of course don't have to have what they recommend but seeing as they know what they are doing, might be worth listening to them

I know you are right. You seem to be agreeing with my wife:eek:. She says I am awkward....... Who me