Help? Where can I buy my first walking stick?

luminated

margaretclare wrote: »

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.

I have been trying out my wife's walking pole today but set at walking stick height. First problems was a grid style drain where the pole disappeared down the grid by about four inches and made me lurch -- and laugh -- and looked round to see who had seen me and was laughing. Look out on YouTube!

Second problem is that in wet weather the Pole has to be absolutely perpendicular to the floor as it slips so I need to make sure I have the right rubbery end and not just a rigid plastic one. Seems there is more to it than meets the eye.

Last problem was meeting people who I knew and see regularly who asked if I was off on a ramble - haven't they seen me limping and lurching over the past few months???? Mystified me ramble - I wish I could.:cool:

mary-op

I'm using two NHS walking sticks at the minute and been looking into the nice floral patterned ones........they're more expensive but the folding ones are cheaper for some reason.
I was under the impression that folding sticks wouldn't be as sturdy as the adjustable ones.........think I read it somewhere.......if they are just as strong I'd be better off with them I think, plus it would be easier to fix them to my scooter

luminated

mary-op wrote: »

I'm using two NHS walking sticks at the minute and been looking into the nice floral patterned ones........they're more expensive but the folding ones are cheaper for some reason.
I was under the impression that folding sticks wouldn't be as sturdy as the adjustable ones.........think I read it somewhere.......if they are just as strong I'd be better off with them I think, plus it would be easier to fix them to my scooter

It is so confusing but I want mine in black!!

If one day I get to the scooter which is possible I want that black as well -- yep I am a man! :eek::eek::eek:

mary-op

I'm mind boggled by the choice of sticks..........just need to know if folding ones would be strong enough for me as I need two.
My scooter's dark blue............did think of having a ''fun'' number plate on it but not too sure about that. Oh heck, if I have to have these things they might as well be fun I think...........having said that I've not been out with the scooter yet.........pride maybe ? I just don't want the whole town to look at me and quietly think ''poor thing''...............daft really. It's a small town and most people know by now about my problems so its just me being silly.........walking sticks aren't as bad. Least I'm the same height as everyone else.
Confidence...........thats what I need.:)

luminated

mary-op wrote: »

I'm mind boggled by the choice of sticks..........just need to know if folding ones would be strong enough for me as I need two.
My scooter's dark blue............did think of having a ''fun'' number plate on it but not too sure about that. Oh heck, if I have to have these things they might as well be fun I think...........having said that I've not been out with the scooter yet.........pride maybe ? I just don't want the whole town to look at me and quietly think ''poor thing''...............daft really. It's a small town and most people know by now about my problems so its just me being silly.........walking sticks aren't as bad. Least I'm the same height as everyone else.
Confidence...........thats what I need.:)

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3297744
I put another thread, as above link, asking for tips/advice/support.

I really can fully sympathise with you as I am looking at sticks but know a scooter could be on the horizon. It is a mental battle as where I live I know loads of folks to stop and chat to and wonder how that will work with them at a lower level. Perhaps carrying a stool around and telling them to sit down for a chat. Might get a [parking ticket though!!!!!

One things for sure is that I would intend to be a lot more careful than some of the scooter riders I've come across. As I get less able to dodge them I realise how easily they could run into me. And some are huge.

You go for it and get a colour scheme that is you and don't forget the turbo boost on the engine:cool:

mary-op

Love your humour...........hadn't thought of having a stool (got a little fold up one in the garage somewhere behind all the other ''stuff'')..........lol
Found some sticks I like and foster daughter said she'd share the cost (relief !). At the minute I only leave the house one a week when the cleaner takes me supermarket shopping........maybe once I get all ''jazzed'' up with new sticks I'll tell her to forget the cleaning and take me to other shops as well............the ones I daren't go into at the minute, daft as it may seem.

CouponWoman

Tesco sell walking sticks, friend got one a few weeks ago reduced to £1.25 from £7

Its a fold up one and quite strong
hth

LadyMorticia

mary-op wrote: »

I'm mind boggled by the choice of sticks..........just need to know if folding ones would be strong enough for me as I need two.
My scooter's dark blue............did think of having a ''fun'' number plate on it but not too sure about that. Oh heck, if I have to have these things they might as well be fun I think...........having said that I've not been out with the scooter yet.........pride maybe ? I just don't want the whole town to look at me and quietly think ''poor thing''...............daft really. It's a small town and most people know by now about my problems so its just me being silly.........walking sticks aren't as bad. Least I'm the same height as everyone else.
Confidence...........thats what I need.:)

I have a folding one that I bought from Ebay, and it is quite strong.

luminated

I may buy one from Asda as I have been asking round and I have been surprised at how many have Asda sticks. I am still using my wife's walking pole but get fed up (:)) with people asking am I off for a ramble.

The other thing I noticed on some web sites they specify a maximum weight of a person using them:eek:. Not much leeway for me even though I am tall, and well built, and some flabbiness -- not much.

mary-op

Hadn't thought of asda or tesco.........think I'll have a look.............thanks:)