Please can you advise about which kind of stick is best.
Hello Loz
This is one of my favourite topics! I have dealt with it in detail in the past and this is the link. I use walking poles fully extended.
Hope it helps.
All the best
Lit
http://forum.livingwithataxia.org/forum/topics/walking-poles-instead-of
THANKS LIT
I have both, a cane if I go out to the grocery store etc.,and walking poles/sticks if I go walking for exercise. One thing I learned is height adjustment is very important. When I went to a physical therapist she said my cane was adjusted too low, causing my posture to be off. She re-adjusted it and what a difference that made! There's a lovely paved path not far from my home and I enjoy walking there with my walking poles/sticks. Fully extended like Lit said...sounds as though Lit uses them all the time which is a wonderful idea!
to true John
thats why i need one
keep falling over
but not all the time
thats just how i feel at min
trying to be normal without drawing attention to myself
but hurting myself when i fall
so hey ho like you say safe is better
I personally use a crutch, did try a walking stick for a while but found it didn't really give me the stability that I needed. The crutch does give me that stability and use it often to prop me up when legs give out in shops until Mum, Dad or whoever I'm with can help and support me!
What I love about the crutch too is that they can come in all different colours - mine is bright pink, a colour I love and it just looks really funky and adds a bit of fashion and fun!!
Sounds like you have a great attitude about your crutch Serenebutterfly! Good for you and I love that you have a pink one! I resisted using a cane for a long time as I was stubborn and wanted to get around without one. I had a big wake-up call when I was out one day, fell and really hurt my back! With that fall, my stubbornness went out the window...ha! I've had ataxia for 8 years and started using a cane about a year ago (yes I'd fallen before my back injury,but never hurt myself). I was pleasantly surprised at how kind people I don't know have been, holding open doors for me etc. I even had a gentleman offer to carry a take-out to my car, and the other day a gentleman opened my car door for me while talking on his cell phone...ha! I also have walking poles/sticks that I use when I go walking outside...
Hi serenebutterfly
thanks, i was asked if a crutch would be better at min then have given me a stick, but not finding it much help. So think i will ask about crutch next week.
thanks again.
Loz
serenebutterfly said:
I personally use a crutch, did try a walking stick for a while but found it didn't really give me the stability that I needed. The crutch does give me that stability and use it often to prop me up when legs give out in shops until Mum, Dad or whoever I'm with can help and support me!
What I love about the crutch too is that they can come in all different colours - mine is bright pink, a colour I love and it just looks really funky and adds a bit of fashion and fun!!
I think what kind of walking aid you need depends on how you walk and what your problems r. for example i sometimes used crutches because they kept me stable on both sides, if I used a walker I would probably fall backwords.
I have a cane - I just started using it this morning after I fell last night and hurt my foot (so it can't take my weight). Now I just have to figure out how to properly use it!
That's pretty much every day for me!
Hi Loz - What Patrick mentioned is key. Depending on your abilities would determine your walking aid.
My one PT told me at the time that the arm-pit crutches wouldn't really work with my balance issues; however, I was able to use fore-arm crutches as long as I wore a handy-dandy gait belt (so stylish!) with a person to assist...and that's always convenient and fun! - I am able to use a walker just fine, but require ramps, etc.
Unlike some walker users, I'm dependant on the walker, so that's an extra challenge.
Hi Loz,
I am unable to find a suitable walking aid as my balance is affected on both sides. Climbing stairs is difficult with aids. As my legs feel weak, i am desperately in need of an aid. If any information is available I wil feel happy. Thanks for bringing this topic.