Hello everyone, A question about walking sticks.

[GeoffMahy]

I use a conventional walking stick and wonder whether anyone has tried the Flexyfoot flexible stick ferrule or the Tetrapod stick with either three or four feet. I am thinking of trying both but would appreciate hearing other opinions first.

I look forward to any thoughts you have.

Geoff

[deirdrecorr]

I bought an ergonomic rolling crutch from Amazon and am so impressed by it! It makes balancing so much easier because it rolls along and doesn't have to be lifted off the ground each step. Also much easier for turning, going through doors etc

Deirdre

[GeoffMahy Volunteer in reply to deirdrecorr]

Thanks Deirdre. Unfortunately I think a rolling crutch without brakes would cause me problems as it would tend to run away without me! The only one I can see on Amazon has a small shopping basket and looks more suitable for women than men.

Thanks again, Geoff

[StevenSims]

Hi Geoff,

I bought sticks with suspension, but I wouldn't bother with them as they just bottom out.

All the Best

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Hi Steve,

Thanks, I don't know about sticks with suspension but I can imagine it's not very helpful.

I think the Flexyfoot ferrule is something different. Please look at flexyfoot.com which describes the ferrule in detail. They are trying to sell it of course! They are available from Flexyfoot and from Amazon at £10.99. I would be interested to hear your thoughts and the thoughts of anyone else.

If nobody has tried it I am happy to spend £10.99 and be the guinea pig !

Geoff

[StevenSims]

Hi Geoff,

I think for £10.99 they are worth trying, Tennis elbow is a problem that's why I got the suspension sticks,

Thanks

Steve

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Hi Steve,

Thanks Steve. I will try the Flexyfoot and let everyone know how I get on.

Geoff

[Cherie]

I am very interested, Geoff. I have been having trouble with my right arm for a few weeks now and had to go to the doctors today after some really bad nights of a dead hand and very sharp pains in 4 fingers. He thinks I have sciatica coming from my neck and it is not helping having my stick in my right hand. I am going to have to go left handed for a while but I could end up all over the place!

Cherie

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Hi everyone,

After two weeks holiday I got home to find that the Flexyfoot ferrule had arrived. I have now been using it on a walking stick for just over a week and it's early days but I think it's pretty good. It adjusts automatically to keep the ferrule flat on the ground and I think it will be less likely to slip on a wet surface. When we get some more wet weather I will find out!

Whether its worth £10.99 plus £2.95 postage making £13.94 compared to 99p for a regular ferrule may be questionable.

A further update will follow.

Geoff

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

Hi Geoff, The Flexyfoot looks interesting and Deirdre's roller also sounds worth looking at.

One thing no-one has mentioned is the handle. I decided a few months ago to try one of the handles that is "moulded" to fit the shape of the palm of your hand. This has been a big benefit for me as I have found that I am relying more and more on the stick, and when you press hard, day after day, the hand suffers. So this may be a further thing to try. It may also help with Cherie's hand pain.

Best wishes

Chris

[Cherie]

Hi Chris

I have been using a moulded handle for the past 8 months. Having seen a physio for 5 weeks he still thinks it is coming from my neck where tight muscles are compressing on a nerve. The pain at night has eased but I still have a numb hand at night with tingling for a couple of hours after I get up, and tingling if I do something like the ironing,washing my hair, or even eating breakfast.

I have found an old information sheet that Mark Bostock wrote a few years ago mentioning a stick with a spring.

Have you got yours yet Geoff?

[GeoffMahy Volunteer in reply to Cherie]

Hi Cherie,

Yes I have got and am using the Flexyfoot. Please see my posting above on 1st June.

I am very pleased with it but I still haven't tried it in wet weather. More news when I have it.

Geoff

[Cherie]

I have just seen it for sale in our local Boots.

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Thanks Cherie, did you note Boot's selling price?

Geoff

[Cherie in reply to GeoffMahy]

It was £10.99

[GeoffMahy Volunteer in reply to Cherie]

Thanks Cherie, it's the same as on-line, but saves £2.95 postage of course!

[wendycham]

Hello there

Upfront omission - I work with Flexyfoot.

It was really interesting to read your discussions about Flexyfoot and really pleased some of you are finding it beneficial.

I just wanted to let you know, Flexyfoot has just launched a new walking stick (and will soon be launching a crutch) that has the Flexyfoot ferrule fitted as standard, but has a new ergonomic oval handle that is soft and comfortable to use. We have had some great feedback so far and you can read more about the stick at flexyfoot.com/walking-stick...

Sorry for the salesy post, but as you have been interested in the ferrule I thought you may like to hear about the stick

Best

Wendy

[SusanBr]

HI Geoff, funnily enough I picked up a leaflet on Flexyfoot ferrule at my FES assessment and have been looking into getting. Think it will ease the pressure on hand, absorbing some of weight put through hand, like Cherie getting pains. Believe it may be carpel tunnel syndrome as have had before on right hand.

Wendycham looked at the ergonomic oval handle but not sure if this would help. Like Chris I have moved to a moulded handle which is much better than the standard. Although like the idea of cushioning!

Will check out Boots rather than ordering online.

Sue

[GeoffMahy Volunteer in reply to SusanBr]

Hello Sue,

I use two conventional walking sticks both fitted with Flexyfoot ferrules.

I haven't tried the new walking stick from Flexyfoot.

After about nine months using Flexyfoot ferrules I find them good over uneven surfaces but no better than a standard ferrule on slippery surfaces. I still have to be very careful on smooth wet paving stones and have fallen a couple of times.

Good luck,

Geoff

[SusanBr]

Thanks Geoff.

I believe trying anything within reason to help so will be purchasing some. Don't have in our local Boots!

I know what you mean about falling, my worst fear as already broken both ankles, wrists and one hip! during various falls!!!

Keep going, Susan.

[Tellio]

I think, you could tried each possibility,ask these questions by professional like ergotherapist. About I m use a stick one foot. And ergonomic handle so use just walking for long distance or feel pain in my legg

[monkeybus]

I'll refer you to my crutches post from five years ago:

healthunlocked.com/amneasie...

Ergobaum, double shock absorbers, padded, multi-adjustable grips, lovely non-plastic feel to them. Extra wide feet to grip the floor. The suspension is just as good today. In fact hey have zero signs of wear and tear.

Pricey. I think they cost $200. Whatever you buy, there's nothing worse than rigid sticks.

Ergobaum crutches