Walking stick

[JillJ]

I feel the time had come to buy a folding walking stick as the weather is getting icy in the UK. I have been looking on Amazon as an option but end up getting confused. I don't want to buy a cheap one and have it collapse on me (!!), but nor do I want to spend too much. Any ideas would be very helpful. Thanks, Jill

[february]

Dear JillJ, I live in the US and use a cane (walking stick) that doesn't fold (made out of lightweight metal with a songbird design), although I'm sure they are just as sturdy! For the snow/ice I have an attachment I can release easily at the bottom of my cane, with grips for walking in the snow/ice. With the flip of the latch I can raise it up again. During the nicer weather, I replace the rubber bottom with a larger quad rubber bottom so the cane stands by itself. This comes in handy for me if I need to use both my hands to do something (like go into my purse, etc.). I bought all on a site called "Fashionable Canes". My best to you..., ;o)

[klazien]

Besides Ebay, look into this website:

completecareshop.co.uk/walk...

The rubber tip of any walking-stick often slides on wet ground, so be careful with that.

[sylviagreenhalgh]

I found a stick became dangerous as my balance was so bad so I got a very good lightweight walker ( like a zimmer frame on wheels but much nicer ! it came from Coopers of Stortford- just put Coopers into the search engine and then put in lightweight walker - It folds up to go in the car and whenever I am out and about people always ask me where I got it ! it is important to get out and about- I had a spell in a wheelchair that someone had t push and the NHS supplied me with a powered wheelchair which was very heavy, so it is really worth trying various methods of getting about all the best Sylviax

[Amynah]

Hi

go to mobility shops in your area and try what they have and then choose one you like - then buy it on the internet. The shop prices are high.

plus try one crutch - I went to look for a walking stick - when I tried a crutch in my right arm I felt better - more balanced - so I bought a crutch.

also look for ergonomic handles as they support your palm better.

[angelite]

Hi Jill,

I have a black metal, lightweight, height adjustable folder that I have adorned with colourful keyrings : ) It was from a bargain store and has served me well. They are popular, come in many patterns and seem to take a good amount of weight - I see both sexes and various builds using them. I have used this for 3 years off and on - now permanently for a year when outside the home. Still going strong : )

I also still have the sturdier but heavier NHS one that I 'borrowed' during relapse ( suspected MS, ataxia is part of symptoms ). I have found my folder sufficient since recovery. You can buy chunkier 'ferrules' ( rubbery end bit ! ) that will fit a standard size like mine, if need be. The only snag I have found is that while walking on deep, muddy ground, it can suck at the stick ( old stick in the mud lol ! ) and briefly pull the frame apart, showing the elastic that fastens it together inside. It causes me to lurch but is soon clicked back into place again ! If you are an avid off roader like me ( forever slopping round muddy fields with my dog ) I imagine a solid style would be a better choice - in fact, I must look into this myself : )

It is important to have a comfortable handle and height adjustment - I prefer mine a notch higher than a PT would recommend ( they say it should be wrist height ) or I tend to lean over too much and aggravate my back muscles. Another thing - stick handles are freezing in cold weather and the hand you use gets the brunt of the weather so wear gloves ( grippy texture gloves are available if you prefer ) eg. glovesnstuff.com/Thermal-Ex...

Happy walking, Angela x