Better walking ability with a walking staff - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

26,504 members27,915 posts

Better walking ability with a walking staff

lempa_nik profile image
14 Replies

I am still in the milder phases of PD and do not have major difficulties with gait or balance. No strong need yet for assistance with walking. But I found these video demos of use of a walking staff to be enlightening and persuasive, and will save this for future reference. Perhaps someone here has first-hand experience they would like to share? (Disclosure: I have no connection with this walking-stick provider.)

neurostaff.com/parkinsons-v...

P.S.: Hey, a walking staff also makes you look like a rugged, outdoor type! Other things being equal, it sure beats the geriatric impression conveyed by a cane.

Written by
lempa_nik profile image
lempa_nik
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
14 Replies
attyj profile image
attyj

I use leki walking poles and have for years. Love them. Helps give the arms a bit of a workout.

lempa_nik profile image
lempa_nik in reply toattyj

As a more dynamic form of walking, it sounds delightful--with or without PD.

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi

That's interesting dumplekin. I often hold a companions arm when out walking as it helps my stride to lengthen

lempa_nik profile image
lempa_nik in reply toHikoi

Hikoi, Your strategy today is mine tomorrow :)

M_rosew profile image
M_rosew

I find a straight walking pole better than a walking-stick because it helps me to stand upright, and there's no temptation to lean on it. Mine is a lightweight foldable (Black Diamond).

M

6780 profile image
6780 in reply toM_rosew

what is height of walking pole re your height. i need to walk without bending forward from waist.

M_rosew profile image
M_rosew

PS. I presume what you call a walking 'cane' is what I call a walking 'stick' !

M

lempa_nik profile image
lempa_nik in reply toM_rosew

They are synonyms, according to Webster's 9th New Collegiate edition. To my understanding, there is a difference: a "cane" has a curved handle, whereas a "walking stick" is straight, like a rod. You can, however, use a straight rod to "cane" someone! Needless to say, a "walking staff"--shoulder height or higher--is longer than a cane or a stick.. The elderly Moses liked to brandish his walking staff, and could use it to call down God's wrath, and a lightning bolt or two, on miscreants!

M_rosew profile image
M_rosew in reply tolempa_nik

Ah, here we are, divided by a common language!

My (English) Oxford has the walking stick as the one with a handle, and the cane as made of bamboo and used for supporting plants in the garden.

Let's not revisit the rod and staff and all that wrath! Teehee.

M

Hikoi profile image
Hikoi in reply toM_rosew

Ditto rosew

M_rosew profile image
M_rosew in reply toHikoi

:)

I always wanted a reason to look like Gandalf.

lempa_nik profile image
lempa_nik in reply to

A walking staff goes better with a flowing robe and a long beard. I'm sorry to disappoint them, but Hitler, Stalin, and Chairman Mao, just didn't have the prereqs to carry a staff, or the dignity that goes with it.

Barbthorn profile image
Barbthorn

Walking poles provide a more complete workout, more stability, and great opposite body movement! Of course, here in California, you are apt to to hear comments such as "Where's the snow?

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Walking

Hi everyone, As you no I haven't been dx yet. The past few days my walking only sometimes goes...
KEMPIN1969 profile image

Trouble with pain while walking

I was diagnosed in 2010. I’m 66. The past few months I’ve developed significant pain in the form...
chantingwpd profile image

Pain with walking

When I walk more than a couple blocks I get a pain in the back of my head. This started the same...
Beckey profile image

Walking in a straight-ish line

Is there anyone else who has difficulty walking in a straight-ish line? I'm talking about going up...

In the UK I understand that there are no care homes specialising in treating people with PG. Why?

I understand from research done when looking for a care home for my cousin that there are no homes...
Court profile image

Moderation team

See all
CPT_Aleksandra profile image
CPT_AleksandraAdministrator
CPT_Anaya profile image
CPT_AnayaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.