Walking aids suitable for someone with painful hands and shoulders?

[ladytelita]

Hi, having a really bad flare atm, probably due to a cold I have as well as overdoing it a tad.

Whilst I am waiting for my pain clinic appointment I could do with occasional help with my walking. Trouble is I suffer from painful hands/wrist area as well as poor shoulders even when not in a flare. I have an old stick I used to use years ago but could do with something a little more supportive. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance and apologies if I don't respond straight away, typing even on my iPod hurts my digits.

P.

[Ginsing]

Hi step one is to get aa stick which ha soft handles and curves some call the Ficher sticks apparently a german designed them

Move up from them to a elbow crutch but a physio will help you if you ask your doc to refer you.

Hope that helps a bit

all the best xxgins

[ladytelita in reply to Ginsing]

Thank you gins. I will look into it.

Not sure my GP will refer me to a physio as she's only just done the pain management referral. I think she wants them to decide what's best as she feels unable to give me all the support I need.

[hamble99b]

Ask for a referral to an OT or Physio to assess you for help.

[TheAuthor]

Hi ladytelita

I am so sorry to read that you are experiencing these problems at the moment and I genuinely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to your issues. I think that you have been given some wonderful advice already but I just wanted to say that I use a tri-walker as it is so much easier to get about with one of those.

I want to wish you all the best of luck with finding a solution to your problem.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[ladytelita in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you for your reply. The advice on here is always good and you people are so nice.

If I'm honest, I'm terrified of getting some. I seem to have gone downhill so fast lately. I worry what family and friends will say or that they will think I'm faking it.

[Maggiet in reply to ladytelita]

I'm having similar problems. I have fibro and small fibre neuropathy and pain everywhere! But, like you, I have too much pain to use ordinary sticks and also worry what others will say. Daft isn't it, but true. I'm thinking of asking my gp to refer me to physiotherapy to see if they can help. Good luck

Xx

[bbstport]

I have walking sticks with moulded handles which are easer to use and less painfull on the hands I have these as I have osteoarthritis in hands , fibro and several other things.

hope you get sorted.

hugs

belinda

[ladytelita in reply to bbstport]

Thank for your reply Belinda. Sorry to hear you have osteoarthritis. My mum has that and I know it gives her a lot of pain. Hope you're not suffering currently.

P.

[bbstport in reply to ladytelita]

thank you

[gracesgrandma]

Hi ladytelita I don't know if is of any use but I use gutter crutches because of the pain in my hands and wrists and I don't find it to difficult on my shoulders. Good luck.

[sue32 in reply to gracesgrandma]

What are gutter crutches gracesgrandma? XX

[Ian123 in reply to sue32]

Hope this link explains using the forearms livingmadeeasy.org.uk/produ... as the load bearing area.

[ladytelita in reply to gracesgrandma]

Hi and thanks for this. I didn't realise that was what the forearm crutches were called. Are they comfortable to use?

P.

[Irene25]

I also have problems using a walking stick due to pain and lack if movement in my hands and wrist, is there anyone who knows of a suitable stick?

[sue32 in reply to Irene25]

Me too!! I have moulded handles but they're agony on my hands and my shoulders!! XX

[Ian123 in reply to sue32]

Using a walker with a seat built in and use some heavy duty wrist supports.

[ladytelita in reply to Ian123]

I had considered this but aren't they heavier?

[gracesgrandma in reply to ladytelita]

Hi ladytelita I find because they are velcroed at your forearm they aren't heavy at all. I have had mine for nearly 6 years now :o)

[gracesgrandma]

Hi sue I am trying to attach a picture of mine :o)

[sue32 in reply to gracesgrandma]

Thank you chuck!! XX

[jayfer]

hi, I cheat and either use pushchair ( if I have my grandchildren) or have purchased a 4 wheel shopping trolley to help walk from car to home when my walking and hands are bad- they just give me enough support to walk down my path safely xx