Does anyone use walking /hiking poles for balance to get around?

[WonderMom]

My Neuro wants me to try walking sticks to get around instead of my hurrycane. Time to address my decline in balance and increase spasticity, I guess🙄

My doc sent me to EMS( outdoor sports store) to "try" a pair out. Have to admit physically I can see the benefits.I struggle mentally. I HATE feeling like I stick out like a sore thumb. Hard to let go of that small % of vanity I have left.

Researching on Amazon there are a lot of choices. Can anyone help make a recommendation? Your help is appreciated! Have a wonderful day

[Hidden]

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[Hidden]

I would get the Sminiker Professional walking canes/sticks .

That sounds like a great idea from your doc. Good luck

[WonderMom in reply to Hidden]

Woadij,

Thanks for the tip 😉

[Hidden in reply to WonderMom]

You're welcome WonderMom. I hope you finds what works best for you.

[ssdw1958]

To wonder woman this is ssdw1958 I know it is hard when you need assistance with walking but I now use a rollator it's a walker with wheels, it also has hand breaks what is real good it has a seat so where you get tiered you can sit down. I know how you feel. I have to say about the poles watch out for the tips so they are not too sharp. Good luck.

[WonderMom in reply to ssdw1958]

Ssdw1958,

Thanks for the support

[Hidden in reply to ssdw1958]

I use a rollator too. I feel a lot more stable using it instead of the cane.

[greaterexp]

WonderMom , I can't offer a suggestion as to which sticks to try. But I can empathize with the vanity thing. I've started using a cane nearly everywhere but home, since I never know when a muscle spasm may hit or my balance get a little off kilter. I admit that the cane makes me feel a little conspicuous and maybe less able. It isn't as easy an adjustment as I thought it would be. But when a spasms hits, I'm really grateful to have the support. The cane also reminds me to slow down my pace, which tends to return to a very fast pace if I'm not thinking about it, and that fast pace usually triggers spasms.

I imagine you will look very stately and regal with your new sticks and less bruised as you prevent falls.

[WonderMom in reply to greaterexp]

Greaterexp

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I recall when I first got a quad cane,I felt the same way. I banged that thing into everything,now that was conspicuous 😉. I decided to embrace it and glammed it up. I even strung Christmas lights on it. Then I graduated? To my hurrycane and felt less conspicuous .but that's how the MS pendulum goes I guess..?

Wheelchair to walker to quad cane to hurrycane to sticks.I just keep adding to my collection.

[greaterexp in reply to WonderMom]

I hope you'll share a picture of your Christmas light adornment! I've actually thought about that, but you pulled it off for real!

You'll do great with your new sticks.

[TonyiaR7]

I have been using trekking poles, Black Diamond. They help me walk on pavements, ... and in the winter I can change the tips for the snow and ice. I had a PT from Finland who didn't want me to use a walker because I was bending over too much. My neuro and her sister in law with MS love them.

[WonderMom in reply to TonyiaR7]

TonyiaRobinson7,

Those are actually the pair I "Test drove". They seemed nice.Do you have the fixed height or adjustable height? I was surprised how light weight they were.

[gatorman15]

Hi Wondermom, I hope you decide on some poles for walking. I have seriously thought about getting a pair too. I've looked on websites for suggestions and also videos on how to use them. Really good exercise and great for the upper body/core too. Good luck.

[WonderMom in reply to gatorman15]

Hi gatorman15

Haven't decided yet on a pair. You should get a pair too! Thanks for the input

[RobertCalifornia]

I use a rollator for long distance walking, a cane for short distances, walking poles when taking a walk in the park. The walking sticks take a little getting used to as far as rhythm goes. I use black diamond walking sticks from REI. They are expensive but light weight. They have different sizes depending on your height. It is better to use a walking aid than falling on your face or back.

[WonderMom in reply to RobertCalifornia]

Hi RobertCalifornia

Yes, the black diamond sticks were very light weight. Thanks for the tip.