Walking sticks?

[erash]

Has anyone tried walking/trekking sticks? Did you find them useful? More of a hindrance? Any recommendations on brands? Thanks!

[Ms-Indestructible]

many years ago, when I was better with my health, and still danced on Saturday nights, I found some "exercise" canes at Target that were very light and yet allowed me to use them as I needed. I still use a cane but mostly for balance and to prevent any falling. Since I have gone the way of the curved handle. The "canes" I use are less expensive at Walmart. Another idea I had and used, is to find some 1.5 -3" bamboo poles that were straight enough to use, and cut them to length and put a rubber end on them. They were very light and strong and using two of them help me have so much fun dancing. 'course you have to have enough room on the dance floor for such activity. You can have fun if you think outside the box and be creative. I've known people who really decorate their canes and used to start many really nice conversations. I hope you find something to add to a wonderful experience while using them [or even just one].

[erash in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Ms-Indestructible

Thanks! For the interesting ideas! And the encouragement 😊

[agapepilgrim]

@erash that's exactly what I use, a trekking pole(hiking stick). Mine is a Swissgear, totally height adjustment. That's why I use it, easier to hold at higher height. I'm silly though, main reason I use it because it is not a cane!!' I used one when I backpackedthe AT for 10 days in 2000 (last year I was able to function without horrible back spasms. It has a nylon loop on it that's so much easier to navigate with since I have weak right hand. And it's red- so I'm just hiking, not handicapped with a cane. 🤡🤡😂🤣 I can leave rubber tip on or off, but most flooring requires tip It's so much wasiryto grip the grooved rubber handle, also!

[erash in reply to agapepilgrim]

Thanks! agapepilgrim

Do you find it helps more than a cane?

[agapepilgrim in reply to erash]

For me it does because it gives me a better grip to hold on when feet don't cooperate andcsteadier when wobbly. I ky St strongly dislike a cane, and I just done feel as secure. Maybe it's the hikeer in me framing a little. Overall, though it's a much mute practical assistance for lack of balance and weak grasp. Go to a camping store and RT walking with one adjusted to whatever heights needed and check out the difference!!

[goatgal]

erash For two years, I have had a lovely hickory stick from Brazos walking sticks in Texas. It might be too heavy for some, but I love it for walking up hills and on rough trails. On smooth level surfaces and trails, on the recommendation of my PTs, I don't use it. their theory is that I don't want to become dependent.

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to goatgal]

PT's work on the theory that you will get better. If you are using it for balance or to keep from falling KEEP USING IT. My neuro told me I didn't need my walking stick, so I told him, the next time I fall and have to have surgery, I will send him the bill. He never mentioned it again. I had brain surgery [MS related] and six months later I had a nasty fall [not using a cane or walking stick]. Now 8 years later I still have a plate and 13 screws where my collar bone used to be. Sometimes meaningful people say stuff based on ignorance [not mean, they just don't know]. Each of us [my opinion] need to weigh the choices and do what is best for each one of use. I started to use a cane when I was 49 years old. At first I would avoid "canes" and use walking sticks or the like. I too had a big nice walking stick I used in lew of a cane but got too heavy. After a couple of years I no longer cared what people thought. I use the can type with a handle that makes it real comfortable to use.

Being that all of my "mis-abilities" are hidden, a cane is a great way to show people that I do indeed need to use the "mis-abled" parking spots. My 2 cents worth ;>)

[erash in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Ms-Indestructible

I do use a cane but hoped walking sticks might actually help more-it's not a pride thing for me.

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

fyi just looked some walking poles up and found the "handle" I use is called a "T Handle"

[agapepilgrim]

I don't understand that!!!!! My neurologist kept after me until I did start using the hiking stick!! I had one that frank had carved out initials on, but it is too slippery on my hand

[WonderMom]

Erash

Yes, I had to get a pair in June. Thought they would make everyday tasks harder with two occupied hands instead of the one with my cane. Turns out, love them! I move faster and more stable, require less energy and decreases pain since improve body mechanics. Took me a bit to adjust to open doors with sticks but have straps so I don't drop them. Highly recommend black diamond adjustable trekking sticks- black w/ grey and blue locking piece. They collapse really small to fold up- smaller than my hurrycane! Comfortable hand padding and straps,light weight. Durable, and can accommodate snow baskets for winter. worth money! I got mine on Amazon less expensive ($89)than EMS or black diamond website($159)I also got generic cane tips- 6 pack for $8. They gave me slightly wider contact point on tip for walking on rocks,cobblestone.

Good luck!😉

[erash in reply to WonderMom]

Thank you WonderMom

I'm def. looking into sticks!

[greaterexp in reply to WonderMom]

Thanks for posting about your experience. I see folks using the sticks and wondered if there were any advantages. I do have an adjustable, foldable cane, but when I need both hands, I never know what to do with cane. It usually falls over. The quad base cane seems like more than I need, but one wouldn't have to find a way to prop it up. Straps seem like a great idea, or forearm crutches.

[Joc-42]

Yes I have used them, and have found them very helpful with wearing athletic shoes and walking on hard surfaces.

[Joc-42]

Erash, I agree with agapepilgrim, as mine also have the thumb and wrist enclosures with rubber on bottom.

[erash]

Thx all. I just ordered from Amazon 😊

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

Post a picture when you get your stick! Please.

[erash in reply to CalfeeChick]

CalfeeChick

Will do 👍

[jennie62]

My PT recommended my use of a walking stick. Thanks all who gave me great ideas of where to find one! What are the walking sticks called on Amazon?

erash At first I thought you meant the bug called a "Walking Stick". Hee hee hee

Jennie

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to jennie62]

adjustable trekking sticks

[Yooper]

I bought mine from Cabela's sporting store. They are adjustable and work great. You can shorten it like a cane or adjust to any size walking stick. They also have wrist straps that help me hold on when I start to lose my balance.

[Fancy1959]

Erash, it's Fancy1959. I tried tlhem but didn't find them overly helpfull. FYI: you can buy a pair at w-world for about $16.00. Cheap enough to try out without spending even a small fortune.Fancy1959.

[erash]

My sticks came yesterday. Haven't tried them yet. Busy! AC out in car yesterday (it's a 2002) may need new car---hate car shopping. And my new kitties have been on medications for assorted things...colds, eyes, and diarrhea X 1 mos. the specific parasites finally identified. Now a regimen of special diet, 2 antibiotics, 1 anti-parasitic, daily discard of litter box (using disposable aluminum trays) and 3x week baths.

Good thing I'm not on an immune suppressing DMT or their parasites would be more problematics!

In the mean time they are my adorable loves! 😍

P.S. Cats don't care for baths 🙀

[Sukie427]

I see hikers here all the time with them! Long thin poles that are often bigger than the person using them. Nobody ever suggested them to me. Good luck and let us know how they work for you!

[YLGram]

I use a Walking stick an have for about 10 years. I don't call it a Walking stick, (too old lady). I call it a shillelagh. Having a bit Iof Irish in the background, I told the grandkids I used it so I could reach out and touch them anywhere. Brought smiles to our faces. It does get easier to use, make sure it is the right size. I'm 5'2 and the shillelagh is 4' tall. Too small you are bent, too large is hard to maneuver.

By way of using other names for walking devices, I don't use a walker, I have chariots, different kinds of chariots, but they all help me maneuver. I feel that just like the Roman gladiators road in chariots standing, that's what I do (minus the horses and the horse poop too). I also have a scooter and I didn't like the name of that of that either, so I call it my Tin Lizzy. It just brings smiles to faces and makes mobility devices more friendly, I guess it's my way of humor.

[erash in reply to YLGram]

Thanks YLGram

Thanks! To everyone's recommendations, I'm sticking with them until my brain adjusts.

Not sure about the Tin Lizzy ( since my name is Liz or maybe that makes it a perfect name 😅)