Off Topic Walking Poles?

[barbieg]

I’ve been using a hospital crutch since last November and still definitely need something but finding the crutch really bad for my posture and an absolute nuisance when shopping. I’ve been looking at walking poles and wonder if anyone can give me some info on them. Are they easy to get on with and do they really help? Do they all have something to put round your wrist ? I have a really painful back and left leg so walking is difficult and I’m trying not to limp so I don’t upset anything else.

[Ali_H]

any outdoor shop such as Blacks; Go Outdoors etc will sell walking poles.

This guide might help you ramblers.org.uk/news/walk-m...

I use a single pole and have done so for years 🙃

[barbieg in reply to Ali_H]

It was a single pole I was thinking of. Are they easy to use? I have a very painful back and left leg and want to take the pressure off my back and also a better posture. I find I’m stooping with the hospital crutch.

[Madmusiclover in reply to barbieg]

my walking poles are adjustable height.

[Ali_H in reply to barbieg]

I use my single pole in most places as when I walk I tend to drift to the right and somehow using the pole helps with this even though I’m left handed and use the pole in my left hand.

Having the rubber bung helps re noise and the pole is adjustable so set to my height 👍🏼

[barbieg in reply to Ali_H]

I meant to say thank you for your reply, and especially the link . It was very interesting reading..

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’ve got a pair of Leki walking poles. When my husband was needing a new hip his posture was awful and I sneakily booked us both in for a starter course in nordic walking. The course lasted either four or six weeks and at the end we both enjoyed using poles so much we bought our own through our teacher. That way it is someone who is an expert in using them who advises you about the height you need and the proper technique. learntonordicwalk.co.uk/

Our poles have quick release grips which I find really useful in shops and places like that. You have a glove shaped part that fits on your hand but you can press a button and release the poles to use your hands. Definitely worth the extra cost.

You wouldn’t use a single pole though. They really improve your posture and they also take a lot of the weight off your hips and knees, it’s quite amazing, I was amazed at how I was able to go up hills I would have struggled with before. I have lower back problems, herniated discs and a couple of years ago I fractured my sacrum, I couldn’t have recovered as quickly as I did without my Nordic poles . I haven’t met a physiotherapist yet who doesn’t think using them is a great idea.

I use a small backpack instead of a handbag but I always have done. Suppose if you want to carry a bit more shopping you could get a larger size backpack - I have several different ones.

[barbieg]

they do sound just what I need but am worried walking round shops would be a no no. I used to go to our nearest town on a Saturday with my friend who is also on her own now and we would window shop , stop for a coffee and cake, a bit more shopping before driving home. I’ve not been able to go with her since last November. I really miss it, plus I should be walking more to help my Osteoporosis. I could try them for walks round my village . It’s mostly countryside. I would still need something for walking round a town or Supermarket. Thank you.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I use them in town. I’ve got to the stage I don’t care what anyone else thinks although you see them all over the place now.

Mine have a rubber foot which is quite quiet and you can also expose a spike that is very good if the ground is very muddy. I used it yesterday when I was walking through a wood where the ground was quite slimy.

They are also good for leaning on if you want to stop for a rest or to speak to someone or even just browse. If I need to I use a trolley in the supermarket, when my back was really bad I couldn’t carry anything heavy - I could hardly carry myself - everything felt really heavy so I just put a basket on top of the trolley and would wheel it into the basket check out. Hope you can find something.

[AgedCrone]

I’m afraid I know nothing about walking poles, but have you seen a physio who has adjusted your crutch to the correct height?

[vonniesims in reply to AgedCrone]

Exactly what I was thinking. When I was nursing the physios insisted on assessing people before walking aids were provided. I think getting it wrong could cause more problems. Good Luck

[AgedCrone in reply to vonniesims]

Years ago I well remember breaking a leg & being shown how to go up & down stairs with one crutch, & how my physio emphasised although the height she set my crutch might feel uncomfortable at first….it would only cause me a lot of discomfort if I changed it!

I’m 80+ & still upright without a crutch or walking stick!

[barbieg in reply to vonniesims]

thank you ladies. Yes, I had emergency physio care for weeks from last November to this January . This meant the physio came to me as I wasn’t allowed to drive . I had 2 walkers, 2 crutches and a perching stool which I still have and all were adjusted to my height. My Achilles is much better but I’ve now got this Trochanteric Bursitis and a very painful back.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to barbieg]

Wow! You have been through a lot haven’t you! I’ve got trochanteric bursitis at the moment, I first had it years ago and it was agony, then it seemed to disappear - now it is just painful and very annoying as it affects how I lie in bed. I knew I had a pain in that area but didn’t think it was that - then it showed up on an MRI scan I had when I fractured my sacrum a couple of years ago so that explained the pain. When I was young and fit I never in my dreams would have thought growing old would be like this 😱

Good luck hopefully you can sift through all the suggestions you’ve been given and work something out, take your time and don’t try to do too much too quickly - the best advice I had was from a hand physiotherapist I was working with online when I developed CRPS after I broke my wrist in 2020 - she said on an effort scale out of 10 I should only be working at 3 out of 10.

[barbieg in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I’ve just done my Idacio injection and it’s faulty. It jammed. I’ve not had that happen before. I’ve rung Calea who deliver it and waiting for a call back. It’s all happening here.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to barbieg]

Oh no, that is horrible. I’d hate that - I’m not good with injections at the best of times. I hope you can get it sorted out soon.

[barbieg in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

They have rung me back and are going to replace it but been told to leave injecting till the normal time (2 weeks) as no one can guarantee how much actually went in. Most of it went down my jeans! So disappointed. Very I,mpressed with Calea though. They have been fantastic with everything so far.

[ColinRR]

I’ve used them for over two years after my orthopaedic consultant insisted I got some due to back problems. Nordic walking poles are the only device that will keep you upright and stop you stooping. I use them all the time - walking in the country, in shops, restaurants etc. I wouldn’t be without them. I bought mine from Amazon who have a huge variety starting at around £25/ pair. Mine were only just over £30 and they come with a variety of rubber feet. I looked on line for advice on using them. Mine are tubular aluminium, light as a feather and collapsible. Don’t wastes your money on carbon fibre.

Good luck with them, Colin

[Chris_O]

Hi. I’ve used walking poles for many years now, even before I started with RA. I’ve always found them to be very helpful especially in circumstances when the ground underneath is slippery. Using them around town can be awkward if you’re using two, your hands will not be free unless you are using the wrist loops in which case you effectively just let go. The other disadvantage is that they can get tangled up with your legs ! But I would recommend them for body support even with the disadvantages. Do your research before buying as there are lots of different types ( conventional handle like a walking stick, vertical rubber handles, anti shock absorbers, spiked tips, rubber tips etc ).

Chris_0

[greynot]

I was using them ( initially one, then moved onto 2) for fellwalking for years before RA hit.No fellwalking for me these days, but I use one or both for general walking around, depending on distance and terrain. The wrist loops are so good too.

And as mentioned above, a backpack for carrying stuff.

It all works very nicely

[Viv54]

I have problems with my hip and used a stick, i went to see a consultant and he suggested using a walking pole as its better for your posture ! I bought one and he was right, the wristband is good. Glad i took his advice it helps !

[Angels54]

Hi , I have just been checking these out on Amazon as my consultant advised these instead of walking stick .

[StormySeas]

Before you buy any I'd advise you to call the hospital physios as they're the real experts and will help you choose which way to go. It might be the crutch is the wrong height if it's that bad for your posture.

I do have walking poles but I've just had to use crutches a couple of times too - I don't think they perform the same function in terms of support.

My understanding is that if you're trying not to limp you need something that gives good strong. Walking poles are different, and when you use them the wrist is at a completely different angle. I'm not sure you can put your whole body weight on poles in quite the same way you do on crutches, but having said that you might not need that level of support anyway.

In terms of getting in the way - any pole, stick or crutch does that, but the advantage of the collapsible walking poles is that at least you can stow them away. Rucksac have special clips to hold them, but if you're just out and about you still have to hold them or put them somewhere, and they're not that small!

Hope you sort it and can enjoy your walks once more. The other thing about walking poles is that they don't look medical, and if that gets you out and about more it can only be good

[wilbertjellyfish]

I have (several) Neo walk sticks. The custom make them to be the correct size. Come in lots of colours and have a variety of handles. You can also have a strap so you don't drop it. They are acrylic..I think..so very light but strong.

I took the attitude that if I needed a stick I'd have a nice one. I walk over rough enough ground every morning with the dogs and always take my stick.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

I’m sure a lot of people who would benefit from using a stick don’t use one have accidents - is it because of vanity or just not wanting to stand out? Much safer to have something to help you.

[wilbertjellyfish]

This is my blue one from Galway races ladies day last year... randomly bumped into my painter.I think having a nice stick takes away the vanity issue. I get a lot of compliments.

Picture of my blue stick taken at Galway races last August

[barbieg in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Gosh, that’s extremely pretty . Seems odd to call a walking stick/pole pretty. It’s very short. Does it help you as regards walking? I haven’t seen anything like that before.

[wilbertjellyfish]

Check out their website... Google neowalk. The lady who makes them was on dragons den.They make them to the correct height for you, I'm shortish anyway and you get different handle styles.

I find it great for additional support. However, I can walk without a stick on a good day.