Pain from using walking stick

sharmaine

Hi everyone

I depend on my walking stick throughout the day I use it to get from room to room and place to place! However, these past few weeks my right arm and shoulder are in agony. I have OA in right shoulder.

I've seen people using the sticks that support upper arm (I think they are elbow walking sticks not sure how to define them). Can I buy these online? I think it would put less pressure on my aching arm.

I look forward to your advice.

Thanks
Sharmaine

dachshund

Hi Sharmaine.
do you mean crutches i have some from when
i had my new hip.
joan xx

sharmaine

Hi Joan
Yes I think that's what they're called - not like the old fashioned wooden crutches. I think my mum-in-law also used them after her hip operation.
Sharmaine

dachshund wrote:

Hi Sharmaine.
do you mean crutches i have some from when
i had my new hip.
joan xx

masaka

Hi,

What sort of walking stick are you using? I can have quite weak grip in my hands. The physio has given me something called a Fisher Stick. It gives more support and is easier to grip. I would get referred to or talk to a physio.

They should be able to help and advise you.

Thanks,

Teresa

sharmaine wrote:

Hi everyone

I depend on my walking stick throughout the day I use it to get from room to room and place to place! However, these past few weeks my right arm and shoulder are in agony. I have OA in right shoulder.

I've seen people using the sticks that support upper arm (I think they are elbow walking sticks not sure how to define them). Can I buy these online? I think it would put less pressure on my aching arm.

I look forward to your advice.

Thanks
Sharmaine

janie68

Hi

I have those, called an elbow crutch, and yes you can get them online but I got mine from physio dept for free.

Janie

sharmaine

I'm due to see my GP soon so will ask to see a physio.

Sharmaine

janie68 wrote:

Hi

I have those, called an elbow crutch, and yes you can get them online but I got mine from physio dept for free.

Janie

woodbon

HI, Yes, the type of stick you want, is, like the others have said, an elbow crutch. Do go to the physio or Occupational Therapy dept and they will give you one thats best for you and its FREE!

My Mum used to her ordinary stick to hook clothes off the rails in shops like Marks! Very useful! :oops:
Love Sue xx

sharmaine

Hi everyone

Thanks for the advice. I suppose I could ring the OT direct. They were jolly good in getting a few things put in the house to make my life easier. I'm waiting on hand rails to be fitted to the staircase and outside. Apparently that takes a bit longer.

I think the elbow crutches would be better for me as it would make it easier when I'm out creating less impact on my shoulders and arms.

Walking sticks make great pointing tools and weapons!
Sharmaine

livinglegend

Have you adjusted the height of the walking stick to suit you. If its too long then it will put a strain on your shoulder.

While the older solid ones are difficult to alter, a modern one can usually be adjusted to fit. Look for a little push button with a row of holes, then press in the button and slide the inner up or down to the right height. You should check that the button is secure in the new hole and popped right out to lock.

If you decide to get one of the arm crutches, then the length should be adjusted as above.

Joseph 8)

sharmaine

Hi Joseph

Yes, I have adjusted the height to suit me. I have 2 walking sticks one for indoors and one for outdoors. The outdoor one is rubberised.

I find i'm exhausted by the end of the day - having OA in hands and shoulder doesn't help. I think the crutches would be more useful outdoors and will give me more support. Both knees have OA and need to have TKR.

Being right handed I find it hard to use walking stick in left hand but this week I've had no other choice as right arm has been in agony.

Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi Janie

Did you find them easier to use than the walking stick?

Sharmaine

janie68 wrote:

Hi

I have those, called an elbow crutch, and yes you can get them online but I got mine from physio dept for free.

Janie

brokenwings

Hiya,
You can find elbow crutches easily on the web, from £18 a pair. (I'm astonished that other people are saying that physio depts are giveing them out free, because I tried and failed to prise them out of mine, and the GP said I either bought them or borrowed them from the Red Cross).
The problem is that elbow crutches provide more support, so you can become a bit 'lazy' with them, taking less weight through your lower limbs, and more through your arms and shoulders - which will aggravate the pain in your shoulder arthrosis. Its 'six-of-one' or 'half-a-dozen of the other' really.
Best wishes.

sharmaine

Hi

I think I've been having a bit of a flare up. My husband says I become quiet when I'm in real pain. I've rested my shoulder as much as I can this week and I'm hoping it improves. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give them a try. £20 isn't to much at all so I will bite the bullet and order a pair. By the time I've seen my GP and seen the physio it could be a month down the line.

I appreciate all your advice/help.

Regards
Sharmaine

brokenwings wrote:

Hiya,
You can find elbow crutches easily on the web, from £18 a pair. (I'm astonished that other people are saying that physio depts are giveing them out free, because I tried and failed to prise them out of mine, and the GP said I either bought them or borrowed them from the Red Cross).
The problem is that elbow crutches provide more support, so you can become a bit 'lazy' with them, taking less weight through your lower limbs, and more through your arms and shoulders - which will aggravate the pain in your shoulder arthrosis. Its 'six-of-one' or 'half-a-dozen of the other' really.
Best wishes.