Things you don't know

tonesp

Had a lesson on Thursday from my Spanish ortopaedic surgeon in how to use a walking stick.Anyone else been taught this?It hasn't half helped my mobility

tillytop

Sounds brilliant tonesp. One of those things that we all probably think we know how to do , but clearly there is an art to it! Glad it's really helping you.

Love Tilly x

barbara12

Hi tonesp
Can you give us some tips, I just end up with a painful shoulder
Barbara x

dorcas

Hi tones

never been taught how to use a stick either. :? and always always hurts my neck when I try....so would love to know what this great advice is :?:

iris x

marion1952

Hi

Wish I had been given a lesson on how to use my walking stick ... I had been using one for about 12 months before I realised I shoudl have been using it on the opposite side to my bad hip!!

Best wishes

Marion

speedalong

Hi, have never got on with a walking stick ... so tell all!!!

Speedy

PS Marion - that is a common mistake. I have had well meaning people telling me I'm using my crutch on the wrong side ... (ie like you used tot think, they think I should use it on the side of my "bad" leg.)

robertls

I had an Occy Therapist home visit last week.......because I keep falling...

She said she would show me how to walk up stairs......

I thought she was 'avin' a larf'.....

Actually............she did show me how..........

And I was doing it wrong.........not completely straightening and 'locking' my legs.....

Things we learn eh????

Rob x

angel1

I found I could only use a stick on my right side, presumably because of being right handed. Felt very unsafe, and vulnerable when I tried it on the left side.

dreamdaisy

I was told to use my stick on the opposite side to the troubled leg, then when I had two troubled legs I moved to crutches. I use those alternately, ie when the right leg moves forward, the left crutch does and then vice versa. Thus the opposite side of the body supports the weaker side. There is no gain in using a stick on the same side as the weak limb. DD

julie47

In the early days of RA i was measured and told how to use a stick.

When I had the amputation 5 years ago the physios tried to make me use a stick. But my hands won't grip one now. I learnt to walk again with a wheeled frame but that hurt my wrists. Wanted crutches but they said I wouldn't be able to use themeither. Oh my what a problem arthur causes eh?

Now I am either in my chair indoors or on a scooter outdoors.

Julie xx
pf

woodbon

I used to have to teach people and the way I was taught was to put it in the hand on the good side and not rely on it to wait bare just to steady you. Is that right? Personally I have to use my right hand as the left is a bit weak and I am right handed and feel out of control with a stick in my left hand!!! :oops: :shock: So if you see someone using a stick in their left hand and waving it about, knocking people about left right and centre, you'll know its meeee. :oops:

dorcas

Good one Sue...

Julie...I know what you mean about using a stick with arther hands...it is well nigh impossible. Hope you are feeling bit better today? xxx

I've only very recently been able to use a stick since having the wrist ops....but am still limited and it is very awkward. I have to turn the handle the wrong way round as I have no hand bend due to the fixed (fused) wrist. :roll: but it does take some of the pressure off my bad knee.
It's helpful hearing how others manage and the 'right' way of using a stick....:D

Iris x

tonesp

collywobble wrote:

Hi Tone

Was it something like this? (beware the dodgy music)

Lynn
Basically Yes!! Hold the stick on your good side move it forward bring weak leg up to it catch up with good one.It really does help