Walking stick problem

lynnhb
lynnhb Member Posts: 62
edited 25. Aug 2010, 17:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,
Does anyone have any ideas how to stop my walking stick slipping on shiny surfaces? Are there special ferrules? I need my stick but it often slips away from me when I walk into buildings or the surface changes. :?:
Hope everyone is having a good day today.
Love Lynn x

Comments

  • robertls
    robertls Member Posts: 2,304
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lynn........

    What type or pattern of ferrule you got now???

    Rob x a045.gif
    Roba045.gif
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lynn,
    I use a crutch and it slips on wet surfaces only ... which is bad enough! (especially in this weather!)

    Is the ferrule worn out? How much "tread" is left on it?

    If it was provided by physio/OT I would get them to take a look. If it is one you bought yourself then maybe it is worth buying a new ferrule - perhaps visiting a mobility shop for advice.

    Let us know how you resolve the problem.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • grampyal
    grampyal Member Posts: 81
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I think I remember the crutches supplied by hopital slipping on wet mostly tiles as in shops. I have recently started using an old stick with a rubber ferrule which does not slip. I also use a "modern" telescopic sprung stick but a warning these have a hardened tip whch cuts through the ferrule and will then slip on hard shiney floors.
    My stick often "slips" into the hand of grandson who thinks his need is greater than mine. Have to say I find the twins' pram a great aid to walking as the extra stability allows you to put more weight on it. Our local Sunday market has a stall with a box of various ferrules I intend getting a spare when I go next £1 each.
    Best wishes, Al
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Slow down. You cannnot walk as fast in wet conditions as others can. Plant the stick, get feedback, then proceed. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • lynnhb
    lynnhb Member Posts: 62
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you everyone for your replies to my problem. I will buy some new ferrules AND yes, I will try to remember to stop & check surfaces before the stick slips.
    I think because of the pain & my conentration on getting from A to B I sometomes forget to be aware of obvious issues like surfaces.

    Does anyone else feel nervous when in crowded places because people just step out or back without looking & almost knock the stick becuse they don't understand how difficult it can be to change direction when knees are so painful.

    Inidentally I have just started having acupuncture (I had this in the past for a totally different health problem) & I am promising myself to go back to practising Tai Chi, which improved my health in the past.
    Best wishes, Lynn
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am cautious in the rain, cautious on cobblestones, don't go out when it's icy, don't go into town when it's busy. I an very wary of falling as I cannot get up. I do find that peopl, however, are very considerate, for the most part, and they do clear a path for me, as an act of self-preservation - I'm a big woman on crutches - if they don't shift when I'm rolling along they'll get steamrollered! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • tonesp
    tonesp Member Posts: 844
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Slipping is the least of my problems Keep tripping over the bloody thing :lol:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Stop trying to be Fred Astaire! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • lynnhb
    lynnhb Member Posts: 62
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes I am a big woman too but I suppose as I am new to Arthritis I am still in a state of shock & finding it difficult to accept that I cannot do things how I used to. I will try a full steam ahead approach & see how it goes.
  • angie1973
    angie1973 Member Posts: 248
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I find it really strange as I get people who will clear a path when they see me because they assume as I'm younger it must be a leg injury and I get asked a lot 'what did you do to your leg' and you give up trying to explain.

    Then you spot how many of us there wondering around with sticks and how rude some people are tot he older folks with them, like they only have them for the sake of it and that annoys me as why should I be any different, if you need a stick, you need a stick!

    I have no idea if these ice grip ferrules are any good, I've never used one. Like DD, I try and avoid going out in the ice. I'm no good at falling over!! haha!!

    Good luck with yours.
    _______________________

    Only 99.9% possessed by the giggle monster.........the other 0.01 % just eats chocolate..
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lynnhb, it's a great deal to come to terms with. Take your time and be kind to yourself. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • robertls
    robertls Member Posts: 2,304
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you going to get new ferrules dont get the ones with pimples....

    They dont last long, and then they're plain dangerous.....been there did that

    Ones with circles do me best....

    I used 2 sticks, and am hard on them....

    The circles are best overall.......but shiny slippery surfaces.....are just difficult...

    As others have said.........slowly, slowly......

    Rob x a045.gif
    Roba045.gif
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, Good luck with the walking, and please be careful, no broken bones!!! Love Sue
  • joann1
    joann1 Member Posts: 263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lynnhb

    Ive been using my stick now for the last 8 months its ment to keep me on my feel but end up on the floor more times than anthing else, used to be because i wasnt used to using the stick now its because the leg i dont use it for gives way, im now known to patients at work "the girl with the stick" it used to be "the girl with dark hair" at 30 its so embaressing but something ive got to get used to.

    Jo-Ann
    Jo-Ann
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, Good luck with the stick. I hope you get used to the stick and find it a help try and see people who comment about it as people who's manners are not very good! :wink:

    I do know its hard for you but see can you see the stick as your bid for freedom and independace. It may help. Lots of love Suexxxx
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