sticks or crutches

HARPER04

I would be grateful if anyone could spare the time to offer me advice
At the moment I am struggling to get about on 2 sticks I have Osteopena in the Lumber Thorasic and Cervical regions in my spine and also in both my hips my mobility is becoming less and less and more and more painful with soreness and swelling in my hands and ankles and shoulder

My question is would it aggravate my condition more to change over to using Crutches or should I stay with using the Sticks

Any advice or past experiences would be welcome

Numptydumpty

I'm afraid I don't know anything about your condition, I have RA. I have a lot of trouble with my hands and wrists, and this made using sticks very difficult and painful. My physiotherapist gave me elbow crutches, which I find much easier.
I know a few people on here use rollators. I think you're best to discuss it with your physiotherapist, or doctor.
Wishing you well,
Numpty

dreamdaisy

From my experience I find that crutches offer much more support than sticks - they wobble too much! I have crutches for my better days (the sort with a flared grip for the palm) and a rollator for outdoors walking. My advice is to go to a mobility centre where they have a range of aids which you can try to see what suits you best. Good luck and I hope you find something to help. DD

bubbadog

My advice is based on me using both sticks and crutches as I don't have the condition you have. I find walking crutches much, much safer than sticks. But best talk to your Occupational therapist or G.P.

maria09

Hi
I would advise you to try crutches as DD they offer better support
One thing I will say is if you have arthritis in your hands and wrists like me they can make the pain worse
I have a pair that are comfy but not all are
I'm sure they do ones with same grip as Fischer sticks that are more comfortable
Hope you start to improve soon
Maria

chookgate

I second what others are saying. I also don't have your condition, but post knee surgery I found crutches more stable than sticks. However, in my physio group there was a man who also had a TKR who felt much more secure with sticks than crutches. So, you really need to get in to see a physio or occupational therapist who should be able to let you try crutches, and if necessary get you ones with handles to suit.

frogmorton

Hi Harper

Of course you can buy your own walking aids, but I think in your shoes I would ask to see a physio for assessment and then you will be sure that you are doing no harm, as safe as poss and hopefully it will be cheaper too

LOve

Toni xxx