Crutches for osteoarthritis in my spine ?

cakefairy

Hello, I'm new here and I'm hoping to find some advice about using crutches or other mobility aids. I've been having problems with my back now for 19 years but the last 7 years have been the worst and I was finally given an xray and a diagnosis 2 years ago.

I have really struggled to get doctors to listen to me. In the last several years I have carried on as normal as much as I can around the pain but this last year I'm finding that I'm struggling to do normal things around the house, I find standing for long a problem so i have a seat to use while cooking and walking hurts.

My biggest problem that I'm having is walking any distance, I don't drive and have to rely heavily on walking to be able to pick my children up from school, and I'm really struggling to do that, some days I'm willing myself to put one foot in front of the other and carry on as my husband can only help now and then.

My doctors so far haven't really given much help, aside from medication, there's been no advice or explanation of anything other than try physio, the physiotherapist when I asked about it suggested a walker may be more appropriate for me, but given that my upper body strength is good that cruthes may be ok too.

when would be appropriate to start with mobility aids to help with the pain in my spine and to take the pressure off it ? I have osteoarthritis in my toes and lumbar spine that I know of but highly suspect also in my knees, i also get alot of pain from my sacroiliac joints which mediication isn't helping.

I guess I've always had the mindset that it's doctors who tell you when to use mobility aids and what to use, and I find myself feeling a little self concious about it, but I think my question is, is this a reasonable thing for me to start with ? I worry that I'm overeacting ?

Trish9556

Hi @cakefairy

Im so sorry to read your post.

Not sure where you are based but I would suggest you start being assertive and telling your GP you need help. Proper help ir change your GP. Too many GPs dont see arthritis as a real issue. I had to fight to find one who cared and said he would help.

You need xrays mris a referral to a msk physio who will help you and get you the help and oneward treatment you need.

The longer they dont care, the worse you get and the more youre going to cost the nhs.

Make an appointment, in person, keep a daily diary of how you feel, pain levels and what works or doesnt work for you to show the dr when you see them. If it helos, take someone with you to tell it like it is as well.

Good luck!

Trish xx

Anna

Hi @cakefairy and welcome to the online community,

I agree with @Trish9556 above - you’re best to discuss your mobility aid requirements with an occupational therapist - it shouldn’t be something you have to decide yourself. You could ask your GP to refer you and I think in many health authorities you might be able to self refer. Perhaps you do an online search for your authority occupational health department and find out the best way to go about things. You might find other aids that you’d never thought of but will make your life much easier.
Here’s some information from the Versus Arthritis website that you might find useful:

https://versusarthritis.org/news/2022/december/how-aids-and-adaptations-can-help-if-you-have-arthritis/

Best wishes,

Anna ( Moderator)

EssentiallyJane

Hi,

I use adjustable walking poles. I bought them from Amazon about 4years after advice from a friend. They have been a life saver for me and always have a positive reaction from doctors, physios and even occupational health. I have OA affecting all of my back and the poles help me walk straighter than other devices with less weight through my arms , wrists and hands.

crinkly

Hello Cakefairy. (What a great name - creates an immediately positive image of you!)

I too have widespread OA with spinal involvement that has made walking painful for many years. I also received no advice re walking aids and struggled on for a long time before deciding that the 'discomfort' was too severe to allow me to walk with any degree of pleasure. As my hands, wrists and shoulders are affected I found sticks or standard crutches of very little help so, after considerable online research, invested in 'gutter' style crutches with most weight-bearing through the lower arms. They still work well for me and people soon got used to seeing me use them. For accompanying young children or carrying small amounts of shopping, adding a rucksac is the best solution.

Many years later no therapist has ever broached the subject of walking aids and, like much of the management of OA, mobility solutions are left to the individual concerned. Most disability showrooms/shops are happy to let you try their products before buying so don't be afraid to ask for a trial and say 'no' if you are unsure. Some areas also have their own NHS equipment centres, manned by an Occupational Therapist where you can go and ask for help. This can provide a useful general guide at the outset but the range of products may be limited.

I'm afraid that waiting for NHS personnel to advise you is probably a fantasy! You are the only one who is fully aware of your specific needs so you are therefore the best person to initiate action. It takes courage and means spending your own money but can make a world of difference to your quality of life - which is so easily marred by OA. Hope you soon find the support you need.