Walking Stick or Poles

Katt33

I've just been diagnosed with Osteo in my knee. I must admit I was a bit shocked at 56 as I still in my mind feel 21.

I've got crutches from the physio but I think I need just a walking stick or a pole as they are too clumsy and only really need one.

What do you think pole or stick.

Anymore advice would be welcomed xxx

annabanana

hi @Katt33 , thank you for posting to the community and welcome!

I personally use a £10 foldable walking stick from Amazon, there are definitely better quality sticks out there but I love that I can just put it in my bag when I don't need it and can carry it with me in case I need it. If you're looking for something better quality then I know that quite a few people stand by Cool Crutches' products - however I cannot personally speak on them.

I hope you're able to find what you're looking for 😁

distantshores

I use walking/trekking poles which I bought years ago for walking in the Himalayas (won't be doing that again sadly). I think with two poles you have better balance. You can't take poles on a plane as they are considered to be sports equipment so they have to go in the hold. The advantage of a stick as far as I can see is that it is visible so people can see that you need a bit longer to move around whereas the walking poles are not so convenient for every day life.

Stuartknee

Hi@Katt33 I use a metal cane as I have Osteo, I am 49 year old & struggling somedays with bad osteo, I start hobbling & cannot work as I'm a gardener with a bad right knee

scotbabedonna

I have osteoarthritis in both knees and hip. I do suffer from carpal tunnel also. I find smart crutches are amazing and I would swear by this. U lean more on ur forearm than wrist and hand. Which can be sore after a while. Hope this helps

Trish9556

Hi @Katt33

I have been using walking poles since I recovered from my hip replacement on my physio's advice, when out walking for any distance. They just give me a bit of reassurance.

If you are considering using only one crutch or walking stick, you should use it in the hand opposite your affected joint, not on the same side, I was told you stop using normal elbow crutches as I have a problem with one of my wrists - using the c rutches made it considerably worse and so I went from using two crutches to two walking sticks prior to my surgery and when I came out of hospital.

Trish xx

Katt33

That is really helpful and I think a folding stick might be a good way to go for everyday use. I can then swap to walking poles when not in a social area.

I might be asking more questions lol thanks again

susy123

I have a walking stick and I find it difficult on stairs. I'm very conscious of people looking at me but I know it's all.in my mind. I find I always lead with my bad knee and sometimes I put weight on my knee instead of my stick. It's just getting used to it I suppose.

SoniaR

I always use a folding stick but for longer distances I have a mobility scooter which I love! I can go anywhere within reason. I had a THR in 2016 and I was only 58, but worth it. I also have osteo in my knees and am 3 weeks post op - blooming awful but getting there. I find crutches give more support but I agree they’re a bit clumsy to use.

Trish9556

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/727230#Comment_727230

Hi @susy123

You should always go upstairs leading with your good knee and downstairs leading with your bad knee according to my Physio post THR.

I had an additional stair rail fitted prior to getting a date for my new hip - it really was a great investment as I could go up and downstairs using both stair rails and I had a stick at the top and a stick at the bottom.

Trish xx

ItsjustLisa

@Stuartknee please look after yourself, I'm a gardener too and had to give up my business earlier this year, I need both hips replacing, I'm 54 and was diagnosed over 10 years ago.

First op in 10 days, next one approx 6 months after so I won't be working for the foreseeable future.

Good physio, diet and listening to your body and please don't leave it like I have hoping it would ease.

Trish9556

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/727150#Comment_727150

Hi @distantshores

My walking poles are collapsible and fit in my rucksack/suitcase perfectly :)

Trish

Moira

After I got my knee replaced, at the beginning I used the hospital wooden sticks. They really helped then (I decorated them with felt pens!)

I have been using my collapsable walking stick for years now. Got it in our market. With a stick it leaves you one hand free. With 2 sticks you use both hands. Walking poles are really designed to aid people doing treks etc and not folk with a disability.

Take advice from your phsio/GP.

Good luck.

Trish9556

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/727315#Comment_727315

Hi @Moira

My physio told me to use walking poles instead of sticks 9 weeks after my hip replacement. :)

Firstly because I didn't need my 'comfort blanket' (my physio's words, not mine) of one stick anymore but secondly because I have a problem with my wrist which made my physio supplied walking stick with a shaped handle difficult and painful to use. I also got told off for, and advise everyone, to use their one stick in the hand opposite their affected limb as I was using mine in my 'affected limb side' hand prior to being ordered to use, and then not to use, crutches.

I also advise people to speak to the physio and to take their advice :)

Trish

Moira

I would agree with you as everyone is different. Godd luck folks with whatever method suits you best.