Walking sticks can you help?

sharmaine

I've got OA in hands, knees and recently have noticed that the backs of my calfs, my feet, back and bottom ache. I feel as if I've been lifting weights. Preparing a meal gets more and more difficult. I have to sit and peel the veggies.

Does this happen to anyone else. I'm going to buy myself a stick as I'm finding that walking is getting more and more painful with each passing week.

Any tips on sticks to buy and where to buy them from?

Sharmaine

livinglegend

Many people recommend a hiking pole, which is spring loaded and so takes the jolt out of when the tip hits the ground and a nice comfy padded handle. However, if you have problems gripping, then this would be a drawback as the handle is vertical. Telescopes down for storage and has a rubber or spike ferrule for indoor or outdoor use.

The more common traditional folding walking stick has a horizontal handle which can take your weight with less grip and can be folded easily to store or put in a large pocket or bag. Has a rubber ferrule for indoor or outdoor use.
Many outdoor shops should have them in stock and I would advise trying both before purchase.

Joseph 8)

springs65

sharmaine wrote:

I've got OA in hands, knees and recently have noticed that the backs of my calfs, my feet, back and bottom ache. I feel as if I've been lifting weights. Preparing a meal gets more and more difficult. I have to sit and peel the veggies.

Does this happen to anyone else. I'm going to buy myself a stick as I'm finding that walking is getting more and more painful with each passing week.

Any tips on sticks to buy and where to buy them from?

Sharmaine

Hi Sharmaine

I have arthritis in many joints including hands. My OT gave me one these walking sticks, it's a bit easier on the hands. It was a solid one but I bought the same one that I can fold up, see link.
I would google Fisher walking sticks and have a good look around as the price does vary quite a bit. They do left and right and are adjustable for yout height. Got mine from e.bay I think

http://www.aidmobility.co.uk/acatalog/Fischer_Handle_Folding_Walking_Stick.html

Hope this helps

joanlawson

There are some walking sticks which have a handle that opens out into a small seat. This is quite useful if you need to take a rest and there isn't anywhere to sit. I think they have a spike on the end.I want to buy one myself and think I saw them at a National Trust shop, but they were expensive. I think you could find them at outdoor /walkers shops or on the internet.
To cheer myself up, I bought a stick with flower patterns on it and now I call it a fashion accessory :!:
You can get a special stool for use in a kitchen. Perhaps you could get advice from an occupational therapist (ask your GP)
Joan

lindalegs

I have elbow crutches for when I'm not well and these actually strap to your forearms with velcro - these don't put any strain on your hands and you walk with them in the conventional way. They were supplied by my OT but I think you'd be able to get some from a mobility shop.

I also have a pretty walking stick, like Joan, for when I just need a bit of confidence. Most days I don't use any sticks at all.

One word of advice is that make sure you get a stick that's the right height for you otherwise you could strain your other joints.

Luv Legs

sharmaine

Thanks to all who responded. I will bear all the advice in mind. I quite fancy a pretty stick - don't want to lose my feminity (mind you somedays I wonder). I'll also remember to try them out - especially as my grip is not what it used to be.
Sharmaine

sharmaine wrote:

I've got OA in hands, knees and recently have noticed that the backs of my calfs, my feet, back and bottom ache. I feel as if I've been lifting weights. Preparing a meal gets more and more difficult. I have to sit and peel the veggies.

Does this happen to anyone else. I'm going to buy myself a stick as I'm finding that walking is getting more and more painful with each passing week.

Any tips on sticks to buy and where to buy them from?

Sharmaine