Walking Stick or Crutch?

HanzRolo

Hey all

I've not posted in a while but I am hoping that you might have some advice for me.

I have chronic pain in my lower back which causes sciatica in both of my legs down to my toes.  Every so often, if I over do it (which doesn't take a lot), my right leg gives way on me.  I've almost fallen a few times in the street now.

Currently I use an NHS walking stick.  I'm finding that when I am out and about that my hand really hurts from gripping the handle.  So I am now looking at options for having my own stick.

My question is, what would be better?  A walking stick or a crutch?  I did use a walking pole before I was given the walking stick which seemed to keep me a little more upright but even with the stopper on the bottom it used to slip and slide everywhere (so probably better for people walking on soft surfaces rather than in the street or a shop with slippy floors).

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ross_Alumni

Hi @HanzRolo

Thanks for posting, this is a really great question, I'd be curious to hear from any other members about their experience. 

If it is feasible to do so, it might be worth getting both and testing them alongside one another to see which you prefer.

Alex_Alumni

I'd definitely also encourage you to test things out if you can @HanzRolo as what works for one person, won't work for another!

I use a walking stick with a slightly curved wooden handle, with a stopper on the bottom. It also folds up so it can be stored in a bag (very handy), and has a wrist strap when I need to use both hands for things. 

I guess a good question to ask you is, which do you think would support you better day to day? Would you feel more secure with a sturdier crutch, and support further up your arm, or prefer a stick?

I know of some places which make bespoke sticks, with different types of handles, some molded to fit in your palm a bit flatter, others in a question mark shape, others like a 'T' shape. These can be really expensive though so bear that in mind.

Good luck with your search, let us know how you get on

SueHeath

I've tried both @HanzRolo and i get on better with a walking stick, i found the crutches made the arthritis in my hands more painful, do you think you might be leaning on your stick to much, why not try and see if two sticks work better for you.

HanzRolo

@Alex_Scope I've never used a crutch so I have no idea how I'd get on with one.  I've been eyeing some bespoke ones online and the company I've been looking at do either a stick or a crutch so I really wanted to see if other people had found one easier than the other.  I'm not sure where I could try to see if the other agreed better.  I've posted another thread today about the issues I've been having with my GPs practice.  I only see my physio when possible in person but it's been a lot on "NearMe" on video because they are a good distance from where I am and I'm reliant on my parents being able to drive me there.

@SueHeath yes, I think that it might be I'm leaning a lot on the stick because of my right leg giving way on me.  My left leg is the more painful because it does most of the work (my right side of my back is the more painful).  I think it's partly the handle on the stick that causes the pain in my hand too.  It's hard plastic rather than a softer rubber or material handle.  I am worried about my back curving forward leaning on it too which was another reason I was wondering if a crutch might keep me more upright.  Two sticks would be difficult as I live one floor up and have stairs I have to walk down on the outside of our house.  It's hard enough with one stick.

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for explaining @HanzRolo it's frustrating when we are forced to rely on others to access the resources and support we need, like you've said with your parents needing to drive you.

I would always advise that an accessibility aid is a very individual and personal thing. You've mentioned having stairs, so perhaps a crutch might be easier to juggle than a stick or two.

I wonder also if something like driving gloves might help your hands feel less uncomfortable? I know they're not really suitable in weather like this, but it's worth considering, and seeing what works best for you

Keep us up to date, and definitely enquire about whether you'd be able to give anything you like the look of a "test run".

HanzRolo

@Alex_Scope I live in a rural area so our transport system is beyond a joke.  I don't drive and neither does my partner.  My parents have a huge drive to pick me up and take me to appointments.  My parents don't live locally.  

Yes, there are stairs up to my house.  They're on the outside of the house and shared by our neighbours.  There's a handrail on one side and then on the opposite side on the two sets of stairs where I juggle the stick to the other hand.  It's good for a wee breather too.  

Oh that's a good idea.  I didn't think of that.  I had thought about wrapping material around the handle to see if that helped but gloves might be a better option.  Someone else in a support group I attend has gloves she wears so that makes sense.  I will look into it.

I sent a message to the company I'm looking to buy my new stick/crutch from and they had similar advice.  I may have to approach my physio and see what he thinks.  

Thanks so much for your help.  I will keep you posted and whatever I end up with I'll post up some photos of the final product

Alex_Alumni

That's okay @HanzRolo I'm really glad we could help

I'm looking forward to hearing back about it as and when, and chatting to your physio sounds like a sensible plan too. Best of luck!