Crutches? Walking stick ? Treaking poles ?

Everyday living
1

Can anyone give me the benefits of crutches opposed to a walking stick or treaking poles Thank you …

2

I found that trekking poles helped my posture in that I walked upright and kept my balance.

The only problem was that I could not fold them up and put them in my bag.

They are good to see all around you (something I missed when using a stick/rollator).

It is bewildering choosing what kind of walking aid.

Hope you choose the right one for you (however which one is that).

If you can afford I’d get one/a pair of each.

3

Thank you… yes, buy a selection of sticks… I have at this moment in time 9 walking sticks… 3 walking poles and no crutches, but I did hear how beneficial they are ( crutches ) Yes, I agree with you regarding using 2 walking/ treating poles is far, far better than 1 walking stick BUT you have no .Evans of popping them in your bag so if you want to go shopping and you have the 2 poles with you , whoaaaaaaa, we become SUPERWOMAN hahahaha…

4

Hi, I was supplied crutches by occupational health - found them easier than walking stick and didn’t feel older than my actual age ( no offence to anyone who dose use them) its personal preference

5

When I switched from a single walking stick to crutches, my walking improved dramatically. I bought ferrules for the crutches which gave good grip and was less jarring. I walked more upright with the crutches than with stick and my stride was wider.

if I was going for a walk (I remember those happy days), I would use the walking poles. My walking was even better than with crutches as it was almost like I had 4 legs and my real legs followed the poles and again my stride was even broader,

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6

I always preferred crutches. You can buy some nicer than NHS basic varieties. You also have more stability and they help you to walk more upright.

I found that a walker made me lean over it too much.

Sue

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7

I think it just depends what you need in terms of what your MS has done to you and what your deficits are, and how much function remains to you in terms of strength, coordination and balance. I started with one hiking pole, now it’s two hiking poles. Having now reached ‘peak hiking pole’, whatever MS does to me next, in terms of mobility, will likely require an upgrade, but I won’t know what I need until that happens. I think you just need to try things and find what works best for you right now.

Alison

8

When using two poles, a girl wants one of these: https://www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/

I have 4 of various sizes and colours. :slight_smile:

Alison