does any of you guys use a single crutch,instead of a walking stick,I use a walking stick but sometimes wheen I lose my balance slightly a feel as if i could do witth a bit more support,saw a cpl of MS ers with single crutch,any advice will be good advice ,
My physio suggested that crutches would give me more support than a stick. Unfortunately I have next to no control or co-ordination with my left arm. Consequently I could only use a single crutch, not two. The physio was very unhappy about this because she felt it would cause neck and back pain. I gave it a go but had to go back to my stick after 3 weeks because I did indeed get pain and stiffness in my neck and across my shoulders. Now I only use the crutch if I am especially wobbly but mainly use a stick.
Jane
I use a single crutch most times and find it is a great way to help me keep my balance and not walk like I am drunk. I am 33 and said no to a walking stick when my physio first raised the topic with me. The crutch did take a few outings to get used to using it but it has been a great benefit.
I’ve just gone from a walking stck to 2 crutches but I only use 1 of them to get around at work (hard to get things from the printer with 2 crutches to hold). Must say that it gives a lot more support than a walking stick, I can almost appear to be walking with a normal gate.
I have been thinking exactly the same thing recently. I have been using a stick for several years but recently I have had a lot of problems with spasticity and this has seriously affected my balance. I have bought another stick, which helps a little but still very unsteady and have been having physio to try and improve balance. As nothing seems to help I too have been wondering whether a crutch may help. I shall ask the physio when I see her next, bit surprised she has not suggested it though.
Carol
My physio moved me from one stick to two.
This got me more upright and took some of the load of my right hip. Coupled with the FES (now into my second week) I can actually walk quite quickly; but carrying anything is limited to (say) one newspaper in a plastic bag.
Geoff
I mainly use a scooter but for very short distances I use one fore arm crutch. A walking stick is too unstable for me where as the forarm crutch allows me to really LEAN on it.
When I was able to walk longer distances I should probably have used two crutches as it does create quite a pronounced lean in your body which would certainly set you up for potential secondary muscular skeletal problems. But I hated two crutches as I couldn’t carry anything. My physio then recommended a rolly walker for me which was really good as it was very stable and with the basket and the seat I could carry what ever I wanted plus sit down for a rest!
But now my ability to walk has diminished so much that I don’t use it for the very short distances I do try and walk. Too much hassle.
Can you see a physio to get assessed for the best mobility aids for your particular situation? I have found them really helpful in this regard.
Belinda
Geoff could you carry more if you had a small backpack. This is how I manage now I use 2 sticks.
Carol
That’s a good idea. I’ve got one of those double drawstring bags that I used to put on the back of the wheelchair years ago, might be time to dig it out again.
One of the most frustrating things about using a stick is the effective loss of use of one hand, using 2 crutches just increases that frustration.
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That’s a good idea. I’ve got one of those double drawstring bags that I used to put on the back of the wheelchair years ago, might be time to dig it out again.
One of the most frustrating things about using a stick is the effective loss of use of one hand, using 2 crutches just increases that frustration.
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I agree with the loss on 1 hand when using a walking stick,maybe something i should think about,as well
Thought about that, Carol.
It would be one more thing to worry about getting into and out of the car.
I have tried using a laptop bag - not ideal, but it worked.
Now thinking about a messenger bag, which would be more flexible than the laptop bag.
But then, I am still learning to live with the FES.
Geoff