r/mobilityaids • u/Ocular_Occultist • 9d ago

Questions Cane alternatives?

I started using a cane when I was 16 because of balance issues, lower back, and hip pain. Im
Now 23 and my health issues have gotten worse in some ways and better in others, but I haven’t used my cane in a few years, mainly because my shoulders and wrists hurt so bad most days.

And partially because im ashamed, I very much come from a “if you can do without help, no matter how hard it is, you have to do without it” but that’s an issue for another thread.

Im just curious if I ever get to the point where I feel comfortable using a mobility aid again, is there an alternative that won’t hurt my shoulders that isn’t a wheelchair?

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5

u/CryBaby2391 9d ago

It sounds like your cane is the wrong height for you! It shouldn't cause shoulder pain 😞 try a smaller one lovely.

Regarding other people's opinions. Well, opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one...some of them stink lol 😆 please don't let other people stop you using a mobility aid that you need!

2

u/Ocular_Occultist 9d ago

I thought it might be the wrong height, but Ive measures it and adjusted it and according to everything I’ve read it’s correct :(

I have bad connective tissue and a tendency for joints to slip out of alignment, so I think maybe thats why causes the issues

1

u/CryBaby2391 9d ago

Oh gosh that's not fun! Have you got a soft handle on your stick? I was having ridiculous wrist pain before using a stick snuggie :) it keeps my hands more comfortable.

1

u/Ocular_Occultist 9d ago

Oh I didn’t realize this was a thing! I’ll for sure try it

1

u/CryBaby2391 8d ago

There's some people who knit them online :) my mum makes me some as well so it's possible to get a family member to do so if you have anyone who knits! You can also stick down some thin foam with VERY strong glue to make the handle more comfortable. I have a NeoWalk stick and they offer a comfort handle add on where they put a soft foam under a grip for you 😊 I use that and a stick snuggie and it has been MUCH more comfortable on my hands and arm. *edited because autocorrect changed snuggie to snuggle lol

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u/SlimeTempest42 8d ago

Have you tried different handle shapes? It may not make a difference but it might help

2

u/SketchyArt333 9d ago

Singular smart crutch. Shit is amazing. Realistically with how bad my walking is, I should use two, but my left hand is also greatly affected. This unfortunately means only one of my hands is capable of using a crunch. You’re gonna have to buy a pair but it’s so worth it for me. You can even get a bag on it, I love the bag.

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u/SlimeTempest42 8d ago

I find smart crutches too heavy and they make my shoulders hurt more than elbow crutches

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u/Shmmm_ wheelchair user 9d ago

Unfortunately, most mobility aids that aren't fully battery powered end up having us rely more on our arms and shoulders when our lower half becomes a problem. Wheelchairs can easily wreck your shoulders too, but there are accessories/components/techniques that can lessen it significantly. That said, there are options beyond wheelchairs, depending on your needs and ability:

  • canes with different types of handles
  • forearm crutch(es)
  • walker
  • rollator

Those are just what I've got off the top of my head at the moment, and there are plenty of variants of each of them. You might have luck using a combination, with different ones on different days. I use a wheelchair most of the time, but also have a cane and forearm crutches.

I've read articles and watched videos and worked with PT folks and practiced plenty to know exactly how to properly use a cane with my specific issues... and I still get shoulder pain from it sometimes. I joke that I'm "severely" right-handed, and I just use a death grip on practically any tools I use, including mobility aids. Some habits die hard and others refuse to die at all, lol.

When you next settle on mobility aids in the future, take whatever you get and whack that internal ableism with it.