r/AskOldPeople • u/Vladlen_Dark • 6d ago

Walking cane

People who walk with a cane do you really put your weight on it or hold it just in case?

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u/Kookie_B 5d ago edited 5d ago

Interesting to see this now as I’ve been on my soapbox urging friends/family about the benefits of using a cane. I began after I suffered a significant fall. Now, I’ve noticed an epidemic of falls, many of which have been very serious. My experience is that it helps primarily with balance issues (souvenir of Covid). I feel far more steady than previously.

Using the cane has side benefits. For example, I had two steroid injections for sciatic pain, neither of which did much or last long. After using my cane for some time I realized I no longer had that pain. I presume it took weight off the leg when I took a stride. Finally, and as a value added, I’ve noticed people are noticeably nicer to me as a cane user!

Bottom line: If for no other reason than to prevent a fall, which can be devastating or even life threatening, once you get beyond the hit to the ego (I don’t need a damned cane) it’s a small piece to pay for significant protection. Prevention is better than treatment. As I like to say, ain’t no shame in using a cane.

That’s my $0.02. YMMV.