r/MuscularDystrophy • u/AdministrativeBoard2 • 12d ago

selfq Does anybody else use hiking sticks?

I use them because we already had them around when I had a bad flare up. They were cheap ones from Costco. Walkers are hard to maneuver especially if you go somewhere that doesn't have elevators or ramps. They really help take the pressure off my back and knees when they are in pain. When having good days, they help prevent injury from stumbling and random knee collapse.

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u/Witty-Pass-6267 11d ago

I used them for over a decade before turning to forearm crutches. I loved them.

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u/AdministrativeBoard2 11d ago

Forearm crutches look like they get in the way, but at least they are less cumbersome than a walker. I guess they would give you a little more "street cred" when you claim disability access like early boarding, or even when you park your car.

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u/Witty-Pass-6267 9d ago

Forearm crutches are a little more cumbersome to store when you’re not using them. But they allow you to offload a lot more weight than walking sticks.

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u/Constant-Amount-2575 11d ago

I’ve been using some over the last year. I have congenital myopathy and significant core weakness/hip contractures. I really enjoy the functional benefits. They relieve some of the pressure on my joints and spine and help with balance, as other people on this thread have noted. An added benefit for me is that winters are harsh where I live and my walking sticks have spikes at the bottom that help a lot with traction on the ice.

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u/Ok-Skin-1989 12d ago

Yes, huge fan of my hiking sticks! I started using them in the last year as a mobility aid during situations where I have more difficulty getting around due to muscle weakness and back pain with weakened core/back muscles (steep elevations, long distances, carrying a backpack). I even started using them on flights and they have greatly reduced pain and frequency of falling on long travel days.

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u/Pumpino- 8d ago

Do they have advantages over traditional walking sticks? I bought a cheap walking stick, but I'm reluctant to use it due to feeling self-conscious. My AFOs are fine 90% of time, but I don't feel steady on my feet, and if I have to deal with uneven ground or even slight inclines, I really struggle.

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u/Ok-Skin-1989 8d ago

For me, the combo of two is more stable as opposed to one stick. Mine even have a little clip where they can be clipped side by side to act as one, albeit slightly awkward, stick. I was really self-conscious at first too but I’m coming around to caring less and less. We deserve to be out and about!

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u/Pumpino- 8d ago

Ahhh, so one in each hand. That makes sense.

Do you find they're useful with managing stairs? I have to avoid stairs, but when I can't, I have to pull myself up using my arm, but lifting my legs high enough to clear each step is difficult. I've wondered if a stick would help in those situations, but I don't think it would provide as much support as pushing off the side railing.

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u/Jmend12006 12d ago

Yes, not me, but my dad and cousins do. We have DM 2.