To admit defeat and order a walking stick?

[MaddyHatter]

I'm only 35 :(

I've got god awful back issues that are causing something like sciatica, serious pain in my right hip and down that leg and some days it hurts so much to walk, and will just give out on me, leaving me prone to falling flat on my face.

Its hurting like that today, and i'm dreading the school run in a bit.

I've been toying with the idea of ordering a walking stick for days like today.. but wonder if i'm going to look like a complete tool walking with one when i'm a)not disabled and b)only need it occasionally.

[ParadiseCity]

You poor thing. Yes, get one, assuming you are also seeking help and doing everything you can for it? FWIW I had horrible sciatica after DD was born but the older she gets the more it improves. I hope yours does too. I remember my leg buckling and tipping me down the stairs on more than one occasion, it really is horrible.

[MaddyHatter]

i had my mri scan yesterday.. finally! after 15 months of this. So hopefully it will have shed some light on whats going on.

The Specialist thinks i've got squashed disks which is causing referred hip pain and the sciatica. I've had problems with my back since i was little, very deep curve, been having physio for it on and off for 18 years.. but last summer it suddenly got really bad and this pain in my hip started and didn't go away, its since advanced down my leg.

[Viviene]

It will make your life easier, do it! Who cares what others think.

[steppemum]

see it as a tool. Just a tool to get you what you need. Like a knife to cut bread or a car to get around. A stick to help you do school run.

must be horrible.

[NotCitrus]

Get a stick! Even if you don't always need it, you can always point out you have it just in case. Also useful for picking up bags off the floor, and herding small children, and getting a little extra space on public transport (not usually enough to be useful, but it does help!)

Maybe a folding one? I got mine when I was about 30 but didn't use it much until later.

[LurkingHusband]

It's also a very obvious sign to those around you that you may not be as fast on your feet as they would expect.

[RebeccaWithTheGoodHair]

But they are so cool! You could get an amazing one with a silver fox head and call it a cane rather than a walking stick. Total glam!

Check out Siousxie Sioux for style ideas!!

[MaddyHatter]

i did think about a folding one i can keep in my car boot for when i go out. I bought one for my mom who has hip issues a few years ago and nag her to use it on her bad days.

We look a right pair hobbling along these days lol. She suffers with her other hip, we've got one good pair between us

[frankie001]

Yanbu. I'm also thinking of getting one, she 34. I've had planter fascitis since January. Have been using crutches but after some more treatment I'm thinking a stick may be a better option.

[RockinHippy]

YANBU

I was in the same boat a few years ago, I still have the disc problems now, but I manage it better with exersize - yoga stretches can be really good for this

Get yourself a folding stick & keep it in your handbag, that way you can use it to & from school & tuck it away to avoid all the nosey gits questions

As an aside - if you didn't have a bad fall/accident & its wear & tear, get your B12 levels checked as long term B12 deficiency/PA causes spinal problems

Good luck

[RockinHippy]

You can get some fabulous folding ones online too - mine is leopardskin

[MaddyHatter]

frankie, i had PF a couple of years ago, i ended up living in some scholl insoles for about 12 months and religiously massaging my feet before i stood up before it finally went away.

I still keep the insoles in my trainers so i'm wearing them quite frequently as i find the pain creeps back now and again!

[MaddyHatter]

i've found a pretty purpley one on Amazon for £5 just to try and see if it helps any.

If it does, i can go find a funkier one.. can't let my 50's rockabilly vibe down ;)

[frankie001]

maddy have just had a prp injection into it. Am massaging, have some lovely podiatry inspired sandals that I live in. Am very few up with it, I can't work as I have a very active job.

Hope your mri gives you answers x

[squoosh]

YANBU.

If it saves you from being in pain why wouldn't you? Love the idea of a super cool walking cane.

[MrsMook]

I got hold of some crutches in late pregnancy when I was seizing up with SPD. It did help me keep mobile, and people became more helpful, particularly when I was struggling with a tamtruming toddler that I couldn't bend down to.

If something simple makes your life easier, go for it. There's no prizes for being proud.

[LurkingHusband]

i've found a pretty purpley one on Amazon for £5 just to try and see if it helps any.

Is it handed ? MrsLH has been through a variety of sticks, and one of the best had a moulded handle that fitted snugly in the palm. Very comfortable (and fold up). I think we got it in a mobility shop ... somewhere.

[Youarenotprepared]

DH bought one for similar reasons. He uses it occasionally. It folds and lives in the car for bad days. No one has ever really commented unless asking if he was ok. These days no one bats an eyelid.

[Lunde]

I got a trendy folding one that I can keep in a bag/glovebox
www.amazon.co.uk/Switch-Stick-Adjustable-Folding-Walking/dp/B003P2URX0/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1474556351&sr=8-2&keywords=folding%20walking%20stick&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[blankmind]

How to get the right height for a walking-stick - the Red Cross told me this when I had to collect it for someone else.
Put the handle on the ground. The stick should be long enough to touch the sticky-out bone in your wrist.

[doyouseeme1]

Do it! I've got sciatica and I'm struggling, I got given crutches off the physio but I have to give them back soon and I'm thinking of getting a walking stick, I'm only 22! I don't care what people think, if a walking stick gives me support to let me do what I need to do then its a winner

[AnnieOnnieMouse]

Do it - I have a selection - plain black handed one, blue polkadot, plain green, a red one with fruit - and I'll be googling the purple on on Amazon, too. It makes such a difference.
A stick helps you walk with less pain, like a pair of glasses helps you see.