To ask for advice about walking aids?

[Emmi2103]

I am 30 years old and have several health conditions - undiagnosed stomach issues, endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 20 years old, and even though at the moment I don’t have much swelling, when going out and about - I get fatigued very quickly, pain and I struggle to stand in the same spot for too long (say when waiting in queues).

I think it might be time to start looking at walking aids of some sort but I’m not sure which one would be best. I struggle with crutches because I don’t have the best strength in my hands.

Has anyone got any advice on which type would be best as it’s not about the physical leg movements as such, it’s more about avoiding the fatigue and trying to lessen the after effects of physical exertion.

Thanks in advance

Ask your GP to be referred to an OT they will be the best person to advise.

In my area we have a physio drop in session for that kind of assessment you can try different types. I had the assessment but then bought my own because the nhs one felt too heavy and the physio advised a lighter one I could buy.
I'd see what the assessment process is in your area. I was then offered a home assessment for physio and ot so it opened doors.

Physios are the experts in this, I’m older than you but have mobility and balance issues and find a walking stick essential, I use one in the house as well as outside (where I rely on a wheelchair for distances).

once you know what the best walking aid is for you, can I recommend www.coolcrutches.com They make physio quality stuff but with trendy prints and shaped handles and stuff, I have 2 sticks from them and they’re great!

I hope you find the help you need xx

Crutches are not walking aids as such for the long term, they’d not be good for your shoulders. Get referred to a physio/OT.

Crutches and walking sticks have the huge disadvantage of taking your hands out of use. Young as you are, I think a stroller with a seat is what you need - that way your hands can be free when needed and you always have a seat and a small storage space to use as needed. It would mean that you can walk more or less normally, as you say you can do. The only drawback I have found, and I am much, much older than you, is that gripping the handles of mine tends to make my upper arms ache. Good luck - hope this helps.

I have RA, personally I think it would benefit you to look more towards managing your fatigue rather than using a walking aid. Similar to you I also can’t stand in queues as I would end up in severe pain and extremely fatigued, so I avoid standing for long periods of time. I have had excellent advice on managing my fatigue from rheumatology, my quality of life is much better because of it.

I was also going to suggest cool crutches.

Also to consider a power chair do longer distances.

my ds has a physical disability whereby being physical affects him and he uses crutches or he has a quicker X5 self propelled active chair from wheelchair services.

I use walking sticks for balance and I like Leki sports sticks best: they are very adjustable and internally sprung so they reduce the hardness of the pavements. They are quite pricey but they last forever.

A mobility scooter maybe worth looking at. I got mine through a company on ebay. I got the VAT discount as disabled & it was under £500. A foldaway stick comes in handy for balance.