Walking sticks etc. Advice please

[PastMyBestBeforeDate]

Sadly I think I need to admit I can't walk properly any more :(
I have MS and it's affecting one leg particularly. My leg is weak and I can't lift my foot up off the floor very much.
I probably need a walking stick or crutch or something but I don't know what will work. Due to Covid it's hard to see anyone to ask. I don't know anyone to ask so I'm asking here. What do I need to consider? Any recommendations for good online places to buy?

Hi @PastMyBestBeforeDate sorry to hear you are struggling. Have you got a MS nurse. I know some are better than others but have they referred you to a specialist physio or OT? I know that’s not what you were asking- I’m sorry I don’t know of any online suppliers I just wondered if specialist OT or physio could prescribe you a walking aid or if some therapeutic input might help.

Thanks @Stellashere. Yes, you're right, I probably should go that route. I was hoping to just get something sorted quickly - panic at the thought of the school 'run' starting up again!

If you can see a physio, you can get a full assessment of your needs and appropriate aids and / or splints can be provided with reassessment of their impact.

You may also benefit from an assessment by an OT for aids and adaptations to your home.

You could just get a stick for now to tide you over (use it in the opposite hand to your weak leg) but I’d urge you to get properly assessed.

I agree about getting professional advice, but would also like to add the following. I started needing a walking aid about 18 months ago, the one I got was fine. For xmas, I asked for a walking cane, with a silver top. It is brilliant ( as well as looking pretty good). It is heavy enough for me to feel secure about putting my weight on it, while still looking good. Because of the weight at the top of the cane, it has a heavy duty rubber bottom, that also makes me feel secure.

Goodness knows how much it cost, but daughter has pointed out to me that she got it from Italy (several times).

Best advice I got was to go for an adjustable stick, that way on the rare occasion I risk heels, I can alter the length.

Thanks both. Yes I will get myself referred back to physio.
See @Muchtoomuchtodo I don't even know how to use one so that's helpful advice :)
@user1471453601 sounds very swish. Will definitely try to get a decent rubber bottom :)

@nocoolnamesleft I was wondering if adjustable would be sensible as I have no idea what height to order. I think heels might be a thing of the past for me though

If you’re standing up straight with your arm relaxed by your side, then the handle of a stick or a crutch should come to the level of the nobbly, boney bit on your wrist.

There are so many little things that could make a great difference to you op, please try and get a professional assessment. It might be online initially to get an idea of your needs, but essential home visits are going ahead (with risk assessments and PPE) and you could definitely benefit.

Keep us posted

I have MS and find crutches more comfortable than sticks. Also if you are young, people don't bat an eyelid if you are on crutches. I got a lot of people commenting on why I had a normal walking stick. I have Purple Ossenberg crutches. They have moulded handles and are really comfortable on the hands. Also get closed cuffs so you can let go of them, without firing them.

Hi @PastMyBestBeforeDate I have MS and walk with two hiking poles when I'm outside (I furniture surf at home). Is it foot drop that's making your foot difficult to pick up? Have you considered FES? I have a walkaide and it makes a huge difference to how far/well I can walk. It means I can use the hiking poles for balance/insurance against tripping. Otherwise I'd need forearm crutches, I think.

Your crutches sound cool @Toddlerteaplease. I always imagine that I'll channel Kerry Weaver if I ever get any!

I had a severe case of crutch envy when I saw Prue Leith's rainbow crutches. Bizarrely an advert for them popped up
On my Facebook feed today!

Ooh I didn't realise there was more!

@Muchtoomuchtodo I will see the physio but thanks for the sizing advice. If I can get something cheap and cheerful to tide me over until then it'll be helpful if it's vaguely the right size.

@Toddlerteaplease fab crutch advice, thanks. They aren't prohibitively expensive. I'm not young but I might get away with people thinking it's a sporting injury

@MoMuntervary I did discuss FES with the physio a couple of years ago but a foot brace was more appropriate then. Time to reconsider maybe? I'd not heard of a Walkaide but have Googled and I am :) I have a question about hiking poles. Do they make the for hard surfaces? I assumed they had spikes!
I will channel Kerry Weaver, I liked her :)

@PastMyBestBeforeDate apologies for not replying earlier. Half term got in the way! Hiking poles have little plastic/rubber feet that screw onto the spikes.

I'd definitely ask if you can be assessed for FES, though funding is difficult. The MS society have a good guide on navigating the assessment/funding process.

I just wanted to come back and say thank you again to everyone who gave me advice.
@Muchtoomuchtodo I did ring the neuro physio people and they were incredible. Thank you for the push to do that and the stick I bought with your measurements was pronounced perfect :)
@Toddlerteaplease they've given me crutches to try out.
@MoMuntervary they can't refer me for FES but I'm going to speak to my GP.
They came out to see me and brought other things with them that are proving really helpful and gave me some exercises and tips that are great too. They were absolutely lovely and I'm so glad I had the nudge to call them :)

@PastMyBestBeforeDate that’s great to hear. Little things can often make a big difference so stick with it and keep in contact with your team of professionals- they’re there to help you through this xx

I'm sorry you have this problem. Maybe it is better to address a doctor and choose a proper stick together. Also, I can recommend checking the HurryCane site, here is a review the-hurrycane.pissedconsumer.com/review.html if you are interested. I ordered a good cane for my mom there. She likes it. Hopefully, this source will be helpful for you.