Hello
I have severe degenerative arthritis and I have a cane that I use when shopping, etc. BUT I have a wonderful waking pole that I use when I travel. My orthopaedic surgeon told me to get one and it's terrific!!!
It's about shoulder-high. He said to get a tall one instead of a cane because people tend to hunch over when using a cane and he wants me to stand tall. It's the best advice he has ever given me!!! (I do use the cane locally because the pole can get in the way when shopping.) I try to go on a walk every day that the weather cooperates and my pole goes with me. It gives me moral support as well as physical support. Uneven surfaces, cracks in sidewalks, long distances, etc., are all hazards for me. I'm always concerned that I won't be able to get back home!
My balance is a little "off" because of muscle and joint issues so my pole is wonderful. It has literally travelled the world with us and appears in pictures from those places!!!
People have approached me to ask about it and some have even said that their own doctors recommended a pole but they were too embarrassed to use one. I figure my pole is a tool that helps me keep active. We need to use all the tools we can find in order to keep going!!!
