BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Neuromuscular Diseases Pole Walking and Neuromuscular Disease

With the weather turning nicer, I get outside to walk more often. Walking for exercise has been recommended to me by my physician, and is often recommended to those with various types neuromuscular disease. About a year ago, I discovered the benefits of using walking poles while walking.

Pole Walking and Neuromuscular Disease

Have you ever tried walking poles? Did you find them to be useful?

Hello -

My orthopaedist recommended a walking pole because I am a bit unsteady on my feet. He said to get one tall pole (about shoulder height) so I wouldn't tend to bend over it or lean down on it. He mentioned how people tend to lean down over walkers, as a visual to me.

I got my pole many years ago and it has traveled the world with me. It folds in three and goes through airport security with no problem.

My recommendation is this: If something helps keep us up and active, go for it!!! The people in my neighborhood are used to seeing me trudge on by with my pole!

Thanks for sharing your experience with walking poles, Carleen. I agree about using whatever will keep you active. I sometimes resist wearing my AFOs, but I can be so much more activie with them. And, the walking poles really do increase the effectiveness and decrease the impact on my feet when my walking for exercise. When I first used them in the neighborhood, I did get some questions, but like you said, I think the neighbors are now used to them!