I use a walking staff most of the time, rather than a cane, because I can grip it higher and have more control and strength over the staff. Mine was made from a yard rake handle, stained and finished with a rubber tip on the end. It looks good and professional.
--Kerry

1/3 of the reason - that I use a cane? (Bright red.)

Is to alert - the morons in the world -
- that there is a handicapped person ahead -
- and to slow down and use caution!

Using the cane? It works, 100-percent of the time!
95-percent of the morons, actually slow down and behave.

The other 5-percent? Well?
I plant that cane - firmly on the ground, bracing myself.

When they hit the cane?
My!
I should get a Golden Globe - for acting in a drama!
- Ross

(... the other 2/3, as to why I use a cane ...)
(... having that 3rd-point of support, on the ground?)
(... saves me - from an awful lot of face-plants ...)

Kerry and Ross,

I understand why you would prefer more visible walking aids and if you need them most of the time to steady your self that is a better way to clear your way in stores and hospitals, etc.

But some of us just need them imtermittently and something lightweight that telescopes, so it is easy to carry and pack, is a better fit. It can also be used to whack insensitive people in the shins--it is lightweight enough you could lean on one and not lose your balance while using the other for the purpose. :-) b.

I use a bright glitter cane that came from the Alzheimer's store. It had belonged to my husband who refused to use it. I also have a bright pink Cancer rollator I use around the house. Naturally there is a wheel chair in my SUV. So many comments on the glitter can but can't walk at all unassisted. My walking is extremely limited anyway. I am just waiting for July 9th and praying this Specialist finds something that can help me. Ninety percent of the time I am bed bound and unable to talk very much due to lack of strength.I still choke on my food. Russ I bet you are a sight with that bright red cane. ;) Dean

B, I love that cane! Do let us know how you like it.

When I have to I use my grandmothers little wooden cane. It fits me like it was made for me. There is the added benefit of thinking of my precious grandmother every time I use it. I miss her.

Love the thought of whacking insensitive people with it. Bet I could find it in me to run after taking that step. :-)

Cathi

I was thinkimg it may be time to invest in a pole. I hate the heat in Florida but need to get back to walking, I feel like my mucles are wasting. I like the idea of using it as a people poker if necessary!
Larissa ;)

Thanks for this post B~

I too need a portable walking stick/cane that I can stick in a bag or back pack while in Colorado to use when I need it. Once I get home, I think I will keep it in the car so I can stick it in my bag when out and about.

I just ordered the Volkstaf folding staff from:

www.rockymountainamblers.com

They have 2 other models. One is lighter weight and the other is for wading (fishing).

Some staffs, canes and sticks can be kind of pricey but they come in all price ranges, types and materials (even lucite!) Just google around for them and find what type and price range fits you.

One of my neurologists suggests a walking staff to all his neuromuscular patients for the 3rd-point of support and also thinks the vibration of the stick hitting the ground to the hand/arm reminds our body that we are walking and helps us to remember to pick up our feet a little higher.

Below is an article from the MDA Quest publication regarding walking aids:

http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q146walking.html

I am still on the look out for a beautiful colored staff but haven't found "the" one.

~sherry

I keep my cane the car, yall all no my luck in hurting myself... lol

I have been thinking about getting one that folds.

Annette

I have a rollator but I mostly use it when I know I am going to be required to walk distances and might tire and need to sit for a while. I was using it to walk around our block but this is Houston and summer so I may start using it to mall walk.

I try to keep a cane in my car at all times. I keep an old one in the house to use outside in the yard, and I found a tall (about 4 feet) bamboo stick, I guess it is, that I use when in the pasture with the dogs or cows.
If I am going somewhere that I may have to walk or stand a lot, I take one with me just in case my legs begin to give me problems. They are very unpredictable.
I was embarrassed at first and still not proud that I need them at times, but very thankful that I have access to them when I need them.
It is a lot less noticeable than my husband having to hold my arm and help me.
Honestly, I am really glad that I can walk whether I have to use a cane or not.
Olliepop

I cant use a cane because if my legs get weak my arms only have enough strength for about 10 mins to support me. I pack my red rollator which my family lovingly calls my firetruck for those walks longer than 40 mins. (i.e. museums, festivals, malls.etc.)