Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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SecretSurvivor 01/11/2014

Somedays I get up and I feel like my hips/lowerback, knees and ankles/feet just don't want to work. I do feel it on both sides, but lately, I have noticed that I've been doing a lot of "waddling"... (This how a penguin walks)... I assume this is from stiffness/inflammation and pain in my hips/lower back and knees??? (Can anyone relate/confirm???)

But, because of this, I sometime feel really wobbly and often walk near a wall because I need to brace myself against something if I lose my balance.

I'm wondering if anyone else goes through this? (I usually ALWAYS have this in the morning, but have recently started noticing it at work. I have a "desk job" and when I've been sitting for a while, it's EXTREMELY hard to get up and walk. I have to force myself up with my arms on the desk and then waddle my way through the hospital)

So.... if anyone else can relate... Has anyone tried using a cane? If so, does it help? I feel like it would give me a little extra support, if nothing else.

My only concerns with a cane is, that it may irritate my hands/wrists due to the increased pressure.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Or has anyone tried this? Does it help??

I'm only 27 and I don't want to be walking around with a cane, but if it eases the pain and helps me not stumble into a wall, it may be worth using during my worst times.

bluedogs2 01/11/2014

'ole Bluedogs2 has 3 canes - two the same length and handle type and a 3rd about a half inch longer for wet weather and rough unleveled terrain when walking.
The canes will become necessary to help you about. Another option you have are crutches if your upper body can handle them.
Yes, my wrists / hands did bother me at first but as you learn to use them, it will be easier
I have a 4 wheel walker as well for long ventures to the mall or wally mart. It has a seat and a basket for resting and carrying

Peace
Bluedogs2

Sistahbear 01/11/2014

I cannot make it without my cane. One thing to consider is what happened to me: I wasn't using a cane and I was constantly walking wrong like you are and it started causing all types of problems in my back and hips from always walking like a penguin. Once I started using a cane I was better able to stand out straighter since I had my cane to lean on and it helped my posture. Sometimes if I'm having a real bad hand day I have to leave it behind but as blueDogs stated our hands and wrists seem to get used to it. And the benefit of having something to hold me steady usually outweighs it...it hurts to fall!!
P.S. I'm right handed and every once in awhile my right shoulder hurts when using the cane but not very often.

Lori57703 01/11/2014

I have had to use a cane when my hips or feet are bothering me. It helps me a ton! I have learned that waddling like a duck or penguine extracts its own price elsewhere at night or the next day. If I use my cane I can walk more normally and don't tire so easily. I have less pain at the end of the day or the next day when I use a cane. I have noticed that I do have some extra swelling and achiness in my right hand but this is getting better as I am learning that I don not need a death grip on the cane nor do I need to put a lot weight on my hand to use the cane effectively.

If you think it will help you should try it. It is a bit of a blow to my ego but anything is better than the pain. I got my cane at Wal-Mart for about $15.00. So worth the investment!~Lori

deleted_user 01/11/2014

yes, cane does help. my left knee is bad so i use it on my left. my left shoulder is worse too. and using the cane does hurt my wrist, elbow, and shoulder. but i used my cane only once. i almost limp all the time, but i can handle myself without a cane.

if your wrists and shoulders are bad, i wouldnt suggest a cane, but a walker as bluedogs described. i am looking for one to get just in case if i need it.

Thewino 01/11/2014

Secret,

I use a cane about 75% of the time. In addition to my auto-immune issues, I have osteoarthritis in both knees, both hips, and the lumbar area of my back.

Walking can be quite difficult for me on some days. And, yes, I've always thought that needing a cane was cruel with RA as it can be pretty painful on my hands and especially my wrists.

I bought some of the blue wrapping that tennis players apply to their tennis racquets. This adds some padding and makes the cane slightly more comfortable.

Hang in there,
TheWino

stephgas 01/11/2014

i could have written that post, just change the age to 33. once i've sat for more than like 15 minutes, it's hard to get up. i think i am waddling a bit. i don't feel like i will fall, but i feel awkward and uncomfortable walking. i also worry about my hands/wrists because they hurt a lot too.

i have considered getting a cane but really don't want to. i don't want to have to walk around with a cane. i don't want to have to do any of this crap. but i think it would really help me get up. getting up is hard - i find myself either leaning on a desk or table or leaning back and rocking forward to get some momentum. that's not good or 'normal'. once i get up and get moving, it's not as bad in my hips. that's when my ankles might start in. >.

annettearizona 01/11/2014

They have those foldable canes-so if you don't need it then you don't have to use it but it can still be in your purse?

SecretSurvivor 01/12/2014

Thanks for the info everyone!

I broke down yesterday and decided to run to CVS and buy a cane after spending the afternoon hobbling around a few stores I had to go to.

I found a cane for $20. It's not pretty, but it will do the trick, I suppose. I like the idea of a collapsible cane, however, they don't seem to make them in my "weight range" (I am VERY overweight).

The good thing is, so far, this morning is much better than yesterday. Not great, but better. So I don't think I will need to use the cane today.

The bad thing = I'm 27 years old using a freakin' cane!!!! :( I brought it home and my husband started making jokes about it. :( After I started crying, he said he understands and isn't making fun of the fact that I NEED it, but rather the fact that I'm 27 and HAVE it. He kept calling me a cripple and asking if I wanted a handicap sign for it., or better yet, to buy me a motorized scooter.

:( Now I don't even want to USE the cane or bring it anywhere with me, cuz I'm sure other people will think the same thing. :( I guess now I have it just in case :/

deleted_user 01/12/2014

I have 2 canes 1 regular and one of the self standing canes. I will say I tripped over the self standing cane more times than I can count I feel like what one's harder to walk with at least for me. I love my cane I use it everyday even if I feel good (learned my lesson when I fell on a good day) On days where I'm doing a lot of walking like mall or zoo I have a motorized scooter. And for the in between where it hurts my hips to go to far I have a wheelchair and someone pushes me or if my hands aren't bad I push myself. I get around ok but my feet are very bad and my hips hurt like someone is prying them apart if I walk to far. With the cane I do feel like I walk more upright and I feel like it eliminated the ankle pain because I was walking like a penguin. now I'm more upright and my ankles are straighter and I'm making forward and backward motions which are easier on knees and hips.

annettearizona 01/12/2014

Ignore your husband who really doesn't mean to hurt your feelings I'm sure, But for now-you need to use a cane and it's better than falling and hurting yourself that you're confined in bed and your humorous husband would have to wait on you hand and foot!

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