Does anyone use a walking stick to help with balance.

Were there I mean

My husband was amazed by how much his balance improved once he got a stick.

I’m sure you wouldn’t be wasting your GP’s time. There is a lot of publicity about how elderly people falling costs the NHS a lot of money and there are, I believe, special clinics that you can go to. There are exercises online as well. Balance is something that people tend to ignore as they get older and it’s good that you are aware that you are in danger of falling.

I use one - mostly when I am on uneven ground. But I would say that your GP is not the person who knows about using a walking stick!
This is my advice to take or leave
1. Do see your GP about your other (potentially serious) health issues
2. Just try a walking stick on your own. But consider getting advice from a physio about their use. Many areas have self-referral systems for physio. I am very glad that I did so.

Oh and I have an arthritic knee so use a walking stick or sometimes a walking pole. The only downside is that I have accidentally poked people with my stick if I’m in a crowd and have come close to losing my walking stick when propping it against a counter whilst in a shop (that’s why charity shops seem to be full of them). They do give me more confidence and, I think make people give me more space.

There is a course,free, on Future Learn about balance. I found it very helpful

@NannaRose. You have hit the nail on the head. How did you self refer for physio.

I use one but not all the time. I think you have to be sure you get one that adjust to your height. Choose one that is reasonably sturdy as the cheap multicoloured ones do rust, my one broke when I was using it. Make sure the rubber ferrule is robust and will not wear out quickly. You can buy replacements.

It is very interesting the difference in the attitude of people when I am using it. People are kindly and helpful but treat me as if I am not capable of crossing a road or packing my shopping. The stick ages me considerably in people’s eyes.

Definitely go and see a physio and try out different types of sticks and handles. My OH has MS, he has foot drop and struggles with balance - he can topple over standing still. He used a walking stick with a slim handle for years.
Due to recent surgery he has tried a stick with a Fischer handle; the difference is remarkable, he is much more stable and walks more 'up right'
Bear in mind the ferrules (the bits on the bottom). Some are better for uneven ground, some better for concrete, smooth floors etc. We are struggling to find ferrules that fit sticks with Fischer grips for uneven ground, necessary for us as we live in the countryside.
In the meantime, i hope they get to the bottom of your other health issues as they may sort out your balance. Please do not give up x

I am so pleased to read this post. I have found since finishing chemotherapy and immunotherapy for a blood cancer, my legs no longer feel like mine. Prior to treatment I walked miles and miles with no problem, but now I feel just how I would if I had had one drink too many. My legs don't feel as steady. I feel as though I have to concentrate on walking.

Today I was thinking whether one walking pole would make me feel steadier so I am reading the replies with interest. Also I am more aware now of how uneven our pavements are and that perhaps I need some sturdier shoes as well. So thank you littleflo for posting this query.

I’ve used a stick for balance for the last year. It definitely helps and also gives me something to lean on when I’m tired.

It would in my view be sensible to see a physio about type and height of walking stick. Our GP practice has a link on their web site to self refer for physio, patients can also phone or drop in to the surgery to ask for an appointment

You’d not be wasting anyones time. Safer for you and less likelihood of broken bones. Wishing you well littleflo.

Ideally two walking poles are better for balance and posture.
Two can be awkward though if shopping etc so one will still help with balance and confidence.
If balance is affected leave a nightlight on. It really helps.

As for how to refer yourself to physio I contacted our local hospital physiotherapy department, spoke to a physio and got an appointment very quickly.

Silverlining48 did you not have to be referred by your GP

Hi littleflo , I can’t add anything else about walking sticks but regarding your dizziness etc I’d go to your gp and get your blood pressure and pulse rate checked .

If you have a mobility shop near you it would be worth dropping in as they will let you try out a variety of sticks and offer advice too.
We ended up with a ‘hurry cane’ which has a twizzly end. It took quite a while to try out the variety of handles and styles.

Thank you Tenko that is very kind. This past year I have had every bit of me scanned, a Brain MRI,. visit to ENT and audiologist, new hearing aids, tubes poked up and down various orifices.

I am discharged now with medication but the difficulty in eating is a lifelong condition now. I am fighting to maintain my weight but just can’t gain any. I cannot fault my GP or the NHS who have been amazing.

I had a total knee replacement in June, and before the op, I used a stick to help me get about. I thought I wouldn’t need to use it afterwards, but I’ve found that my balance isn’t really all that good, and that I tend to ‘wander’. Using the stick gives me confidence and helps me avoid falling. I watched a really useful YouTube video on how to adjust my stick to the right height and how to walk with it.

I use a rubber tipped cross walker stick.. it is light and strong and looks quite stylish

My balance is not good - I walk like a drunk some days. I always take poles when doing rough walking and, as a matter of course, a stick that my son made for me, tailored to my height and my hand. I don’t always use it, but like the assurance of the “extra leg” sometimes.

If you are going to use a stick.apart from the obvious comment of correct length and comfy handle. Get one that looks good and makes you feel good I have a multi coloured one of good quality it has been everywhere including beach and mud and there is not a bit of rust The dr in orthopedics tried it with enthusiasm
As a side line people are more considerate and the bus stops at the top of my drive. Being brightly coloured it’s easier to spot
Go for it once you get used to it you won’t give it a second thought

I have been using a walking stick since I was 29 as it wasn't safe for me to walk outside without one . Now 66 and don't even go to my outside bins without using it otherwise I will fall.
I had a NHS adjustable one free .

But t brought the one I use know off off a disabled equipment site few years ago and because of disability you don't pay VAT. I just ticked needed for health reasons no proof needed. But you can get pretty ones that fold if you want one. But I like mine which is very sturdy and stronger than my old one.

Why do you need to go to your GP to get a walking stick? I bought a folding walking stick.It is so useful and the top of it opens up so that I can sit on it if I am waiting for a bus, or just want to test for a bit.

Meant to write rest, not test.

I've used a stick for balance since a partial hip replacement 3 years ago, without it I'd be walking into walls or worse! My balance was never the best but since my leg length was affected by the surgery it's become much worse. I bought a three pronged rubber ferrule as it gives a slightly broader tip to the end of the stick which I feel makes it more stable. Adjustment of stick length is very important- my physio has said that the handle should be at hip height