Does anyone use a walking stick to help with balance.

My balance isn’t brilliant and I also have osteoporosis in my spine so need something to help me stand up straighter. I use walking sticks from Cool Crutches, which are adjustable and really solid. They come in a lot of different colours and are quite pricey but I’m comfortable with them. A physiotherapist should be able to advise you what’s suitable for you.

I can recommend Flexifoot walking sticks - very sturdy with stout ferrule for hard pavements, bright colours. Adjustable.

littleflo

I think I may be doing too much research. I read an article by Blue Badge about the dangers of the wrong cane or using it incorrectly.

We are not able to self refer in our area. Spent lots of time going round in circles to find that out.

Firstly, I'm sorry, especially as I suggested it, that you can't self-refer, and wasted time. As you see on here, many areas do have that system.
I hope that you can now get an appointment with your GP, and as well as dicussing your other health issues, you can ask for a physio referral.
Of course, you can just try a walking stick yourself, and look on-line for helpful videos. If you were previously a well co-ordinated person with good balance, then you may well find that is enough.
A physio will give you other advice about improving balance, as many other posters have pointed out.
I personally needed advice about using a stick - I have always been unco-ordinated with poor balance, and I did need good advice!
I hope you sort out what you need with your GP

When my husband went to the doctor's a few tears ago for something else, the doctor referred him to an occupational therapist who did a home visit and also supplied him with a stick with a moulded handle. I eventually talked him into using it. Our surgery has it's own physiotherapist on site and you can make an appointment in the same way you do with a doctor or nurse.

Crikey dragonfly46. What a brilliant result from the NHS.
How nice to see the clinic called a balance clinic instead of a falls clinic. Which sounds so negative and off putting.

My DH went to the doctor with the same problem and he was referred to the balance clinic at the local hospital where he was seen by two therapists. They spent an hour with him then sent him home with exercises. They then came on two home visits to see if all was going well and they now ring him ever few weeks.
They have also put him forward for a six week course in Falls and Balance which starts in November.

Yes do go and see your GP they can certainly help.

littleflo, I bought a stick a year ago, just one of the common lightweight grey metal type you see everywhere. Its height adjustable, and I got info off youtube as to how high it should be. It has made a terrific difference to my life, given me lots more confidence when out walking. I didnt bother seeing a DR or physio , however only you can decide whether you would feel happier going for further advice. Hope you get sorted soon.

littleflo I hope you can get a physio referral via your GP. If your weight is low then that can be the source of your dizziness. But you have said you have had all investigations done as to why. Good to get a stick sorted out which will then give you the confidence to get out and walk as much as possible which will build up your leg muscles and maybe help with the appetite. Good luck.

Have you had a word with a pharmacist about your dizziness, they are much easier to speak to, just ask at the counter.

That’s a shame , different areas I suppose but by going direct to physio saves the gp time, so suppose that’s why they have done it.
As for sticks I was told that a 90 degree elbow bend is the right angle and height for using a stick.

I think I may be doing too much research. I read an article by Blue Badge about the dangers of the wrong cane or using it incorrectly.

We are not able to self refer in our area. Spent lots of time going round in circles to find that out.

I think sticks of whatever style do the same job which is to help with walking and balance. Or else a walking frame which gives more stability but is more awkward outdoors.

@Fidelity 2, As to why I need to see my GP, I did not think I would have to. I am concerned about getting the right stick as they vary and could causing more harm than good. If I fall now with my skeletal frame I have no bounce. I rang our Admin department at the surgery to ask them how I could find out the info and she said that I need to see the GP.

Little flo in answer to your question, no I didn’t need to be referred by my gp, I contacted the local hospital directly and after they asked a few questions I was given an appointment for the following week.

You don’t have pay to see a physio. There are dozens of videos on YouTube.
I take 2 elderly friends to exercise classes. This exercise in the video is exactly what we do. I don’t have balance problems but I join in. One that I do every morning is balance on alternate legs while cleaning my teeth. While cleaning my teeth in the evening I do ham string exercises.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YOBIEOobCE

littleflo

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

Each area varies with whether, and with what conditions you can self-refer - but your GP surgery will have the details. I suggest you contact them, ask for an appointment with the GP, and ask if you can self-refer to physio for help with balance.
If not, then ask the GP to refer you when you see them about the other issues.
In my area, physio waits are not long at all. If they are in yours, then you might consider looking at a private appointment:
www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/find-physiotherapist/physio2u

Good luck

Tenko

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 .

So would I. I’ve just had a blood test which showed I was very, very short of Vit d. There are all sorts of reasons why you may be feeling a little dizzy.
Our surgery offers well women checks. Perhaps yours does?
It also has a full time physiotherapist and it’s easy to get an appointment with him. Of course that may be different where you are.

A dd booked me a private physio appt. last year, when I was still wobbly after an illness that put me in hospital for 3 weeks. She was v helpful and gave me various exercises, inc. specifically for improving balance.
Obviously there was a charge, but it was reasonable.

Might be worth a try, esp. if there would be a long wait to see an NHS physio.

I have a stick which I reluctantly use, some times two sticks, struggle with my knees, plus, since I had Astra Zeneca jab my joints became almost stiff overnight- they do however help my balance. Hope when I get my knees done, hopefully be able to balance properly

Meant to add this to previous post

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

Meant to write rest, not test.

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.

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.

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