Using a cane in winter?

[Corriel]

My PT recommended that I use a cane with an ice pick this winter because of  minor balance issues.

At this point I am fully mobile and I only fall once or twice in the winter months so it seems a bit like overkill to me but I may be overly sensitive to the idea. :-)

Does anyone else without mobility problems use a walking aid?

Thanks!
Corrie

[essdipity]

I don't recall the brand, but several years back I bought some ice gripper thingies that are made of heavy rubber interspersed with coiled metal. They cost about $20 at the time, and I got them from Foot Smart, which has a web site as well as a catalog. No doubt similar contraptions are available from other sources too.

These things stretch over the soles of boots or shoes, from toe to heel. Since I have to walk my dog regardless of ice and weather, they've been a lifesaver for me. They'd be good even if my balance were not poor, but as it is they're so helpful.

ess

[HVAC]

I took a fall prevention class from the MS Society. On trick is to not have all your weight on the foot that is moving. Keep weight distributed so you can balance.

Alex

[Lulu54]

my PT suggested treads and  I have them on order from amazon (they sure get a lot of my business!).  Anyway, they are light weight, can fold up and carry with you and easy on and off.  Or so she says.

They are the

Yaktrax Walker Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice - -$15 to $20  a pair. They should arrive about Wednesday, when we are due to warm up, of course.  But I am betting on more snow and ice before this winter is over.

[Corriel]

Thanks PD!

I had not heard of those and had to go check them out.

Very nifty!
Corrie

[immisceo]

Ha! I got there, anyway. I can see your original link just fine. No one's going to be flagging a member in such good standing for spam, I don't think!

For me, I prefer the flexibility of my nordic pole. I like to grip something much further off the ground (forearm and upper arm at a 90º angle, roughly) and I prefer things like the shock absorbing internal springs, different tips for different surfaces (including ice), and the option to use both of them on particularly wobbly or adventurous days. Mine only cost somewhere in the range of $25 for the pair, so there are cost-efficient models of these too.

But like anything, there's a huge scope for personal taste here. I'd be sure to read the reviews on Amazon. You're right to be looking into this before the bad weather. Stay safe!

[PastorDan]

And never post without checking to see what spell-checking has done this time.  HurrYcane-dot-com.  Kind of the whole point, I think.

[PastorDan]

Anybody ever tried this?

https://www.hurrycane.com

In case Medhelp stars out my link, it's hurricane-dot-com.  

WHat do y'all think, anyway?  They sell direct and on AMazon at the same price.  It's Amazon's best selling cane.

Just bought a $2.49 replacement rubber tip for my little pine stick, so I'll wait a while before investing in something like this, but with the ice and snow coming our way, I'm keeping an eye on options.

Peace.

[calamfred]

Thanks for this information! My hubby currently doesn't use any assistive device for walking, but when he is having a rough day, I have tried to get him to use a cane, at least to help with the leg fatigue. He hasn't had any falls, but with his leg weakness, especially his left leg, I think something like a cane would help him. When I found this post, it sounded like a great idea. I just now ordered in a set of 2 of the walking poles.
Regards,
C

[dogmum]

I use the clip on metal studs under my shoes that sound like what Sarah suggests.  Love them! I also have a cane that's completely collapsible and stows neatly in my handbag.  It's there if I need it and out of sight and mind when I can do without.  I use it when I'm unsteady near my home, but not at the grocery store where I have the cart to steady me.  I'd say it's definitely a good idea to have something handy if you're at risk of falling.  Not with the possible risks.  

Laura

[SarahL2491]

I use the ice clips that fit under your shoes and wrap across the top with heavy elastic, and also have a homemade "pole" with a spiked nail on the bottom.  With Osteoarthritis I can't afford to take a chance on slipping……..even moving further South, we still get sleet and ice and such………don't worry about others, be proud you have an extra "edge" on it.

[cubbiesfan918]

Corrie-

I think Immi and Lulu gave wonderful advice, I just stopped in to say hi and send well wishes! I also can't pretend that I am grateful for little now in the south :)

Hope all is going well with you!
Lizzie

[Corriel]

Thank you so much for your comments! Walking poles do seem to be a better choice and I had not thought of those.

Time to find a pretty pair! :-)

[Lulu54]

I love that Immesceo has already written what I was going to suggest.  I do have a cane, but in PT the therapist said she prefers the walking poles/sticks instead.  When you walk with a cane, the tendency is to lean forward and down.  With a walking pole if you hold it correctly you arm is more straight out and it encourages better posture.

I know the cane/stick/pole is humbling, but even worse would be broken bones from a fall.  I hope this helps, Laura

[immisceo]

I occasionally (especially if there is a chance of ice) use a nordic walking pole. I like it because there is a loop I can tighten around my hand so no chance of grip being an issue, its height is easily adjustable (and I can collapse it into my bag wherever I go, so it's no more noticeable than the umbrella I keep in there), and there's a rubber tip that can be removed for situations like ice.

I have no mobility problems and in fact typically walk miles a day, but I want to continue to do so and that means being sensible in uneven or icy situations and terrain. Even the young and healthy can do themselves significant damage with a bad slip. And it only take one.

Another benefit with the nordic pole is that it in no way looks like it's necessarily being used for medical reasons, if that 'cane aesthetic' is putting you off. (google imaging nordic walking poles will get you pictures of what I'm talking about.).