It has happened. I need a cane. I'm not happy but tomorrow I buy a cane.

[applegrove]

Last edited Sun Dec 3, 2017, 10:03 PM - Edit history (2)

Edited to add: this is not a looks issue. When my eyebrows fell at 38 because I was a smoker I laughed my ass off. Not in a relationship. Paying attention to my looks reminds me of my high school days when I did not know I had any strengths and the people around me encouraged that. I was obviously around the wrong people then.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

1. Itll be okay. Honest.

I hope you find one that really suits you.

[applegrove]

7. Thanks. I will have limited choice.

[Phoenix61]

29. But you can decorate it any way you want

Stickers aren't just for children. They even have battery powered LED lights.

[applegrove]

30. Where do you find battery powered led lights? I was looking for them the other day.

[sl8]

34. For the cane or for around the house?

I've got half dozen Mr Beams lights installed around the house that are working well.

[applegrove]

36. Thanks.

[Phoenix61]

35. I saw some at either Lowes or Home Depot nt

[applegrove]

37. Thanks.

[a kennedy]

93. ha ha, stickers aren't just for children......my mom's walker and cane were covered in shamrocks....

she was so proud of her Irish heritage.

[LuckyLib]

2. Good for you -- it's about access and safety and in today's world there are so many folks finding

ways to get places and be safe that nobody notices.

[applegrove]

16. Not worried how it looks. Worried what it means. Right away I'm eating less

as lost weight will make my knee feel better.

[Jane Austin]

64. What it means is

you're not going to have an unnecessary fall!

I use a cane because I have Golden Retrievers lying all about, plus their bones, toys and their diabolical invisible dog vomit to slip on. You know the stuff - it's what they throw up after they've drunk too much water too fast. Slicker than snot on a glass doorknob.

[applegrove]

65. I can hobble back and forth in my apartment w/out the cane. It is longer walking

that damages my knee. I'm still figuring out how to walk with the cane but walking home from the drugstore today went well. My knee isn't as sore as it was the other day when i walked an equal distance. So i'm happy about that.

[Sanity Claws]

3. Can you get one that a secret agent would have?

You know, one with a hidden knife, gun, or at least a camera.

[Irish_Dem]

4. Or one that has a hidden place for a wee dram in case you get thirsty? nt

[applegrove]

9. Absolutely.

[sprinkleeninow]

83. A wee dram of peppermint schnapps, for medicinal, but of course. 😋🥃😎

[Irish_Dem]

88. A wee drop of Jameson whiskey, for medicinal purposes only of course. :)

But peppermint schnapps will absolutely put anything to rights.

[sprinkleeninow]

90. Whatever wets one's whistle! 😋 Hahah.

[Irish_Dem]

91. Absolutely! :)

[applegrove]

8. That would be great.

[Sanity Claws]

15. Go for it

And every time you use it, you can think you are cooler than James Bond.

[sl8]

11. This.

I mean, it sucks that the OP needs to buy a cane, but there are some pretty cool canes available.

I'm tempted to buy one, but I think I'd feel like a poser (poseur?), 'cause I don't really need one.

So, I guess what I'm really saying to the OP is, "Lucky!".

[better]

56. You'd want to be REALLY careful about that, as it can easily be a felony.

That being said, assuming the user has decent upper body mobility, a cane by itself can be a mightily formidable weapon, with just a little bit of training and practice. You don't want the tip of one of those things, moving at 60+ mph, making any kind of contact with you, anywhere on your body. It will ruin your day, at the very least.

[sprinkleeninow]

85. If your profession is 'hair stylist', you may be found with shears and even a straight razor. eom

[sprinkleeninow]

79. Too funny! Cool idea tho'. eom

[DUgosh]

5. If a cane will help you maintain your mobility

And independence.... it’s a wonderful thing

[applegrove]

12. I know. When i use a shopping cart in the grocery store my knee hurts much

less. So I know a can will help. Comfort first.

[magicarpet]

62. I use the shopping carts as walkers....

I park in the parking lot with a cart sure to be near by. The cart stabilizes me and helps get around without the worry of falling.

[sprinkleeninow]

86. When I shop with hub, we vie for pushing the cart!🤣

[3catwoman3]

6. When I needed to use one for a few weeks...

...after a hip replacement 4 years ago, i treated myself to a fancy one from the catalog linked below. I got one with a carved stainless steel handle that looked a lot like the one used by the Dowager Countess in the Downton Abbey series. Might as well have fun with it if you have to do it.

Here you go - https://www.fashionablecanes.com/

[applegrove]

14. Book marking. Thanks.

[GreenPartyVoter]

21. I was just thinking of the dowager's cane!

[catrose]

10. They have multipurpose canes now

There's something called a portable walking chair, which has three legs that can expand into a seat.

Some canes come with multiple tips, but even if they don't, you can buy wide cane feet, for a sturdier base.

For lengthy excursions, I like this Rollator, a walker with a storage pouch under the seat.

[applegrove]

13. I will wait and see if my knee doesn't improve with the cane before

I invest in something fancy.

[catrose]

17. Best of luck!

If you're near Austin TX, PM me. I have a cane I'm not using that I could donate.

[applegrove]

25. I'm in Ottawa Canada. But thanks.

[eppur_se_muova]

42. Those chairs have been around for quite a while ...

https://books.google.com/books?id=i0vqCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA122&lpg=PA122&dq=thomas+jefferson%27s+walking+stick+chair&source=bl&ots=SsBGxrFsvk&sig=ZtCmdp2ELuH4BHp4tlouitg2i-s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwidiLCOwerXAhVBQyYKHTR8BDQQ6AEIowIwCw#v=onepage&q=thomas%20jefferson's%20walking%20stick%20chair&f=false

https://videos.popularwoodworking.com/courses/the-woodwrights-shop-s15-ep02-jeffersons-walking-stick-chair

[Rincewind]

44. Get one with the wide feet,

or add it to the cane you get. That way, it will stand on it's own.

[longship]

55. Or, the pogo stick cane?

Be innovative and inventive!

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

[femmocrat]

70. I will vouch for the cane seats.

I got one for the Women's March and was really glad I had it with me. A friend who lives in FL told me that a lot of elderly people use them while waiting in line at the airport.

[NNadir]

18. The alternative to growing old is dying young.

In a way, it's a cause for celebration; you've lived long enough to need a cane.

I'll be there soon enough, and I am very blessed to have lived this long.

[applegrove]

32. Yes i like being old on the whole.

[DonViejo]

19. I have MS and have been using a cane since I was 46 years old (I became 69 yesterday)...

the biggest hurdle was swallowing self-pride and coming to grips with the reality, I need the damned thing if I want any sort of mobility and don't want to be seen walking around staggering or, worse, falling and injuring myself.

[applegrove]

22. Yes. I just have a bum knee. I am 52. Overweight. Hopefully if I lose

some pounds the pain will go away and I won't need the cane after a bit. When i stay off of my knee for a few days it feels so much better.

[handmade34]

20. be cool

use trekking poles better mobility


https://urbanpoling.com/programs-events/community-programs/professional-training/urban-poling-activator-fall-prevention-webinar/

[applegrove]

23. I though you meant a walking stick. I found a tall one for my sister

And burned in the life and death dates of her kids ancestors into it. I like your idea. Again I will bookmark. Thanks for the idea.

[Generic Brad]

26. Now you also need a cool hat to go with it

Bowler or top hat? If you're rocking a cane, do it with panache.

[sprinkleeninow]

87. MB an exaggerated slouchy knit one?! 😎

[Motley13]

27. I have a very pretty one with flowers, it has been more places than I have

it breaks down in 3 sections & fits in a suitcase, so my friend borrows it. It has been to Italy, I haven't, Paris, I haven't.

Cane & I have been to DC

[DFW]

28. I needed crutches after my knee operations. It took some getting used to, alright.

I was glad when I could toss them and walk normally again, but the day will come when I can't (I'm in no rush).

Just figure it's better to need a cane than a wheel chair or a coffin, and take it from there.

[diva77]

33. Have you ever tried yoga? Hatha yoga has helped me heal knee, back, shin splint and mold allergy

problems. I know it's not for everybody, and it takes time and patience to practice it, but I cannot recommend it enough! It might help those knees heal!

Regardless, so sorry you're having knee difficulties...glad you will be able to keep walking...

[applegrove]

39. I'll look into it.

[Leith]

38. I First Got a Cane After Knee Surgery Around Age 40

Then it came in handy for a couple years of arthritis flare-up a few years later.

Luckily, I haven't had a flare-up for a while. It feels like a cold knife stuck into the side of my knee and hurts like hell.

[applegrove]

40. Mine feels like a sore pad in between the two bones. Flares down when

I don't walk on it. Flares up when i do walk on it. When i walk with a shopping cart i can divert some of my weight to the cart and my knee doesn't hurt as much. I think a cane will help.

[Leith]

41. Damn

I don't know what is causing your pain. If it's arthritis, a sore pad between the two bones is not just a colorful description, it is exactly right.

Whatever the cause, I hope you feel better.

[applegrove]

43. There is arthritis in my family.

[raven mad]

45. Get one with a "snazzy" head!

They aren't a sign of inability but a sign of fun!

[blaze]

46. I would suggest a 3 or 4 "pronged" foot

Not those big ones with the 3 or 4 legs... just the tip. Like on this cane: https://www.fashionablecanes.com/80546a.html

The biggest problem Mom has with her "plain footed" cane is that it will slide away from her when she sets it down.

These don't really stand on their own... well... they *do*... if nobody breathes on them... But if we go out to eat, she can lean it against the booth and it won't fall. Or if she's at the cash register, she can lean it against the counter without it sliding away from her.

We found hers at Walmart for around $30.

It's a pretty bare-bones cane but will give you a feel for what works for you.

[applegrove]

47. Bought a pink one. I take two sets of steps for every cane step. Works.

My only worry is that I am too uncoordinated to do one step one cane step without putting out my opposite hip.

[GoneOffShore]

48. Great quote from Alan Bennett on aging.

Read it today in the NYT Book Review section on Bennett's book - 'Keeping On Keeping On':

'I still have the absurd notion that, as with any other ailment, age and infirmity will run its course and I will recover from it.'

[applegrove]

49. That's the right attitude.

[Tipperary]

50. THis reminds me of the riddle of the Sphinx.

What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?
Yes, that would be us.

[applegrove]

51. True. I hope it is temporary but I fear it is arthritis. It is in my family.

[Tipperary]

53. Try gin-soaked raisins. I have an old friend who swears by this easy cure/relief.

Google for instructions. It is very easy. Perhaps it can help. It is worth a try!

[applegrove]

54. Sounds lovely but I don't drink.

[Thor_MN]

52. If it comes to that point, I have my great grandfather's cane.

He died 11 years before I was born, he was born in 1863. My great grandmother, his second wife, was 24 years younger than him. Coincidentally, I was 11 when she died. It's nothing special other than it's hand made and belonged to my great grandfather. It's a bit short for me, I must be taller than him.

If I wind up needing it someday (I'm about to turn 55), it's just a sign of time passing, as it inevitably does.

[democratisphere]

57. Whatever it takes to keep on trucking.

Mobility is the stuff of life.

[applegrove]

58. Yes. And i can't drive ever again. Ptsd on that too from a single car car accident. Thankfully

That was the only injury. I did it to myself. So I have no choice but to lose weight.

[Thunderbeast]

59. I sometimes use a folding aluminum cane

due to a balance disorder and occasional arthritis. I can carry it in a day pack when I don't need it. It has hiked with me on the PCT and the Na Pa Li trail on Kawai.

Bought it at a thrift store in a retirement community. Lovingly called "The Dead People's Store", it is the best three dollars I ever spent.

The confidence it gives me while walking is great!

[applegrove]

61. If this ends up being a more permanent thing I'll have to look into one like that. Good

on you for doing the Hawaii trails. Must have been stunning.

[NightWatcher]

60. Go get a cool one from a site I've bought from

Fashionable Canes dot com

I'm not with them but I like their selection.

[NJCher]

63. why didn't you go to your doc?

He/she would probably give you an NSAID and in a day and a half, you'd be better. At the very least, you need X-rays to tell you what's going on with your knees.

As far as the cane goes, I'd get one and it wouldn't bother me one whit. I don't think less of anyone who uses a cane or a wheelchair; why would anyone think that of me? Besides, maybe your doc would give you a temp handi sticker, and that would help out with the stress on your knees.

Here's another tip: easy way to lose weight. You probably already know this, being the well-informed person that I know you are, but I'll elaborate anyway, just in case. Just eat 1/2 the amount you normally do, and you'll lose the weight really fast. And small bites, too. Of course, eat good food, like wonderful vegetable dishes, but as long as you stay away from sweets and junk food, you can have all kinds of delicious food. Small meals six times a day. People swear by this. I had to do it while under a certain medication, and even though I wasn't even trying to lose weight, I did.

Here's another suggestion. Go to youtube and put in self massage arthritis knees.
You would be amazed at how much relief you can get from this and for how long it lasts. My brother has arthritis in his hands, and he raves about massage benefits.

[applegrove]

66. I've gained valuable insight into my knee pain by waiting to see my doc. I will go in the near

future. It ebbs depending on how long I stay off it. Thanks for all the tips. I will try the diet and massage. My knee doesn't actually hurt unless I step on that leg. But I've taken baths and that seems to help.

[womanofthehills]

71. I've been to physical therapy so many times for knee pain

building up the muscles around the knee can help alleviate the pain. Stationary bike and elliptical really help.

[blogslut]

67. blogslut jr has been rocking a cane since she was a teen

The folding/adjustable ones are pretty cheap and you can buy them at the drugstore. For her it's all about the grip. She prefers the ones that have a horizontal grip as opposed to a round hook or a knob.

[mnhtnbb]

69. I used a cane prior to and after both hip and knee replacement surgery.

Made a huge difference prior to the surgery.

But be sure you are using it properly and that it is the right height for you!

You hold the cane in the OPPOSITE hand of the leg that is giving you problems. LEFT leg bothers you? Use the cane in your RIGHT hand.
When you step forward with the bad leg, your opposite hand--holding the cane--swings forward and the cane helps to balance you.

If you buy an adjustable cane, you won't need someone to cut the cane to the right size for you.

This is a great site (I've bought from them) and they have videos to help you figure out what height the cane should be for you.

https://www.fashionablecanes.com/

[applegrove]

73. Thanks I did not know that. It is not balance so much as trying yo lesson the strain on my knee

Because if I stay off of it for days the knee heals.

[Fla Dem]

72. Use it with distinction! Like Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey!

Seriously, we all reach a point where conditions make it necessary to do something we never thought we'd have to do. But don't curse the darkness, walk full throttle into the light. All the best to you.

[applegrove]

74. Yes it is not the look of having to use a cane I don't like. It is the

ageing and the becoming feeble I don't like.

[Fla Dem]

92. I understand completely. Aging sucks.

[Kali]

75. ask your physician about knee strengthening exercises

they can help even with severe arthritis. I have no cartilage left in either of my knees and losing weight along with exercises to build up strength in legs has helped a lot. They won't heal on their own, the damage is done, but you can help them last a little longer and replacements are becoming pretty routine now.

This is the program I used (using, I signed up for a second year because it worked so well). It is about changing habits in small, consistent ways. Not dieting or deprivation. No meal plans or strict rules. Forming new habits and eating healthy till satisfied. You get a customized workout plan or can do your own (for instance if a doctor recommends something else) you get a coach you can contact any time and a nice, friendly support group of other clients, mentors and coaches via Facebook. (I know, hate facebook, but it is a safe private group) the program really works and there are various flexible ways to get good science-based support.

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/precision-nutrition-coaching

[demigoddess]

76. I use a cane. Some men are just so sweet to me when I am out with it.

One guy gave me a rose one day. Be sure to put your name and address on it. I used a return address sticker. I forgot it once in a store and they held it for me. It is easy to forget when you are carrying bags.

[Loki Liesmith]

77. You can build a taser into the end

That would be badass.

[Squinch]

78. I was just watching Henry Louis Gates in his African Civilizations series and thinking how

completely cool he looks walking along with his cane.

I bet you'll be cool too.

[applegrove]

80. I got a pink one. I'm less concerned with how it looks than what it means about my independance. I

Last edited Sun Dec 3, 2017, 05:26 PM - Edit history (1)

used to walk everywhere. I hope to again.

[Squinch]

81. I get it. But this will help you keep walking without worrying about falling and with less stress

on the joints. It'll back to your goal faster.

This growing old we are doing is not for the faint of heart. Rock on, applegrove!

[sprinkleeninow]

82. Hiya. I got one a number of years ago when I wrecked one knee.

It healed up, but now with OA, I take it with me leaving the house. Even just going out in the yards. I went backwards coupla months ago in the front yard and landed smack on my back, whacking my head on the ground. Didn't have my phone, no neighbors out. I crawled on my achin' knees over to my car and rolled over sitting on the drive to clear my noggin. Then hoisted myself up with leverage from the rear door handle. That episode was scary, so now I take my cane. That's the second time I went down at our new place.

[applegrove]

84. Oh poor you. Yes take your cane everywhere. I was looking into home monitoring

for the aged the other day. Costs $40.00 a month to have a pendant monitor-emergency button around your neck in Canada. I think it would be much less in the USA. Take care of you.

[sprinkleeninow]

89. Hub asked if I wanted one of those, but if I'm careful and keep my phone on me, that should suffice.

My neighbor next door said if she was home she would've come over to help me. Then added she may have gone down too! No joke.

You take care yourself love!

[niyad]

94. call it a walking stick, a fashion accessory

(if there is a renfaire in your area, you can get some real beauties!)

[madamesilverspurs]

95. It's an adjustment, isn't it!

My first cane arrived well before I hit 40, thanks to a wonky knee, bad hip, and a back injury. I've gone through quite a few. Several have come from thrift shops, they get tucked in odd corners around the house so there's always one handy. I also learned to keep one in the car for those times when I get home from the grocery store to find that I'd left my cane in the shopping cart.

One of my favorites was bequeathed to me by a dear friend, whose husband gave it to her when she broke her leg and had to miss a pool tournament at the Elks. The cane disassembles into parts for a pool cue.

A handy cane trick: Glue a magnet to a cane tip, then attach a large washer to the magnet. Instead of bending over to pick up a piece of paper, drop the washer next to the paper and move the paper over the washer; move the cane tip over the location of the washer and up comes the paper with the washer. Not too much on the Rube Goldberg side, but when bending over is next to impossible it comes in handy!


.

[applegrove]

96. Thanks for the advice. I'm not using it at home, just when i need to walk more

than 50 feet. I'm still figuring out how to use it. Going by gut and relative soreness to decide which hand to hold the cane in. Worse is throwing out garbage. Do I take 4 trips with the cane or two trips with no cane.... And which will hurt less.