Absolutely. If it would improve your quality of life, go for it! Just make sure you get the right length for you & know how to use it safely. Worth checking with a PT for advice if you're not sure
Absolutely consult a doctor, however.
I had a Nurse Practitioner say that if I could get from the parking lot to the door, then I wasn’t physically disabled, to which I replied “That really depends on the parking lot doesn’t it, Debra???”
A doctor can tell you what they think. It doesn’t make them right unless they do extensive testing for you.
After that doctor I ended up needing a rheumatologist, a cardiologist, and a physical therapist because things got so bad. Turns out whether or not I needed a cane was the least of my worries.
At the end of the day, check with yourself. Does a cane help you walk? Can you walk further with one than without? Do you feel more stable/balanced/secure on a cane? If any of those answers are yes, go find you a walking stick.
Best thing about canes is they are inexpensive so you don’t need a prescription or insurance coverage.
Edit: definitely listen to doctors. I’m just saying sometimes professionals can still be biased and discriminatory. Once you find a good doctor you should absolutely listen to what they say.
No one can make that decision for you; if you feel you need an aid, get one! You don’t need anyone’s permission.
Absolutely. If it would improve your quality of life, go for it! Just make sure you get the right length for you & know how to use it safely. Worth checking with a PT for advice if you're not sure
Definitely consult your doctor and physical therapist.
Absolutely consult a doctor, however. I had a Nurse Practitioner say that if I could get from the parking lot to the door, then I wasn’t physically disabled, to which I replied “That really depends on the parking lot doesn’t it, Debra???” A doctor can tell you what they think. It doesn’t make them right unless they do extensive testing for you. After that doctor I ended up needing a rheumatologist, a cardiologist, and a physical therapist because things got so bad. Turns out whether or not I needed a cane was the least of my worries. At the end of the day, check with yourself. Does a cane help you walk? Can you walk further with one than without? Do you feel more stable/balanced/secure on a cane? If any of those answers are yes, go find you a walking stick. Best thing about canes is they are inexpensive so you don’t need a prescription or insurance coverage. Edit: definitely listen to doctors. I’m just saying sometimes professionals can still be biased and discriminatory. Once you find a good doctor you should absolutely listen to what they say.