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Walking_Library

Updated 10mo ago

Considering Mobility Aids for Pain Management

I’ve been considering getting a wheelchair or forearm crutches for years to help with managing pain and my decreased ability to walk. My cane isn’t doing enough. People who do use mobility aids bigger then a cane, how has it helped you?

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anemone

2y

first off would like to say that i felt the same way and ended up with a rollator, which is clunky enough that i hardly use it lol. i'm getting a forearm crutch fitting next week, very excited. in general i found that the cane negatively impacts my posture/gait as much as it helps to take a little weight off my hips, and it's not like my pain is exclusively on one side or the other either. tried out walking sticks as a preliminary test for forearm crutches and it felt SOOOO much better immediately, just kept my posture correct and not painful and let me walk amazingly easily (like, i don't remember the last time i could walk so freely), plus it was great to have balance support on both sides. i highly recommend that over a wheelchair for fibro, since the muscle atrophy that can happen from recurrent wheelchair use can actually make your pain quite a bit worse. if you can, it's a good idea to see a (good and well trained) physical therapist, because they can both teach you at-home exercises to help reduce your pain AND help you obtain a mobility aid that's right for you (and teach you how to properly use it so you don't injure yourself, easier to do than you'd think)
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Knightstarr

2y

I love my Rollator but it is very big and I don't use it nearly enough. It doesn't fit in my trunk, I have a really small car. But when I do use it I feel so much better than when I don't. I especially like it when I go to the convention and I have to stand in line all day because it has a seat. I also have been talking to my PT about using the cane and how it is affecting my shoulder muscles. I might look into forearm crutches this year too. I found that it helps me a lot if I can decorate my devices, I don't feel like an old person when my Rollator is covered in stickers 😂
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Walking_Library

2y

Thanks for all the advice y’all! I’m slowly realizing that it would be best for me to invest in forearm crutches.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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