Cane or Crutch?
I recently came across some blog articles discussing the preference for a cane versus a crutch, with most people preferring a forearm crutch to their cane.
Perhaps this simply comes down to preference, but I'm curious to hear from people who have used both whether they have a preference and why.
While I use my cane intermittently, I'm increasingly reliant on it, and have been toying with the idea of opting for a closed-cuff forearm crutch.
Hi
, Before i was diagnosed with AS, i had bought a crutch pair from the local salvos to help me get over what i thought was a sore back or a really bad sprained back or buttocks muscle. Turned out to be sacroiliitis. I was planning to give the crutches back once i got over that episode but have kept them ever since and use them when a bad episode arises. From my experience, the crutches seem to support the upper body more and allow movement of the hips without causing too much stress. I hope i'm using them correctly and try not to rely of them too much as physios and docs have said to use your muscles as much as possible. Hope this helps and you're doing well. I have MS also. I am still able to walk, but more often than not with walking sticks. I tried a cane but it maded my posture worse and led to more pain like bursitis, plantar faciitis and more. Both walking sticks and forearm crutches tend to help with posture. Therefore when I need walking assistance, I opt for them.
Hi, Nicky, I was diagnosed with MS in 1998, so, 25 years ago! I haven't thought about that in a long time! Although MS was first, I think I have had AS since I was born. I remember never being able to relax in the car when we took a trip by leaning on a door, while my brother could fall asleep almost immediately! I have had pain for years. And I have to say that almost every time I had a physical concern, the healthcare person blamed it on MS.
I am doing ok. I think that is the best I can plan for. I take 2 shots of Cosentyx once per month. It kindof wears off by the last week. Some months worse than others, but still much better than before I started Cosentyx! And I think I have less inflammation, because my allergies and asthma seem to be better.
Sleep is still a problem. How are you doing with sleep?
I keep a pair of walking sticks in each car. And one pair in the house in case I want to go outside. LisaWY
thank you for sharing with me. I hate when doctors do that when we know our body's best. I know these diseases overlap each other and have some similar symptoms. I am glad to hear you where able to finally get the AS diagnosis.
I am as well on Cosentyx. I was taking Cosentyx every 2 weeks. But I find like you, I was not getting relief coming the the second week. So recently we have changed to taking Cosentyx now every 10 days. I was a bit scared cause I don't know many taking it that often. But it's been helping. Especially through the night. I can finally feel in decreased in those awful waking up at night in pains. I still have those nights but less frequently.
Hopefully this continues and does change. Hehe!!! Hope this week it's been going better for you.
Sending you warm hugs,
Nicky (Team Member)
- this is an interesting topic. I have used a cane for the past 5 years as well as a walking bike but never a forearm crutch. I have had surgery on both of my wrists/thumbs so using a cane can be painful after a while. I am interested to see some responses to your query as this may help me decide as well. Sending you warmth and healing. Rebecca (community moderator) 
Hey
,
I have used both and I think you are right - it comes down to the individual.
I personally prefer the forearm crutches because my wrists are a bit weak, so I feel a lot more comfortable and better supported with these rather than a cane. I also feel like I can stand up a bit more straight with these, which is a lot easier on my spine.
That being said at the moment I only have a cane because my last pair of crutches broke and I haven't got around to getting a new set!
How are you getting on at the moment? Have you made a decision on whether or not to try the crutch life?
Wishing you well,
James (Community Member)
