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Date: 11.01.2012
From: Kim

Subject: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Hi I suffer with alot of pain in most my joints and am limited to how far I can walk and need something to hold on to/push along. I have some standard cvrutches but they really hurt my shoulder and elbow joints when I use so only use them sparingly. I have been using my sons pushchair as its a great height for me but I realise im getting strange looks pushing an empty pushchair! So if anyone can recommend a good walking aid which isnt too tough on your upper limbs that would be great!
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: davina

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

hi kim sorry your so bad at the moment. i have crutches and the standard crutches do definatly cause lots of pain, i have the specialist crutches that have the hand mould and find it better and causes less pain. hope this helps x
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Date: 12.01.2012
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Kim ask to be referred to the occupational therapist they can give you exactly what you need.
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Date: 12.01.2012
From: Nicola

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Hi Kim, I'm a physio and there are crutches and walking sticks that have a specially shaped handle which can be more comfortable for people with RA. They're called fissure handles, you should be able to find them online and if you have access to a physio or OT they will definitely be able to point you in the right direction. Another thing that's v helpful is something called a delta walker or 3-wheeled walker, they're really lightweight and can be folded so they can fit in the boot or in a wee cupboard. Im pretty sure you can get them from Argos or online. There is also a 4 wheeled walker available that has a wee seat, so if you're going out for the day, or you're waiting for your bus, you can have a rest.
Hope that's helpful, I've spent a lot of time prescribing walking aids so I've a pretty good idea of all available. If I can help with anything else, just ask. I'll have a quick look online now and see what I can find
Nicola
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Date: 12.01.2012
From: Nicola

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Ok just checked Argos, the adjustable 3wheeled walker is £84, and the 4wheeled one is £99. Depending on where you live and what your rheumatology service is like, you should have access to a physio and OT, and they should be able to provide you with something for free. If you have a rheumatology appt soon, ask to be referred to physio, and if you dont, phone your consultants secretary and tell her you'd like to be referred. The nhs provide a service for you the patient, so badger them for what you want!
Good luck
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Date: 12.01.2012
From: Kim

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Many thanks for all your help, Im due to see my rheumy within the next month so will ask to be referred back to OT as there is such a long wait to see a physio. The adjustable walker sounds good. I have inherited my grandads old wheelchair but cant push myself so not a whole lot of use at the moment. I really need to start thinking about using something to take the strain off my legs even when I feel like im not in so much pain as then I tend to overdo things and really suffer the next day!
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Date: 12.08.2013
From: Jan Jenner

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

I have arthritis in my hands, hips and knees. I have recently used a product call Poly Morph to make a more comfortable grip on my walking stick. The difference is enormous. It is plastic granules that become soft in hot water and can be moulded easily then it hardens when cold. I bought mine from Maplins but you can buy it on line from various places.
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Date: 12.08.2013
From: Jan Jenner

Subject: Re: can anyone suggest a good walking aid

Sorry folks the stuff is called 'Polymorph' should have checked first..:-(
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