I think that since it isn't the podiatrist who might fall and break a bone, he was not helping you feeling more secure with either the cane or the walker. I now take all doctor advice as just that advice but I am the one who has to live with the results. Whatever works for you is my new mantra. Until someone comes up with a pill, a shot or something to help with this imbalance, I will continue to use my cane, my walker and my shower chair. And just to make things even dicier, we here in the northeast have a 3"-6" field of ice over most walkways, sidewalks, etc. So let's everyone get real here and do what is best for us. Yes, we might become dependent on any of these helpers, but I would rather use them and not fall and break something, then wind up in the hospital and then a rehab facility to relearn how to sit, walk, stand etc.!!!!!