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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (6295)Comment receiving replies
@scain
I often fall to the side. One day when using an aluminum U-shaped type of walker I fell to my right. I was walking through my living room and all of a sudden I started to fall to my right. So instinctively, I put out my right foot sideways to regain my balance, but the walker prevented me from moving my right foot that way. I ended up falling hitting my head on a glass table and getting a bunch of staples in my head.
So you might want to be aware if any device would prevent you from regaining your balance.
If your looking for the least weight carbon fiber would probably be your best choice, but it is more expensive than aluminum.
I don't like any walking aids but after my experience I'd use a cane if I had to rely on something.
Be safe,
Jake
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Good evening, Jake (@jakedduck1) -
Yes! This is exactly what concerns me most. My recent example with the groceries presented a scenario similar to your experience. I cannot walk without a cane (unless there are pieces of furniture along the path I'm on) and that cane has presented as much danger as it has help. I sometimes find I am leaning on the cane (in my left hand) and want/have to walk toward the left. If I'm not paying close enough attention, the momentum of my body turning left without thinking first and being able to move the cane I'm leaning on, leaves me no recourse but to spin and fall on my right side. I don't think a lighter or heavier cane would make any difference. And unfortunately I have no advice, even to myself, except to be aware not to take any step for granted as being completely safe.
Wouldn't it be grand if, like using the trains in Europe, there was a voice that said, "Mind the gap" before we ventured anywhere to walk?
Barb