I've used canes since I was 40 or so. I found them difficult. I have carpal tunnel (some nerve damage) and cane handles require you to flex your wrist to some extent and this hurt my hands.

I now use aluminum walking poles. The handle is much higher,
and part of the pole, so no leaning on it, the same way and no flexing. They can be used with the wrist extended. These poles are very light weight and there is minimal strain on shoulders etc using them.

I have PN and a left adductor tendon injury in my thigh that didn't heal 1000%. I use the walking stick in public, and for stairs. No one stares at me or watches me at all. (the cane attracted too much attention). I was not accepted at any of my second jury duty calls, and have not been subsequently called again. All the lawyers stared at my cane during the voir dire interviews, and I was excused from all those that cycle. So if you want off a jury...try using a cane! LOL

Last week my lower back went "out" and I couldn't manage to walk, so I used my walking pole indoors. It is so lightweight and easy.

I got mine at Dunham's sporting goods, it is green, for $15.
Last year I bought a second, a red one, online at Ebay which is identical and also adjustable etc, for $4.95. I tend to lean it against things, and temporarily loose it around here. So having 2 here helps me with that. We live on a hill with a huge backyard, with 20 steps to the front door...so since I cannot handle stairs well anymore, with my balance issues, I must use my pole.
I have one upNorth that stays there, since we have an outhouse and lots of rocks to navigate. I use it outdoors there for balance as well.

The hiking poles can be very expensive...but my green pole has lasted over 5 yrs now. They are not intended to put all your weight on them, but they do take some. The rubber tips the inexpensive poles come with, wear out quickly on concrete etc, so I bought a Leki pole tip and it has lasted 4 yrs.

If you are worried about social stigma and staring, I found no one really cares about a hiking pole. People did stare at me with my cane ALOT... a younger person with a cane is strange and people do stare at impaired people with disability aids. You will just have to get used to that over time.