I use a trekking pole, just the one, and only sometimes. If my hands are not feeling that coordinated I don't use it because picking it up/dropping it can put me at more risk of falling. It has the advantage of a more natural hand position for me, not sure if everyone would feel the same, I just don't get on with the horizontal hand position on a cane. I had a special rubber tip added to mine at the shop, and the assistant showed me how to adjust it to an optimal height for my needs.....

I don't have PD or MS, but I do have peripheral neuropathy.

I used to use a cane quite a bit, but it was hard on my hand.

I use a hiking pole, light weight and the grip is vertical rather than horizontal, like a crutch or cane. Much much better for me.
I use it on stairs all the time, and for longer walks. When I have a bad time like last week, I use it in the house.

I bought it for $15 at Dunham's..and have purchased new rubber tips made for Leki poles on it now. The Leki tip has lasted me 2 yrs now
on concrete...very good quality. Hiking poles can be really expensive... but mine has served me well, and stabilized me from any falls due to poor balance. I also find people don't stare at you so much when you use a pole. I used to get long stares with my canes!

I agree, the poles look cooler than canes or walkers, and also appear to have many benefits if sized & used correctly. Lots of people without mobility issues use them for exercise. The speaker who addressed our local PD support group was Jayah Paley, a very experienced Bay Area Nordic Walking instructor who has 2 websites. This one includes a lot of good info on how to get the right pole: http://polesformobility.com/pole-buyers-guide.htm . She is herself a breast cancer survivor who used trekking poles to help recover from lymphedema,

I've learned a lot of useful things from people who share info on this forum, so I really value that function. However, lest anyone is suspicious of "new" members pushing cures or products (which has been controversial lately on this forum), let me just say: I offer this info strictly in the spirit of possibly helping someone. It certainly looked very promising to me, but make up your own mind after reading her website info. I do know she is who she says she is. She certainly isn't promoting a "cure," and I'm not a new forum member (joined 2009), and I do have Parkinson's (diagnosed 2007). For me, gait & balance are not my major problems (tremor is), so I haven't bought a pole yet, but definitely intend to as soon as symptoms & budget dictate! Good luck!