I have some questions for those of you who use any assistive devices for your RSD legs...

what do you use, and how has it helped you?
has helped you gain independance?
if you have tried multiple things, what has been the best product?


If you were telling me what I should buy, based on your experience, what would you tell me to try, based on my situation:

I can still walk, not well though. When I walk my legs shake and jerk, from muscle guarding (my Dr. explained to me that she has seen it before, and what happens is your muscles start guarding from nerve's overactivity/ pain) and I cannot walk without hanging on to something for the most part. I am afraid I will fall (as are other people) and I can't do much independantly outside of my home. So I am considering for outside of the home use (i.e. the store, to the neighbor's house) some sort of assistive device (crutches, walker, etc...).

Thanks in advance!

I use two canes to get around and I have just gotten a 4 wheel scooter to get around in, they wanted me to have a walker but my village is very hilly.
When I used one cane it seemed to make my chest wall pain worse eventualy, two canes evens out the pressure and works very similar to crutches without the painful underarms.

I don't know if this works for rsd, but it might.


At my rehab therapy place, one of my good friends had a severe stroke. When they work on getting him up and walking, they use a brace for his leg. What they did was cut out a styrofoam board to go all the way up the leg and it covers half of the leg (back end) and then duct taped it on to sturdy it. Then they duct tape it to his leg to make a sturdier for him to walk. You can always line the inside of the brace with cotton or something soft. You can use this with a walker or cane or even without anything if you feel sturdy enough.

If that doesn't work, I believe the make ortho boots that cover your whole leg so you can always talk to your doc about getting 2 of them.

Best of luck Vanessa

i use a cane when i'm especially shaky, or in situations where i know i'm going to get worse quickly (noisy places r brutal to me)...i'm not supposed to use it all the time and i don't, but it does seem to help when my balance is bad or my legs r weak.

and i bought a cane with a very bright and bold butterfly design all over it (okay, to be honest, it's gaudy!) because it makes me feel better....i have no choice about disabilty, but i refuse to be drab!

liz

I can't seem to use crutches because when I bend my knee past a certain point it hurts it. Also hanging it hurts it.

When I go shopping, I use the carts at the store or the motorized ones (when I am esp. bad). My son immediately runs to get me one the moment he gets out of the car.

I have a cane that I like, it helps a lot, however, it hurts my hand sometimes because you are basically pushing hard on it to support one side.

I would suggest a walker. It is a constant support. Rolls forward. Supports both legs like a shopping cart.

Hope this helps. Also, I am in hydrotherapy to try and get back my muscle in my right leg. (RSD in right knee) I constantly offset to my left because of the pain. Anytime I try to walk straight at all it hurts, well even when I walk guarded it hurts.

IHH,

I use a forearm crutch. Actually, I have a pair of them, as that is the only way that I could buy them (or that my insurance could...and it was like $99 for the pair), but I usually only need to use one of them. So, I have a spare. I keep one in my car, and one in the house, and I also have two different canes (one is brown and one is blue and purple, of course! LOL) for when I am not walking far, and when I want to better "match" what I am wearing. LOL. We have to do what we can to make ourselves feel good and happy, right?

The reason that I started using the forearm crutch is because my PT guys told me that using a regular cane all of the time was causing damage to my wrist (and my lower back, because of bad gait pattern...I will get to that in a minute). Your wrists are simply not made to be totally responsible for weight bearing, and when you use a cane, that is basically what happens to whichever side (or both, in Sandel's case) you are using the cane on. They are better for short term use or for use only sometimes. However, if you are like me and need something to help you walk around on a daily basis, they are not good for "long term use" (I can get around without using them, or a cane, most times in the house, because the distances are so short, and there are always walls and whatnot for me to either brace myself on, or to catch my self with...depending on what is going on. Although, if I am having a lot of falling or stumbling going on, I will use whatever I need to where ever I need to...and there are times with my back problems that I have to use my cane in the house to help me get up from sitting and to get around too. I have other back troubles besides the RSD that is there, and that causes other problems in my leg, besides the RSD that is there. If that made any sense at all. LOL).

A forearm crutch helps to distribute the weight up and down your forearm, rather than having it all focused right there on the fragile wrist area. They are very comfortable to use too. Or, at least I have found them to be so. Handy too, as when you need to handle things in a store, you don't have to worry about what to do with the cane, or prop it up on some where, or just not to be able to handle whatever it is in any way at all for fear of falling. The cuffs on the forearm crutches have a...hinge type thingy that allows you to let go of the crutch's handle, and still lean your weight on the crutch using your forearm to do so. ROFL, I have found all kinds of uses for my crutches when I have been using them. If I have to stand in one place for a while (Like while standing in some type of line, or while waiting on someone in a store where there is no seat available), I have propped myself on my crutch, leaning on the cuff part, and hung my purse from the handle that I am not using at the moment. I have gotten some funny looks...but hey? I am kinda sorta used to that by now. LOL

If it weren't for my forearm crutches...well...I dont even want to think about what kind of shape I would be in now. I know that I wouldn't have been able to maintain as much independence, or stay out of having to use a wheel chair on a more permanent basis (I do use one when I go to anything that requires lots of walking and standing, like when we go visit my parents and do all kinds of touristy stuff), and when I want to be able to keep up with the people that I am with, without feeling bad about holding them back, or stopping them from being able to do whatever, because they want ME to be able to go along too. I will also use wheel chairs and electric carts when my pain is super bad, or I feel really weak and shakey (like I am liable to fall easily and often). If it weren't for my forearm crutches, I know that I wouldn't have been able to get out and do most things that I have been, and still am, able to do. They make me feel more sturdy, safe, and balanced than a cane or other crutch. If not for having them, I know that I wouldn't have been able to keep up with my kids throughout these past years, or be able to go and participate in all of the things that they have had going on, that I have been able to share in. They have made all of the difference in the world to me.

Forearm crutches only come up to the cuff that is about mid way to a little higher on your forearm, so there is none of the problems that come from the regular type of crutches (you know...the kind that make a person look like a walking clothes pin? LOL). We all know how those can rub, and hurt, and are very unwieldy to use even for a short while, let alone trying to use them in the long term. I DID try to use one of those for a while.....but that just was horrible, as it made me lurch around and be very unbalanced.

Oh. Another thing about using canes..or at least what I was told by my PT guys and by my Doc; they are HORRIBLE for your gait. When you have something going on with your lower extremities, you need to try to do everything that you can to try to keep as normal a gait pattern as possible. This is because of the lower back problems that having your gait thrown badly out of whack can cause. My gait is already thrown out of whack because of my RSD in my foot. Using a cane (or even worse, the other type of crutch) was only making it worse. Much worse than it had to be. Using the forearm crutch has really, REALLY helped to get me back to a more "normal" and much better gait pattern. This is important, because I really don't need any more back problems then I already have. NO ONE needs any back problems, and having a horrible, lurching around, leaning badly to one side type of gait will certainly cause them, and quickly!

So, because it is so very important for those of us with lower body RSD to keep moving as much as possible, we NEED to be able to have something that makes it easier for us to do that. Canes are bad on the wrists (mine was getting all swollen up....and my fingers were starting to get all tingling and numb from using my cane too much, and I got really scared about doing anything that could possibly help the RSD to spread), and bad for the back and gait. Regular crutches are hard to use, and hard on the shoulders and ribs, and make you feel unbalanced, even if you are using two of them. So, I really, REALLY recommend trying forearm crutches. If your PT guys talk to your Doc, or you do, and he writes a script for them, your insurance should cover the cost of them. That is just an added bonus, in my book!

As an aside here, to try to help show why it is so important for us to keep moving as much as possible....My son's best friend's mom got hurt in a car wreck back a few years ago. She is capable of walking, but not for far distances, and doesn't like to for many reasons (I am sure that pain is one of them). So, she has chosen to NOT walk as much as she possibly can. Because of that, she has not developed problems with blood clots in her legs. This is a pretty dangerous problem to have, as we all know....and it just rammed home to me even more the fact that we NEED to move as much as we possibly can, in order to reduce the possibilities of developing even worse and...as in the case with Jay's friend's mom...life threatening problems. It makes me feel very bad for this lady, as she is very close to my age, and also has two kids (Seth is graduating this year with Jay, but her daughter still has a couple of years left in High School)....and I understand the pain that she has, and how it does hurt to be up and walking for very long. But, getting up and standing and walking even a little bit throughout the day is very, very important.

Anyway...I hope that you will look into seeing about forearm crutches. My PT guys had a pair there at their place that they let me try, to see how they worked and felt. Maybe you can see if yours does too? Oh. One thing..I also have RSD in my right arm....although it isn't as bad as my lower body (and initial) RSD locations. When I have put the cuff of the forearm crutch on that arm, as long as I have the cuff loosened (not tight, but still where my arm can't come out of the little gappy thing in the cuff on accident or anything), it doesn't cause my RSD in my arm any problems or pain. I realize that might be different for other folks....but still, it is a good thing to look into, and just see if it would be helpful for you to use. Once you start getting more and more back problems, believe me, things just get worse....even when you sometimes think that they can't. I know...I have been there, and will probably be there again.

I hope that you (and everyone else too!) are having a good day today, and that the weather where you are isn't crazy and causing you more pain or flares ups. I do best in the warmer months, and I am glad that it isn't cold anymore...but I still can't wait for Summer to get here! Summer is my best time of year! LOL (I am one that does better in the heat...not in the cold or cool. It is just the humidity that gets me here in the warmer times...like now, when it is super humid out. Later in the Summer, the humidity should drop some, even for here. YAY!!! LOL)

Love and ((hugs))
Jose

When I gave up using the baby stroller to lean.steady on I bought this device. There are several models that do not appear so geriatric. They have baskets and great seat I can sit on or the 11 year old hitches a ride on. The wheels are thick enough to go through much terrain, I can place a small cooler pack and have the below hanging bag to atttach,


Duro-Med Traditional Steel Rollator, Blue
Other products by Duro-Med

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Availability: In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Only 1 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).
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I also bought this item to attch,

I can take it as a hand carry too. for the plane this will get my daughter to the planes, and be the carry on. The rolator will be checked at plane side.

This is another model

Active Walker

Gale Product Group SKU: Active Walker

Price Inlcudes:
Free Shipping, Basket, Seat with cup holder

Our Price: $199.00

Retail Price: $279.00
Shipping Cost:
Availability: Ships 1-2 days

This item includes:
Free Shipping
Basket
Seat with cup holder

The Active Walker is both a rollator and walker! The Active Walker Rollator combines all of the best user-friendly features in a modern and sleek form. Design has been THE key element in the development of the Active from the start. This rollator is the perfect companion for taking strolls outdoors, shopping trips to the local supermarket, or enhancing your safety in and around the house. You can’t find a more user friendly or versatile walker anywhere in the world. The Active Rollator features an easy height and seat adjustment. A single easy lever folds and locks the Active into its convenient parking position. The Active sports built-in red reflectors in the handles, and reflective tape on the frame to give all round visibility when you need it most.
All Active rollators are manufactured to the highest quality standards and are CE marked as Medical Devices. Rigorous testing and quality control ensure that you get the best possible rollator that money can buy. This is the best of Scandinavian design at an affordable price.

Advanced Braking System
The Active walker has a patented braking system that puts safety first. The brake cables are protected and hidden safely away inside the walker frame. The brakes stay in perfect adjustment no matter which position the handles in, and there is no need for re-adjusting. When it is time for adjustment, there is a convenient allen screw located in the rear leg profil, and with a quick turn of the included wrench the brakes can easily be adjusted to accommodate for wear.

Large front wheels
Why stop walking when the terrrain gets rough? Large 25cm (10 inch) diameter front wheels let the Active roll over uneven terrain, sidewalk cracks, and door threshholds that make other rollators stop in their tracks. The Active travels just as well over gravel paths as it does smooth tile floors. But maneuverability was always a key issue for the designers of the Active. By using smaller 8 inch (20 cm) diameter back wheels, the Active retains its incredible maneuverability and tight turning radius that make it a great walking aid in the home, where space is limited.

Removable Handy-basket
Unlike other walkers that place a metal basket in front of the seat, the Active utilizes the space under the seat with a handy removable basket. With a capacity of 14 liters, there is enough room for a handbag, newspaper, food items and more. The seat protects the contents of the basket both from the weather and opportunistic theft. Flip the seat up to access the contents of the basket, or take the basket out with the convenient carry handles.

Curb climber
Even with the large front wheels, there are always obstacles that are too big to just roll over. But you don’t have to pick up the walker to get up that curb. Just step down on the curb climber and with a gentle pull back on the handles, the Active walker will raise its front wheels to easily maneuver over larger obstacles.


Features
T-6061 aluminium frame
Height adjustable handles
Stands while folded
Hidden braking system with lockable parking brake
Extra large front wheels and stepper pad
Height adjustable seat with cup holders
Under-seat removable shopping bag
User Manual


Weight 20 lbs
Weight Capacity 275 lbs
Handle Height Adjustment 6 increments between 2’8”- 3’3”
Seat Height Positions 4
Front Wheel size 10"
Rear Wheel Size 8"
Size 23.6" x 33" x 32.2"
Folded Size 23.6" x 19.6" x 35"
Configure Options:

Color
Platinum gray

Midnight black

Blue
http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/vi...roduct_id=1775

Hey IHH

I already PM'd but thought I'd add something here.

I went from forearm crutches to arthritis forearm (elbow) crutches to gutter crutches to gutter frame to NHS wheelchair to Sports wheelchair to Electric singing and dancing wheelchair.

Forearm crutches are much easier to use (elbow crutches) than the axilla crutches the US likes - there is less chance of nerve damage through their use (although elbow crutches can damage the palm of your hand). I used arthritis crutches until my legs died. They are better as they have thicker, softer, moulded handles and are lighter and just generally better for you. The moulding decreases the amount of pressure on the palm etc. You can use elbow/ forearm crutches individually (for balance/ low support of leg) to ski poling (balance with small amount of support) to drag pole (erm... this isn't really " correct" but when my legs first died I used to be able to drag my feet and legs behind me though using my thoracic vertebrae to swing them forwads. (Basically had the crutches higher than supposed to so that I could drag my legs behind me - HOWEVER - this does really dmage your arms and is v hard with RSD in the arms).

With gutter crutches you put the weight through the flat of the forearms (like standing and resting your arms flat out from the elbow on a desk). These are good because the weight is being taken over a wider area so destroys your arms less. However, I found them really hard to walk with.

K frame - this is apparently good but I was never able to use one - this is a kids version but I can find you the adult if you are interested.
http://www.adaptivemall.com/walkers.html

it's a gait trainer as well which means it will help you stay in an optimum position like standing straight etc.

Gutter frame - really annoying - kicked it out from underneath me too many times. Same as walking frames

Wheelchairs.................... too complex to explain here.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

http://www.adaptivemall.com/kaadwawise.html

This is a K frame without seat....

http://www.adaptivemall.com/kaadwawise1.html

and one with seat!!!

Home > CATEGORIES > Adult Adaptive Equipment > Adult Walkers/ Gait Trainers > Kaye Adult Walkers > Kaye Adult Walkers with Seat

Kaye Adult Walkers with Seat

This walker fit adults in a target height range of 67"-72+", and has a handle height adjustment range of 36"-41". Available in 2 wheel, 4 wheel, and 4 wheel with swivel front wheel layouts.

This special needs walker also has a standard fold-down seat to allow for easy transitions between walking/standing and sitting. The seat provides a simple way for adults with special needs to stop and rest, conserving energy.

Is this Product Right for You?
Reverse walker folds up conveniently for storage
Fold down seat included for rest breaks
Appropriate for adults with mild to moderate disabilities
Target height range of 67"-72+"; Hip height/ height adjustment range of 36"-41"
3 different wheel configurations
Questions? Our therapists can help you with a proper fit… to start please click SIZING HELP and complete a simple form, or call us toll free at (800) 371-2778
Critical measurement: measure the user from the floor to mid-buttocks (should match the range for "Handle Height")

To Find the Correct Walker Size, measure the user from the floor to mid-buttocks, and match that distance with the handle height adjustment. If you don't find a "fit" based on your measurement (36"-41"), proceed to a smaller size grouping to find an appropriate fit.

love ya

rxxxxxxxxxxxxx

LOL, I do love you, baby girl!

all the best