Walking difficulties are awkward, but people with MS are often hesitant to use a cane.  MS is often a hidden condition and carrying a walking aid simply exposes it to the world.  But why is it so embarrassing?  Canes first came into play when humble shepherds used their staffs to guide and protect their sheep. However, as the years passed, the cane became a symbol of social prestige and privilege. Marie Antoinette made them fashionable and American presidents often carried them. With such a rich history progressing from a lowly tool to a status symbol, a cane is embarrassing no more. 

You sway when you walk, you fall down, people think you look drunk and then finally you believe it is time to consider a cane. Karen Zielinski gives advice about trying to walk when it's difficult. She emphasizes that it does not increase your ability to walk, but it does tire you out. Still you think you can maintain your independence if you just try a little harder. Zielinski tells us not to let pride or fear interfere with mobility, and continues by saying, "These walking aids stretch what I can do each day, conserve my energy, and keep me safe and less anxious about getting around. They literally widen my world." It seems truly maintaining your independence means adopting a walking aid.

When you know you're walking is not as sturdy as it once was, when you find yourself working harder than you think you should have to in order to walk across a room or to cross the street, it is time to select a cane. It is better to have it before you need it, than to wait until you are desperate.  Flailing about and falling are more embarrassing and less productive than employing a walking aid.

Once the decision is made to buy a cane, it's time to choose one – not as easy as it seems. When I decided to buy a cane I walked into a shop and picked a pretty one. Generally, it is not a good idea to select a cane just because it is pretty. I did not know any better. The cane is the tool to ensure your safety and "pretty" does not balance you. A cane reduces the energy needed to walk and decreases the chances of falling – it is your new balance. Take care and time to get the solution that is right for you.

First, talk to your doctor and physical therapist to see exactly what you might need from a cane. Are you looking for a simple balance correction or do you have weakness so you need to lean on the cane for support? If you get a prescription, insurance might even help you pay for it and perhaps even pay for a physical therapist to train you to walk with it.

When selecting your cane, evaluate these characteristics:

Your Weight – The cane is of no use if it cannot hold your weight. Give it a try – lean on it. If it feels sturdy and you feel comfortable with it, the came is a workable candidate. The dealer can tell you how much weight the cane is capable of balancing.

Cane Weight – If you are weak, the cane should be light weight. Otherwise, this tool meant to ensure your balance can actually interfere with it. Be careful. A cane made of light material may not be sturdy enough to hold your weight. Get the lightest cane you can that still supports you.