Does Anyone Who Uses A Cane/Staff To Get Around Have Trouble With LE ?

[T. Erdelyi]

Wow! I broke both my ankles in an mc crash in my early teens, I occasionally started using a cane in my late 20s. In 40 years I never had a problem with anyone using a cane or in some instances, like walking on a trail even using a staff/walking stick.

I have collected canes and walking sticks for as long as I’ve needed them. I’ve made a few of my own and even made my own cane knife and still never had a problem with any of my canes.

I regularly go to the courthouse and have flown with a cane I made that has a 3 lb solid Stainless steel ball on top of heavy 1” galvanized steel pipe. This thing will remove doors and destroy cinderblock walls. Know what? Never had an issue.

What’s even funnier is compared to you, I look like biker you’re mother warns you about. Yet still in 40 years I had my cane taken once. It wasn’t even taken, they let me get to my seat on the plane and then the flight attendant put it up front by them. This was the first week after the planes were flyin’ again after 9/11.

I forgot it when I got off the plane at Heathrow and never saw it again. That sucked too because it was hand carved by an artist friend if mine. It took me 5 years to annoy him into carving it for me, I was pissed when I left it behind.

Anyway if they don’t bother me with the way I look and all and all the places I’ve been with canes there’s got to be more than you’re lettin ‘ on. People have better things to do than bother with anyone walking with a supplemental support device.

Unless of course you’re walkin’ down the street tappin’ and poppin’ like Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain and twirl in’ your cane like a 16 year old high school baton twirler.

Hey, I’ve twirled a few canes in my day and the one with the steel ball is balanced perfectly for those types of moves. Still no ones ever treated me differently because of it.

I’ve even had LEOs look at it and tell me it would do very nicely for self defense. I usually reply, “Really, wouldn’t my 9mm be more effective?”

My point is, without judging you, why do you think you’re bein’ singled out? Because if livin’ and workin’ in the worst states and cities for CCW and world travel lookin’ like I look never caused me any issues, you must be doin’ something to attract attention to yourself and in that case, I feel even with a walker with bright yellow tennis balls on the feet would garner you the attention of LEOs and security staff everywhere.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

To the op, not that I need to justify the need to use a cane but does 2 ankle surgeries a total knee replacement and 4 subsequent surgeries on the other knee qualify me?

Actually I try to walk as much as possible without it and if you see me with one you know my body hurts and without one I’ll fall over.

Reconsider the reviews with the defensive cane content and concentrate on the actual application of a cane for support. In all the reviews you’ve done, do any of them review one as strictly a cane without mention of how effective it might be as a makeshift weapon?

It must just be you and the way you come across. If using a cane as cane is important and indeed necessary than drop the weapon I ef portion of your reviews.

Just my 2¢ worth.

 

[Danke42]

Someone hurt my feelings once.

Just once.

 

[James Y]

OP,
If your problem is plantar fasciitis, you might just need personalized arch supports. I don't know if they have them where you are, but there is a place called Good Feet Store that sells those. Not those Dr. Scholl's things.

Jim

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I drove down the boulevard of broken dreams a few time as a young adult. Why I even saw the motor city madman once.

I’ve been broke before.

This wasn’t one of those times though.

 

[annr]

OP,
Assuming the diagnosis is correct, and I don't know what you have tried before the cane/stick: I would encourage you HIGHLY to find some remedy that does not involve a cane or other aid.
I know your concern was LE, and they shouldn't be hassling you.

However, to me, it looks like the bigger thing is your overall health: regaining it, maintaining it, and improving it for the long haul. Lots of guys have mentioned shoes and inserts; you may have tried that.

I like the full body approach: Alexander Technique; Feldenkrais Method, Postural Restoration, and/or eccentrics (Classical Stretch). All of these are all exponentially more effective than PT (IMO)-- in case that failed you-- and involve movements and concepts you can use for the rest of your life-- for your entire body and mind.

These techniques are/were used by military (Israel Air Force Army), corporations (Victorinox Swiss Knife company • Unicible IT company • Siemens AG Electrical engineering company), major league sports teams (Boston Bruins, Diamondbacks...), and I have found them to be highly effective.

IMO, the cane will lead to more trouble with hips, shoulders, alignment, walking, weakened balance reflexes, and more pain, tightness and debility than you already feel.

If you enjoy the various sticks: you could join a martial arts class and get instruction in proper technique and body movement after you restore your biomechanics and fascial function.

 

[Fonedork]

Just get a concealable sap or blackjack from forum hall-of-famer, Foster impact devices, you will probably get along with the owner

 

[Jarhead Greasemonkey]

Just get a concealable sap or blackjack from forum hall-of-famer, Foster impact devices, you will probably get along with the owner

 

[22MEANTXGUNS22]

OK so now I'm even more confused. So I deserve the hassle because, opinions on my age, and attire, and appearance, and design of my walking aids, and some old youtube vids which are not pertinent to the subject at hand, and assumptions about what kind of walking aids I used (I don't believe I ever indicated I used a "gandalf staff" to get around and don't understand how you came to assume so), AND because according to some of you, recurring Plantar's fasciitis doesn't count as an actual mobility impairment because it's not as bad as other injuries sustained by people who use a cane ? Well you may continue to believe that if you wish, but to quote a fellow member of OCT, himself a veteran and partially disabled, "That truly is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but people need to understand that not all disabilities are visible or present themselves how we expect." You may all take from that what you wish, and I will go ahead and end this discussion on that note.

To those of you who were sincere in your concern of me beating my PF (it's recurring so I pretty much know the drill in terms of cortisone shots, foot stretches, ice, and proper footwear, but for whatever reason, it always comes back thanks to working two jobs that are hard on my right foot) I thank you and appreciate your concern. Sincerest of apologies for making people angry as this was not my intention, and while I may not agree with what many have said, I acknowledge the ongoing theme of personal opinion > ADA rights and will go ahead and terminate the discussion before it further upsets people.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

OK so now I'm even more confused. So I deserve the hassle because, opinions on my age, and attire, and appearance, and design of my walking aids, and some old youtube vids which are not pertinent to the subject at hand, and assumptions about what kind of walking aids I used (I don't believe I ever indicated I used a "gandalf staff" to get around and don't understand how you came to assume so), AND because according to some of you, recurring Plantar's fasciitis doesn't count as an actual mobility impairment because it's not as bad as other injuries sustained by people who use a cane ? Well you may continue to believe that if you wish, but to quote a fellow member of OCT, himself a veteran and partially disabled, "That truly is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but people need to understand that not all disabilities are visible or present themselves how we expect." You may all take from that what you wish, and I will go ahead and end this discussion on that note.

To those of you who were sincere in your concern of me beating my PF (it's recurring so I pretty much know the drill in terms of cortisone shots, foot stretches, ice, and proper footwear, but for whatever reason, it always comes back thanks to working two jobs that are hard on my right foot) I thank you and appreciate your concern. Sincerest of apologies for making people angry as this was not my intention, and while I may not agree with what many have said, I acknowledge the ongoing theme of personal opinion > ADA rights and will go ahead and terminate the discussion before it further upsets people.

I have crushed nerves in my spine & have had to under go three spine surgeries because degeneration of the discs etc. I can’t stand or sit for more that about 20-30 minutes at a time. There is foot problems as well, you want to talk about chronic pain?? I’m not after any sympathy from anyone. So I learned a new trade of knife making & sharpening. I sit when I grind rather than stand like 95 plus % of other knife makers.—-Learn a new Trade or craft etc so you aren’t standing all day. If you can make those vids and be concerned about LEOs taking your sword Cane. You can learn how to make honest money doing something other than your currently doing that doesn’t involve standing all day.:

 

[Danke42]

OK so now I'm even more confused. So I deserve the hassle because, opinions on my age, and attire, and appearance, and design of my walking aids, and some old youtube vids which are not pertinent to the subject at hand, and assumptions about what kind of walking aids I used (I don't believe I ever indicated I used a "gandalf staff" to get around and don't understand how you came to assume so), AND because according to some of you, recurring Plantar's fasciitis doesn't count as an actual mobility impairment because it's not as bad as other injuries sustained by people who use a cane ? Well you may continue to believe that if you wish, but to quote a fellow member of OCT, himself a veteran and partially disabled, "That truly is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but people need to understand that not all disabilities are visible or present themselves how we expect." You may all take from that what you wish, and I will go ahead and end this discussion on that note.

To those of you who were sincere in your concern of me beating my PF (it's recurring so I pretty much know the drill in terms of cortisone shots, foot stretches, ice, and proper footwear, but for whatever reason, it always comes back thanks to working two jobs that are hard on my right foot) I thank you and appreciate your concern. Sincerest of apologies for making people angry as this was not my intention, and while I may not agree with what many have said, I acknowledge the ongoing theme of personal opinion > ADA rights and will go ahead and terminate the discussion before it further upsets people.

Are you joking?

 

[Jarhead Greasemonkey]

OK so now I'm even more confused.

There's really nothing to be confused about.

You stated your dilemma and heard retort from multiple members who either currently use a cane or have in the past...

NONE of which have experienced the amount of "hassle" that you have.

That means that you are doing something either intentionally or subconsciously that is drawing LE attention to yourself.

We're not there with you to figure out what that might be, but I have presumed that it might have something to do with the mindset that you advertise on your YT channel.

I'm confused at your confusion.

 

[annr]

(it's recurring so I pretty much know the drill in terms of cortisone shots, foot stretches, ice, and proper footwear, but for whatever reason, it always comes back thanks to working two jobs that are hard on my right foot) I thank you and appreciate your concern.

If you are still reading, cortisone shots are not a good long-term strategy for many reasons. They can be damaging to many things in the human body, and they are not curative.

If the foot stretch exercises were prescribed by a doctor or PT, I would not expect them to work either.

I was DEAD serious about a total body approach. I'm not picking on you, but your posture is not good in the one video I looked at, and if you have a job that requires standing, you might benefit by some of the techniques I mentioned. (My dentist, who works on his feet all day, uses the Alexander Technique.)

These techniques take time to work and are studied like a piano lesson, requiring daily home practice over a course of time. (If I were a cat I would be on my 10th life, so I don't say this lightly.) Maybe you'll think about it and look into them as time goes by...much better to have control over your body and shed the pain than wait for someone else to help who really doesn't have the tools--that's the way I see it.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

If you are still reading, cortisone shots are not a good long-term strategy for many reasons. They can be damaging to many things in the human body, and they are not curative.

One of the most important things people tend to forget about cortisone shots. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[Worldwatcher]

OK so now I'm even more confused. So I deserve the hassle because, opinions on my age, and attire, and appearance, and design of my walking aids, and some old youtube vids which are not pertinent to the subject at hand, and assumptions about what kind of walking aids I used (I don't believe I ever indicated I used a "gandalf staff" to get around and don't understand how you came to assume so), AND because according to some of you, recurring Plantar's fasciitis doesn't count as an actual mobility impairment because it's not as bad as other injuries sustained by people who use a cane ? Well you may continue to believe that if you wish, but to quote a fellow member of OCT, himself a veteran and partially disabled, "That truly is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but people need to understand that not all disabilities are visible or present themselves how we expect." You may all take from that what you wish, and I will go ahead and end this discussion on that note.

To those of you who were sincere in your concern of me beating my PF (it's recurring so I pretty much know the drill in terms of cortisone shots, foot stretches, ice, and proper footwear, but for whatever reason, it always comes back thanks to working two jobs that are hard on my right foot) I thank you and appreciate your concern. Sincerest of apologies for making people angry as this was not my intention, and while I may not agree with what many have said, I acknowledge the ongoing theme of personal opinion > ADA rights and will go ahead and terminate the discussion before it further upsets people.

I am a martyr and you will respect my CANE! If not the ADA is coming for you...

 

[mitch4ging]

To the O.P.-

You have the unbelievable gall to label yourself as disabled, and complain about pain and inconvenience of having someone drive you because your feet hurt?????

We're both in Texas, so you come with me down to the VA hospital. We're gonna sit by the prosthetics department and watch the young guys coming and going, that are missing whole parts of their bodies. I do volunteer work there, mentoring disabled vets from depression. Being a partly disabled vet, I've been there so I can counsel them somewhat on going on. From what I've seen and heard, don't you dare call yourself disabled. Not in my hearing.

Let me tell you about my friend Don. Don, like me, is a Vietnam vet. But unlike me, Don came home with a bit less than he went over with. He got hit in the right arm and the bullet shattered his bone so bad, the arm was hanging on by a few shreds of meat and tendons. The medic did a field amputation of what was left, and Don went on live the rest of his life with his right arm stopping a few inches short of his right elbow. Yet, he got training, and went on to a full life working full time and becoming an office manager for a lumber company. He has the great sense of humor to adapt the nickname "The one Arm Bandit." Let me see you go one whole day putting your right hand in your pocket and not take it out for anything. ANYTHING. Go a whole day with one hand. Lets see how you do.

Or let me tell you about a young guy named James. I helped him get past some depression. He had a good reason for being depressed. Just short of his 20th birthday, he got both legs blown off above the knees by an IED in Afghanistan. At 19 years old he got screwed royally. He's in a wheelchair leaning to get around as he puts it, "a semi mobil cripple." He's got a reason to be a bit depressed. Try to imagine a life, a year out from high school, serving in the army, and getting both legs blown off. That's someone I'd say has mobility problems. Yet you belly ache over your feet hurting and claim to be 'disabled'????

No. Don't you dare to call yourself disabled. I know some really disabled people, and they are trying like hell to keep on keeping on with what they have left. Don't you dare to call yourself disabled!!

He's not worth wasting your time on for sure! He's so wrapped up in convincing himself he's entitled to use a "cane", he's missing the whole issue of fixing himself, or he's just too lazy to!
Not to mention how he's mucking up the waters for folks that have NO CHOICE but to use them!

Btw, thanks for all you do for the Vets, and your own service!

I'm 100% disabled through the VA and SS, and I have several canes, including one from the VA, and walking sticks, but this blackthorn is the one I use the most. I've been using one for about 15 years and have never had any problems with anyone!

OP: Man up, quit acting like a man-child and take the great advise given to you here in the thread!

 

[jackknife]

He's not worth wasting your time on for sure! He's so wrapped up in convincing himself he's entitled to use a "cane", he's missing the whole issue of fixing himself, or he's just too lazy to!
Not to mention how he's mucking up the waters for folks that have NO CHOICE but to use them!

Btw, thanks for all you do for the Vets, and your own service!

I'm 100% disabled through the VA and SS, and I have several canes, including one from the VA, and walking sticks, but this blackthorn is the one I use the most. I've been using one for about 15 years and have never had any problems with anyone!

OP: Man up, quit acting like a man-child and take the great advise given to you here in the thread!

Mitch, I LOVE that lambs foot!!!

Drop dead gorgeous horn on that.

Edit to add- I don't even think this guy is really in any problem at all. Just faking it as an excuse to carry one o this pet Cold Steel canes around as a security blanket. Watching his videos, he doesn't look at all like he's having a problem walking around twirling his cane like a high school cheer leader with her baton. Total poser and fake.

But it just galls me that this guy is calling himself "disabled" by a relatively minor foot problem that may not even exist, except for a reason to play with is canes, while theres guys that are really totally -ucked up that don't want any sympathy and just are trying like hell to get through their physical therapy to get a life back.

What a posing wuss! I can't even begin to express the contempt I have for this joker.

 

[unwisefool]

If you are still reading, cortisone shots are not a good long-term strategy for many reasons. They can be damaging to many things in the human body, and they are not curative.

This is very true, my wife got one in her hand and it's done more harm than good. The muscle is finally starting to rebuild where she got the shot almost a year later.

 

[mitch4ging]

Mitch, I LOVE that lambs foot!!!

Drop dead gorgeous horn on that.

Thank you very much, it's a very easy knife to carry.

You are correct with your Edit, well put. Hopefully he'll get the message.

 

[22-rimfire]

Op ( 2 22MEANTXGUNS22 ), I again suggest that you do some self inspection on the disability and cane issue. Forget about staffs in an urban environment. What part of Texas do you live?

I would then suggest you pick up a cane at Walmart or CVS/Walgreens that are obviously intended for people who need them and are not expensive. Use it and see what happens next. On the "need" or "disabled" issue I will remain mute at this point.

You're pretty young. As you get older, you figure out real quick to pay attention to your body.... it's health and functions. Many people live with pain every single day and function just fine in our society.

mitch4ging Do you prefer the ball head? I'm still thinking about a higher end cane and choosing to have it available. I can see the utility of using one with the ball head, but I'm still on the fence choosing.