Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly encouraged someone with SI joint, back, hip, and knee pain to use a cane without hesitation, sharing that mobility aids... Read more

Members overwhelmingly encouraged someone with SI joint, back, hip, and knee pain to use a cane without hesitation, sharing that mobility aids are about function and safety rather than age, with several noting they've used canes or walkers since their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Many community members described practical benefits including improved balance, the ability to shift weight off painful joints, prevention of falls, and relief from pressure on the back and hips, with suggestions ranging from quad canes for extra stability to walking sticks for lumbar support. A recurring theme was that while pride might be a temporary hurdle, the freedom, safety, and pain relief a cane provides far outweighs any stigma, and members encouraged finding one that feels both functional and personally appealing.