Mobility aids are designed to make life for people with chronic pain and fatigue easier. Many people with chronic pain and fatigue may delay or avoid exploring mobility aid options because we don’t realise what options there are.
I didn’t start researching this until I recognized that there is support available designed to make things easier and reduce the pain and fatigue associated with walking. In November 2023 I went to Singapore for a trip. Each evening I ended up with burning legs and I crashed twice on the trip.
We are currently preparing for another trip, the trip to Singapore is often on my mind. On the days we did the most walking, I was using our umbrella like a cane. And it helped. I didn’t think to use it on other days. I didn’t even think to consider “mobility aids” prior.
Which is odd because when I was pregnant and my pelvis was hypermobile – I used the crutches I was prescribed! I also used the hip brace.
I’ve researched foldable canes. But actually pressing “buy” and then using it makes me feel like I’m admitting something. Something I probably should have admitted a long time ago but have successfully denied. I need the help. As close to “normal” as I consider myself, I’m not that close. I simply cannot stand in cues or walk for long periods of time without support.
Some mobility aids for chronic pain and fatigue include
- Canes
- Walkers
- Rollators
- Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Motorized shopping carts
Some reasons you might use a mobility aid
- To support balance
- To lessen chronic pain
- Save energy
- Avoid a flare up
- Allow you to do something you may not otherwise be able to do
In this article on Very Well Health, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Mobility Aids they say,
“You shouldn’t be hesitant to use mobility aids if they’d help you save energy, avoid pain spikes, or prevent symptom flares from being too active. Contrary to what some people think, you’re exactly who they’re meant for.”
The article shares what types of mobility aids there are and how you might use them. It finishes with two sentences, that I needed to read:
“No one wants to stand out because of disability. It’s hard to get over the impulse to pretend nothing is wrong, try to blend in, and worry about what people think.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Mobility Aids
In the end, though, you need to take care of yourself and manage your illness(es) in the best way possible. You shouldn’t have to suffer because some people don’t get that.’
I deserve to save energy, avoid additional pain and prevent a flare up when I go away. So I owe it to myself to try the things and see if they help. As do you.
I bought myself the cane (a nice pink, foldable one) and I will report back on how it helps me during my trip.
Do you have a mobility aid?
