i never use a walking stick or cane. they cause other problems in my body due to the alteration of balance required to "lean" on a cane. i used one in the beginning and started having other problems. back, arm, hips, hands. bluelakelady

I experienced similar when I used a cane for a bit so I try not to use it now. On the side I was using it I developed pain in the shoulders, arm, etc. Maybe I was putting too much weight on it that caused that (?). The doctor never recommended it so there was never instruction about it. I just bought it to help me mostly with keeping balance and stability while transitioning from sitting to standing position. I have used it periods of several months at the time, but keep trying to do without it. It is a really useful support to me when my low back is so bad that I have trouble standing up and I need something to lean on...usually an arm of the chair, couch, etc. but sometimes when out and about at doctor's offices where there are armless chairs it is a bit of extra strain on the low back where that alone can start to trigger to spasms and flare. When the low back is showing signs of weakness is when I return to using it to avoid things being made worse. All of which would be improved with exercise, but my fatigue level won't allow that. I am hoping things will soon get stabilized enough for me where my body will tolerate some exercise as it is a huge key to managing FM, but a very delicate balance....more for some than others. So important to find that just right balance for your own body and begin the harmony dance with increasing levels to achieve improvement, but without triggering flare setbacks.