Experimentation Unlimited

I am thinking of getting another (2nd) cane and trying to walk outside with one on each side. That is, instead of a rollator. The rollator, no matter how I try to walk upright and with a straight back, has contributed to tightened hip flexors and other muscles that control upright walking. I tend to walk in a crouched gait position in the house.

Research tells me that a crouched gait can be caused by a number of problems in the brain. Cerebral Palsy, MS, MD and aging brain shrinkage. Also, that sitting most of the time definitely tightens and weakens hip flexor muscles.

Considering the timing of onset, I assume I have caused it. I am sure that sitting is a big factor. Well, I know that it is.

I think that I can carry my weight easily if only I could balance.  Then, I could stand straight and swing my legs in a more efficacious manner. Fear of falling keeps me from just striding confidently ahead. Falling and the embarrassment of it with people gathering around. Or, god forbid, of someone summoning the fire department. 

I have just read a study about what harm using a rollator does to the action of ankle, knee, and hip.

 Select and click to read.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859215001564#:~:text=They%20concluded%20that%20walking%20with,increased%20hip%20extensor%20muscle%20activity).

And, what the heck, for just the cost of one cheap cane I can try. 

At worst, I fall down and break a hip, smash my face, and die during hip reconstruction surgery.

But, at best, with diligent practice, no matter how slow and how short the distance, this could improve my balance and make it possible for me to walk, unassisted, eventually.

 One cane is not enough. I have tried it.

To be pondered upon more.

Later. I just realized I have an old mop handle in the closet. So, tomorrow I can try it outside. One mop handle and one cane. I will practice around the house tonight. I once got tangled in one cane, and I can imagine having my legs wound and twisted around two sticks.

Another point. While I sit and think about doing it, I get scared. I may fold. Who knows. A nice ramble transferred from head to blog at least gets it outta my head for a while.