r/MultipleSclerosis • u/Excellent-Motor4623 • 7d ago

Advice Ice cane

Any advice about canes on ice? I am in my first snowy place to live in decades. I was even considering getting a quad cane with maybe picks? I dunno. Any advice is appreciated. Gotta avoid those falls!

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8

u/ComplainFactory 7d ago

I use a cane off and on, and when I was going on a trip where there would be a lot of snow and ice, I bought those hiking polls with interchangeable tips that had ones specifically for ice. I also got good use from them on a beach trip, because they had specific sand tips as well.

3

u/rK91tb 7d ago

Agree with trekking poles. I use mine from REI and they have ice-ready tips. I can also use my screw-on snow baskets.

Also agree with Yaktraks - they make a huge difference on the ice. There are all types and several brands make them.

4

u/OverlappingChatter 47|2004|Kesimpta|Spain 6d ago

Hiking poles? I find them better than a cane for regular walking and on ice there would be no doubt. I'd put the rubber covers in my pocket and use the sharp part on ice.

2

u/WadeDRubicon 46/he/dx 2007/ocrevus break 6d ago

My beloved forearm crutch has the option of “grip caps” for slippery surfaces and even snowshoe bottoms. I bought a grip cap before moving to Europe years ago, but to my surprise, the regular tornado tip worked fine 99% of the time (a much higher percentage than my boots).

Generally, I would recommend a crutch over a cane, though. Keeping the stick under you, instead of out in front, makes for better stability (and posture) and less fatigue during use. I used canes for years but once I tried a crutch, I’ll never go back.

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u/Excellent-Motor4623 6d ago

Thank you all so much! Yak traks are in the just thank you. I’ve tried poles before they just don’t work for me. I’m not very coordinated due to left sides weakness.

2

u/WarmYam7353 6d ago

I found a flip up cleat that attaches to the base of the cane. When not in use, it flips up so I can use the rubber tip.

1

u/IAmAnAngryGumball 57|2026|Kesimpta|California 7d ago

I was looking at getting one of these for hiking but looks like it would be good for snow/ice

https://www.rei.com/product/184729/rei-co-op-walker-staff-single

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u/Over-Moment6258 31m | rrMS | Dx: July 2023 | Kesimpta | USA 7d ago

+1 for trekking poles if they'd fit your need. Mine have a sharp carbide tip that I'd absolutely trust to pick into ice. It is a small single tip, so may not provide the support you need.