My Third Leg

My Third Leg

Some days are three-legged days, others not.

In the Fall of 2025, I discovered my legs were no longer dependable to get me around. My right hip and knee were in pain and buckled when I went down the stairs, threatening to pitch me headlong to the bottom.

Back pain has come and gone over the years, most of the time the pain hits unexpectedly. I can be moving just fine. Activities are not a problem.

I mean, who can resist picking up a grandchild running full-force at you, yelling, “Graaaandmaaaa!” One of my favorite things about being a grandma.

But in the Fall of 2025, pain hit the right side of my body, from my hip through my knee and down to my foot.

There wasn’t any traumatic event. I don’t even remember what I was doing when it hit.

Our home has 2 levels. Our bedroom and offices are on the upper floor, the living area and kitchen on the main level.

Going downstairs, my right knee buckled under the pain and effort. Fortunately, there was a hand railing and I was able to grab on for dear life and stop my forward momentum before it took me tumbling down the stairs.

Over the following days, the pain only grew worse. I measured my steps up and down the stairs, trying to save myself the pain of multiple trips.

After a visit to the chiropractor, it helped, but the pain persisted. In 2018, I had a severe episode of sciatic pain in my back where I could only stand or lie down. Sitting was out of the question. It went on for three months.

However, I had not had right leg pain like I was experiencing. Doing some research, I discovered sciatic pain can radiate down the leg, impacting the knee and ankle areas.

Since there weren’t any other indications that something else was wrong, I decided to tough it out until my body had decided to stop throwing a fit.

If you’ve ever had back pain, sciatic pain, etc. you understand exactly what I’m talking about. Even though your experience is likely different, pain can greatly impact your daily activities.

My husband has a black wooden cane he has used for many years, after two episodes of bacterial spinal meningitis damaged some of the nerves in his left leg. He doesn’t always need it, but when he does, out comes the black cane.

He generously offered me the use of his cane to assist with getting around and safely ambulating up and down the stairs. Although perfect for his height, it was a little tall for me, but it helped a lot.

After about a month, the pain showed no sign of subsiding. I realized I probably really needed to get my own cane.

Visits to my chiropractor continued to help, but the pain didn’t completely go away.

My Third Leg

So, internet, here I come! I went in search of a walking cane for myself.

What I found, was that you needed to get one that fit you, which required a measurement from my hand to the floor. Oh, and I needed to have low-heeled shoes on as well.

Now, I used to be 5’3”, but alas at my last provider appointment they told me I’m now 5’2”. What?

Anyway, I looked at A LOT of walking canes, walking sticks, all sorts. As I read, I made a list of what I needed and what canes provided those things on the list.

I finally found two different canes that fit the needed criteria that I wanted to try.

One was metal, the Vive Folding Cane. 

It is adjustable, compact, foldable and able to go anywhere with me. Although cheaper than the wooden one, I was concerned it wouldn’t be as stable as my husband’s wooden one.

The other one was a wooden one with an ornate collar ring. Asterom Handcrafted Walking Cane  

It looks regal and very sturdy. A bit more expensive, but who wants their walking cane to go out from under them when their walking? So I purchased this one as well.

I figured I didn’t need two, but I wanted to try them both. Using them for six months, here’s what I found.

The Vive Folding Cane metal and adjustable, fit me perfectly. It also has a brown, gold and black leopard pattern on it. I love it for my more sassy side. It is very sturdy and has not let me down yet. (Lol, pun intended.)

It’s great for when it rains because you can just wipe it off when it gets wet or messy. No muss, no fuss. I can put it in the front or back of my car and grab it before getting out.

I live in the northern Midwest, so ice and snow is a real thing in the winter. I didn’t have any problems with either cane slipping on the ice, snow, or wet pavement.

The wooden one, Asterom Handcrafted Walking Cane, is beautiful, a real work of art. They use oak wood, which is sturdy, stylish and sophisticated. It provides a very smooth wooden surface with no risk of splinters.

Both canes have a rubber tip. Because I have had wrist surgery in the past, I chose an ergonomic-shaped handle, as you can see in the accompanying pictures.

Both walking canes have served me well. Though my pain has persisted, it has waxed and waned, so I like to keep one of the canes nearby.

My knee pain also caused difficulties getting my shoes and boots on and off. The extra effort caused the pain in my knee to worsen and I needed some assistance.

Back to the internet. After more research, I found the perfect thing!

The Fanwer Extendable Shoe Horn. 

It’s adjustable, so no matter how tall or short you are, you can find the right length to help you with your shoes.

Although metal, it’s smooth and doesn’t cause any friction with your socks or shoes. There is a spring just above the head of the horn that lets it flex as you put your shoes on.

The Fanwer Extendable Shoe Horn has been a back and a leg saver. I don’t know why I haven’t had one sooner! I actually loved it so much I ordered another to have upstairs.

These items have made a big difference in helping me safely navigate instability issues.

Some days are three-legged days, others…not so much.

I do hope at some point, my back and leg pain won’t be a constant issue.

But at least now I have what I need when instability issues arise, whatever form they take.

If you have instability issues like mine, or others, I hope you will be safe and find the products that will work for you.

I’m grateful if stability issues aren’t a current concern for you. In the meantime, I would suggest acquiring the tools you may need, before you need them.

As we know, with aging, things can happen, especially when least expected.

Until next time, happy, safe ambulating!

Let’s Stand in the Present, Look Back at the Past, Move Forward Without Fear, together.

All the best to you,

Charlene 🙂

Amazon Product Links:

Vive Folding Cane https://amzn.to/4cULBzE

Asterom Handcrafted Walking Cane https://amzn.to/4d33HzH

Fanwer Extendable Shoe Horn https://amzn.to/4ulohC3

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You can find an in-depth product review Here.