Are you wondering whether you need a cane to help manage your arthritis symptoms?

As you deal with your arthritis symptoms, you may find assistive devices help you manage day-to-day tasks more efficiently. If your arthritis progresses over time, you could also need new assistive devices. For those people with arthritis in their knees, hips or elsewhere that makes walking difficult, a cane may be a wise choice. If you're having trouble getting around and aren't sure whether a cane would be the best choice for you, read on:

Do you have any trouble standing or walking?

Many people are reluctant to begin to use a cane, even when it could benefit them. But rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in particular may notice that a cane produces a significant decrease in pain, and may even help protect their joints from further damage. Still, it's common to wait until walking is nearly unbearable to consider using an assistive device. This may be a mistake.

"I encourage it, especially if you have pain in your hips, knees or ankles," Marie-Jose Benjamin, an occupational therapist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, told Everyday Health about cane use for people with arthritis.

Instead, take honest inventory: Is it hard for you to stand from a seated position? Is walking difficult? If the answer to these questions is yes, you should seriously consider using a cane now, rather than waiting until the problems worsen. You may wish to talk to your doctor and your support network about any feelings of shame or discomfort you have with the idea of being visibly disabled, as this is often a reason people choose not to use the assistive devices available to them.

Selecting the right cane for you

There are several considerations you need to make if you do decide to purchase a cane. First of all, make sure to get one that allows you to stand up straight - and get an adjustable one if the heights of your shoes change with your outfits. You should also think about what you can handle carrying around all day in terms of weight, and what your hands can manage in terms of grip. Experts say you want the tip of your cane to be in good shape and easily replaceable as well, as it's important for your ability to use it to balance.

For more on assistive devices for arthritis:

Accessories for Arthritis Patients
Could Shoes Relieve Your Arthritis Pain?
Tips & Gadgets for Cooking with Arthritis