on the topic of mobility aids i just want to throw out a non-comprehensive list of tips from someone who's been using mobility aids for 10 years
everyone has different needs and responds differently to certain mobility aids
if a cane isn't right for you, it doesn't mean you shouldn't look into other aids to see if they help
neurological conditions and things like strokes and brain aneurysms can cause someone to struggle with balance for life and are more than welcome to try out mobility aids
it doesn't matter if it's a genetic condition or an injury- consider an aid
wearing braces and using walkers, canes, and so on is very normal after injuries. please use them if you are in pain for a long time after an injury. injuries are serious too
if you buy a cane and it didn't work out for you, you're hurting no one
folding canes are helpful but have a lower weight limit generally speaking
crutches may be a good idea for you if you really struggle with balance and stability
your mileage will vary with each type of aid. you may benefit more from one aid at one time, and more from another in other situations. you may need several different kinds
if you need a rollator, wheelchair or scooter, it really is okay to get or try one. if your insurance won't cover it it's okay to buy or crowdfund one
walkers and rollators require low upper body strength, unless they need to be lifted up on to a curb in which case the user may need assistance
even the lightest and most well constructed wheelchairs are still heavy. they require a lot of upper body strength and mass to propel if you are doing it completely by yourself. you may also need assistance transporting them, getting them up or down hills, on to curbs, and so on
if you struggle to walk for extended periods of time (30+ minutes uninterrupted) you probably need some type of aid. if you have poor balance you may need some type of aid.
you're not hurting anyone if you end up not needing the aids. it's fine to try them
it doesn't matter if the pain or exhaustion or bad balance is related to your weight. you deserve to be as mobile as you want to and can be. its okay for fat people to use mobility aids. it's not embarrassing. being a fat person using a mobility aid in public isn't embarrassing. the people insinuating that are. fat people deserve quality of life