Please note, this is my personal experience of living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, the treatments and path to diagnosis and should therefore not be taken as medical advice. I am aware that some complaints are only indirect EDS symptoms but these also contribute to the overall picture and my experience with the condition, EDS.
Walking aids are essential for many EDS patients to remain mobile. A walking stick, walker or crutches often have to be used after a subluxation of the hip, knee or ankle, to relieve joints affected by EDS in advance or to prevent falls. EDS destabilizes the joints and we compensate for this by consciously or unconsciously adjusting our posture, which results in overloading other joints and muscles. I myself had to use crutches for a few weeks after a subluxation of my hip.
My mobility and strength are gradually deteriorating and I realize that aids would help me to be better and more capable. However, I am afraid of getting into a negative spiral and I postpone using them. Having to use aids continuously has a major effect on someone’s life. Work, accessibility and social contacts are affected by it. EDS is a disabling condition. Postponing the use of aids is for me part of fighting this condition.
Living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 