I grew up in a background of cruthces walking sticks zimmer frames and wheelchairs. I myself have been a walking stick user for a long time each of these items is no more than a tool to make our life easier or safer to get on with. I have never been left feeling demeaned by the use of the word on the whole i have found that if I belive good of a person they will live up to my expectation. I have also noticed that people who are ready to think the worst of people will find offence because that is what they are looking for.