Just to represent the non-conformist side, while a "cane" is the conventional solution, for a "youngster" with good upper body strength and flexibility a good quarter-staff can't be beat.

A hoe handle about long enough to reach eyeball level when standing allows you to "pull up" to support yourself when you get tired of "pushing down" cane-style. A grip at about armpit level naturally keeps the spine straight. Put a rubber "crutch tip" on the bottom end so it doesn't slip for "town use," if you want; although just the bare tapered wooden tip works much better for "cross-country" limping.

And it's much better for "whackin' the little whippersnappers" that make fun of you - or any others that are rude to the "temporary crip." Admitted, it's not quite as handy as a cane getting in and out of taxis and busses, but in "appropriate circumstances" it makes a good trade-off to use a little different set of muscles.

Of course, if you have "image baggage"...

John