after i had the meniscus in my right knee repaired the hospital provided me with crutches -- i never used them and eventually gave them to my nephew for use after his back surgery [he was hit by a car -- long, ugly story]. i used a walking stick. i could shake it at people and do all sorts of things with it -- even threaten [in jest] the director of a very large metropolitan library.

i like the 'clue stick'. it can help some folks immensely.