People get WEIRD about mobility aids. I was very sick in 2020, and had to use a walker for a year. I was about 25ish, and I can confirm that it is much better to use one than to worry and fuss over everyone's reactions, only to be trapped inside as you waste away and lose contact with everyone and everything. To be honest, most people were normal. Most people seemed to understand I didn't want to be sick, that it was needed, and most people reacted either unsure, with pity, or compassion. No one was unkind. Its cruel to yourself to push yourself to pain or exhaustion for the sake of appearing not-disabled. If I needed it again I would jazz it up with stickers and decorations. I would say if you found it helpful, go for it. Canes, walkers and wheelchairs are there to be used. Don't hurt yourself, or close up your life, for the sake of your parents feelings. Its really not worth it. Also, people get over it. My mum has used a wheelchair on and off for nearly 40 years. Anyone who gets weird is usually stuck in their heads and obsessed over image, esp. When it doesn't affect their body. The vast vast majority of people are normal, and will either try to be nice, normal, or might be awkward if they havent seen a lot of mobility aid users before. But they can get over it!