I'm having more difficulty walking due to the excruciating pain. They cane seem to not be doing very much to relieve the pain should I be going to a walker?
Did you begin with a walker? Important to realize that not everyone recovers at same rate. I used a simple walker (2 wheels and other 2 parts without the wheels) for 2 weeks. Then used a cane, but also a rollator walker (kind with 4 wheels and seat) so I could walk at a better pace. I wasn't really having pain but slowness and achiness in my leg. I did take Tylenol periodically even at that time.
Right about at the fourth week is when you start to get less pain. What is the pain from? Are you swollen? I never got any swelling but people who had swelling, it seems that the swelling causes them a lot of pain. Maybe if you could describe the pain more people could help you. Specifics always help :-)
Dear Jonesy
I think you will have a far better recovery if you use TWO crutches until you are able to walk strongly and with a good gait without. You will also avoid damaging your back and getting other pains. IMO it is very unhelpful to walk with only one crutch whatever the pros say!
Cheers Richard
Jonesy
I think the simple answer is YES. I've never used a walker as we generally use crutches in the UK (smaller houses, stairs etc) But I have used a supermarket trolley as a walker while shopping and it does make it easy to walk normally while taking some of the weight off your leg. With a stick it is very easy to develoip a limping walk.
When you have little pain but just want a bit of extra security or a small amount of partial weight bearing a stick is OK. But if it is sore you would be much better off with a walker (or crutches)
Mike