Advice needed on use of crutches?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, could you lovely people advise me how long you used your crutches for?

I am 6 weeks post op and I am happily on the mend!

I never used my crutches around the house on my return from hospital, mainly because I only have a little house, I think I would have been more at risk of using them indoors!!

whenever I have been out since I have used my  crutches, but using them less and less now.

however I have found when doing a shop at the local supermarket by the time I get to the checkout, I feel exhausted and in pain again?

I don't know if I should still be using them?

I have another week to go before I have my post op consultation with the hospital, obviously I will ask their advice when I go?

but I just wondered if you could share with me when you felt ready to part with the crutches?

Thanks

Pauline.

 

2

Hi Schu 

Glad to hear your doing well.

It was my Physio who advised me to reduce the use of crutches

 At 4 weeks post op i was to only use 1. And at 6 weeks none at all. When at the supermarket earlier on i used the trolley for support.

Keep up your hard work and good luck with consultant .

Pegs x

 

3

Hi,  I did use my crutches about the house for about 4 weeks, but found I needed them less and less.  From memory, I'm convinced they were totally redundant after about 5 weeks.  I seem to remember taking them back to the physio department long before my six week consultant appointment.

Yes I went shopping and around the supermarket after abandoning them, and yes, I was fatigued and tired and in pain for a while afterwards.  But my philosophy was to try and force the knee to work, and train myself to wak properly once more instead of the limping I had done before the operation.  I tend to take some pain killers before I leave the house, and keep a few paracetamol with me, while I'm out, just in case.

Not sure that's any help to you, but it's my experience....May advice?..Dump the sticks..smile

4

I tore my acl and meniscus in march I was on crutches for 2 weeks then I stopped using them constantly and only when I needed them. I had my meniscus repaired 5 weeks ago and was on crutches constantly this was to protect the repair until my ACL surgery was carried out ( got that done on Friday ) this means another 2 weeks on crutches. The crutches are there to take the pressure off your knee so I would use them when you feel you need them unless the physio tells you not to use them and to start walking to improve your range of movement 

5

Hello Schumacher. Racing driver or cobbler?

I've had my first post op check-up (at 8 wks) and had finished using my crutches then, tho was still not walking evenly, without limping a bit. I think the best thing to is to go with what your knee is telling you. I met someone at the check-up who was still using a stick, and the surgeon was perfectly happy about it. 

It's pretty painful for quite a while, when you've walked about a lot and at night, but it goes eventually (I had my other knee done earlier in the year). The shopping trolley in the supermarket is a very good walking aid! 

Good luck. Ann

6

Hi and well done to you, you seen ts be getting on just fine. Iam 7weeks post op and haven't used my crutches or walking aids since I left hospital.i have been out but am a little nervous about walking unaided. And like you the knee and leg get very painful. I only did physio twice then I was discharged. So really don't know how to build my confidence up again. Knee very stiff but feels strong. I would be interested in what your consultant has to say take care tucks 

7

well done pauline, you are doing amazingly well. i am 3 & 1/2 weeks post op, but still use mine. having said that, i have used 2 sticks for years for my spinal stenosis, so i will wait for my 6 weeks. having my knee done is not going to make my back any better, but i have an electric scooter for going out, so its just a case of getting the strength back into my knee & leg. keep up the good work. julie xx

8

I kept forgetting to use my sticks. I would find myself walking round the house carrying them. When I saw the consultant at just  under 6 weeks  he said it was ok not using them.  I went back to work at 8 weeks and managed getting on the bus although I did find it hard to tuck my leg in far enough for certain seats. I had been in so much pain and was so limited pre op that I've never minded the pain I've  had since.  I'm nearly 7 months poet op now and running around like a spring chicken. I've found it'd took pain to gain.

9

Hi Pegs, nice to hear from you!!

Yes, I have been using the trolley for support in the supermarket too, but still feel shattered and can't wait to get home and elevate my knee!! 

I've not seen a physio since I left hospital which seems to be so different from others on this site? I am seeing one next Monday at my 6 week check up! I was just give a leaflet with exercises to do?

Also I never had to wear the dreaded stockings I hear so many others complain about!! Very grateful for that !! I had to inject myself with a blood thinning injection for 10 days, mind you I did get sick of that, my abdomen was all shades of green and yellow with bruising after the 10 days!!

Interesting that different hospitals/surgeons differ on aftercare so much. I am in Nottingham, not sure why things are so different here?

Anyway will let you know what surgeons advises.

Take care pegs.xxx

10

How refreshing to read your blog. I am 7weeks and have not used crutches or stick around the house since I left hospital. I had had my share of problems but I am driving again which is good. I am however very nervous to walk out side on my own. Alright in supermarkets with holding on to trolleys ect buT once I have nothing to grab if I need it I am out. Of my comfort zone. Any tips on how to get my confidence back.? From tucks

11

Hi I am 5 months post op and stopped using my crutches about 4 weeks after the operation. I used the shopping trolley but got very tired and at first made the mistake of doing too much shopping so by the time I got to the checkout I felt sick. I then decided to just do a litlle shopping until I felt able. I have bought myself a folding stick and have just been to Menorca. I didnt use it because of my silly pride but think I should have. I am waiting to have my other knee done and am in considerable pain with this. Just let your body tell you and dont feel a failure if you seem to go backwards (not literally)  now and again.

12

Hi there, I gave up the crutches at about 6 weeks or so. I find the trolley helps at the supermarket too. Like you though I get very tired. I am able to last a bit longer now (10 weeks tomorrow) but still am glad to get back in the car. I find standing at the checkout is the worst. I suppose we must pace ourselves. I find it very frustrating as in my head I want to do things but my leg won't let me! If anything, I think I've found it more painful the last few weeks but I think that's because I've been doing more. I found the crutch a bit of a nuisance when out shopping but I wouldn't worry about using it if you find it useful. Both my consultant and physio were quite happy for me to give it up though. Do what feels right for you but, in my experience, don't overdo things. Jen x

13

I just tried very short walks out on my own at first. I wouldn't worry about taking your crutch for a while if you don't feel confident though. I find I'm okay on the flat but going downhill is more difficult. I feel quite confident now though, even though I still get some discomfort. (10 weeks post op now). You'll do it! 😊 Jen x

14

Hi Pete , nice to hear from you again, thank you for the advice!! 

15

Hi Jamie, Thank you for your advise. I too tore my meniscus about 3 years and I remember being on crutches for about 4 weeks after? My knee never really got better after that op hence the eventual TNR. Hope you continue to recover well.

Pauline.

16

Hi Ann, thank you for your good advise!!

It's the racing driver by the way !! Been a big fan over 20 years.x

17

Hi Tucks, good to hear from you ! Thank you for your advice. I know what you mean about losing your confidence walking without crutches as I feel the same.i think it's something we will gradually get back over time. I think my partner Paul will be glad when I stop grabbing him for support all the time!! Take care.xx

18

Hi Julie, nice to hear from you ! 

I am glad you are managing to get around on your scooter. Nothing worse than being stuck indoors!! Thank you for replying.

Pauline.x

19

Hi, 

Thank you for replying and for your advice.

I was amazed to hear you was back at work at 8 weeks!! My doctor has just given me another sick certificate for 2 months!! Mind you I am a nurse and I am on my feet for 10 hour shifts so don't think I will be ready to do that for a while? My doctor says I won't be back at work till after Christmas??

Pauline.

20

Thank you Joan, it was good to hear I am not the only one struggling at the supermarket!! Best wishes and thanks for replying.

Pauline.