Morning all,
Would like to ask opinions on using my crutch. I have not used it outside for the last wk. I went out last nt and took it with me, (just in case) I ended up using it walking home. I found it a lot easier I wasn't limping as much as I do without it and could walk a lot quicker. Should I go bk to using it or struggle on without it. I'm 11 wks p.o. so should I be crutch free at this stage of recovery?
Have a good day,
Brenda xx
Morning Brenda
Have you considered swapping to a walking stick?
The reason I ask is that I saw a physiotherapist during the week and this is what she suggested for me.
She also suggested looking in charity shops for a walking stick...
Hi Chloe,
I did ask about a walking stick myself to physio a few wks ago. She said, you have more support with the crutch as it goes up arm, rather than stick being a bit shakey on hand/wrist. I have got one here (was my dad's ) I may give it a go. Thanks Chloe xx
Im just over 12 weeks and still using crutvh outdoors and will not be giving it up anytime soon tbh
Hi Brenda. I'm also at 11 weeks and still use a cane. I am going through physical therapy; which is rough! However, I was forewarned about not using the cane and "teaching" my body how to walk with a limp moving forward if I did not use it while re-learning how to walk correctly! I would speak to your Dr. And physical therapist before discarding it. Best of luck! Cindy
Hi All 30 wks post op physo said no stick as it would not help me with learning to walk with no limp. I bring the crutch for saftey on trips, but I get lots of pain in tigh when i over do it a stick does help,but the crutch has me walking straight,my Thr was due to accedent and has different issues ,I met a man yestrday and He had both done 6 yrs ago and he can touch his big toes ,but he uses elastic lases what a job no need to thigh them any more ,Great
Have a sensable walk and stay positave.
Hi Brenda,
It looks like you're getting lots of good advice here and I would definitely ask a physiotherapist if you're still seeing one.
My big goal is to not limp. So I am going to use AIDS until I can walk on my own without a limp. At 4 weeks post-op I'm definitely not there. And I don't know how long it will take. But I'll keep using the cane, crutch or walker until I'm able to walk without limping at all.
Hugs,
Leslie
So ... I guess my question would be: can you walk slowly and safely without it? If the answer is no, I would continue using it. But if using it just helps you 'speed' around still limping, I would reconsider as you are creating bad muscle memory that will be increasingly hard to reverse ...
L
Hi Brenda. ..I would get input from your physio about this. I used one crutch outside too at 11 weeks but was limping around the house too much with the Trendelenburg gait so Physio had me switch to a cane outside while working on my glutes. Each person is individual so there is no set time to ditch the aids but I would agree with others, don't switch too soon.
Best of luck,
Cathy
Hi Brenda, I'm 5.5 weeks post-op. I saw my Physio at 2 weeks & she told me to ditch the crutches & I'd already bought trekking poles. With crutches you do weight bear more on your arms & you also lean forward. My Physio told me to concentrate on walking really slowly but correctly - heel to toe. If you practice this really slowly you will find you won't limp at all. Also, keep upright like an imaginary string is attached to the centre of the top of your head. Speed will come with time & I have been practising this for a few weeks now & I'm nearly walking normally x
Excellent, excellent descriptions! This is another example of a classic that should be referenced in our collection of advice.
Xxx
L
Hello Brendahis if you feel more comfortable using crutch use it, it's all up to you , I'm 16wks along and still at times I use my cane because if I don't I limp so if you're worrying about that limp use a crutch or a cane. God bless you(Remember everyone heals so different) I thought by now I would be free of my cane.
Hi Brenda 2
It gets confusing when there's 2 Brenda's. All my years I haven't known it as a popular name. I am now 6 months post op and have been walking without aid for at least 4 months but I often wonder if I would have been better with crutches. When I used the crutches I found I could straighten myself better but because I have OA in my hands I found my fingers were locking. Or this reason I found crutches easier than a stick but with a stick I had a tendency to bend more and I have a curved spine to start with and need to try to straighten my posture.
Just listen to your body and do what is the easiest for yourself. You are still in the early stages and it can only improve with time. Keep up the good work and thinking of you
Brenda 1