Why are we not issued crutches when pf is diagnosed. I have some after surgery and it occurred to me that using crutches means a lot less weight on your feet and even no walking possible on one foot. This would enable complete rest for the affected foot. If both are affected it would still help lesson the weight on your feet. You can purchase non-weight bearing crutches (under arm not elbow crutches) from the Internet quite reasonably priced. I saw some for £20.
I think you make a valid point. But nobody wants the burden of using crutches and if extreme cushioning of the heel solves the problem, why bother with crutches. However crutches before surgery makes a lot of sense to me. doknabox
I've heard from others that they were recommended to use crutches to help during the "rest" phase of recovery from PF. Personally, I haven't used them for PF but did for a badly twisted ankle in high school - my recommendation to anyone using crutches: Be sure they fit you properly and you're using them the right way -- a lot of people rest their armpits on the cushions when their weight should be supported by their hands keeping the crutches close to the side.
I would warn, for the less agile of us, crutches can be more harm than help - especially if you use them improperly - can lead to tripping, falling and additional injury.
Good luck to all!
Yes I agree with your comments and care is needed. I just meant when your feet are so sore that walking is a nightmare. After all you would use them with a broken foot bone. Gel heels did not work for me in the initial stages.
I would hope that when crutches are issued advice is given.
Usually when purchased all medical aids come with instructions for use. It is the responsibility of everyone to read instructions of any equipment before using it.
I have fallen using mine even with instructions but then I have fallen many times without them too. One of the causes of my falls was my flat feet that also was responsible for my pf
I go round in circles......
Also resting enough can in some cases resolve the pf issue totally as resting definitely helps some. I just thought crutches might help this.
Completely understand ... I know when I first had PF my thought was to have my husband cart me around like a rickshaw! I never tried the gel inserts, so don't know how effective they are - I got new (and proper) running shoes for my feet. (I looked at the walkers my doctor recommended, but just couldn't bear to wear them - they were just SO UGLY) ... luckily, I'm usually in running shoes anyway, so the change wasn't dramatic (though the improvement in my PF was).
I was also terrible at wearing the night brace he recommended. I think I wore it twice.
I am now about six months pain free and am back to running! So don't despair. You can come back from PF and return to normal!
I also didn't like the shoes. I also got trainers. I wore a foot brace 24 hours for months to correct my gait and eventually I had surgery. Still recovering from second foot op. First was a big success. Hoping this one is too. Total feet reconstruction not just for pf. Pf in first foot gone. Fingers crossed.
Chrisy Ive been on crutches for the last few days do to pain all through my foot. My foot has been throbbing for the last three days and its not allowing me to put any weight on my foot what so ever. I told my gp about this a few years ago when it was acting up and he did nothing. Thank goodness I already had a pair of crutches to get around on at the time. Getting around on the crutches do seem to help though. The only problem is I end up staying on crutches for several week til im able to get around with out having to be on the crutches.
Hi Jason I also use crutches for flare ups. And like you I also put myself on them. It helps so much and I am thankful that I am able to get around even if it is on only one foot. I have found that going shoeless with only a sock on the affected foot is best for me. I sometimes am also on them for a few weeks to a month. I would love to chat sometime if you would.
James I also found that was the only thing to help the pain subside in my foot as well. Even though it usually kept me on the crutches for at least up to three weeks or more. Ive had to go on crutches on several different occasions .
Jason did you wear anything on your PF foot? Were you able to at least wear a sock?
Yes I could put a sock on my foot if i wanted to . But most of the time i didn't . I just kept my foot sockless and shoeless the whole time and just used the crutches when i needed to get around on my left foot. But using crutches really helped me.
Jason if i give you my phone number you think we could text?
I don't think they'll allow it but you can try it. I still am forced to use my crutches when the pain gets unbearable in my foot. So Ive been keeping my crutches close by . Because I never know when I'll need to be on mine for the day or multiple days.
i am the same way. i have good days and bad days. somedays i have to hop on one foot till i can get to my crutches. i have arthritis in my foot and ankle as well so it can be bad. my # is
616-419-9249
I'm convinced though that mine is more than pf. Do to the fact I'm still having to use crutches for mine on bad days. Do to the fact that the pain for me is unbearable on a daily basis now. both through the top of the foot and the bottom of the foot as well. I also have arthritis in both feet but my right foot is the worse between the two. Its constantly hurting and some days I'm not able to put any of my weight on it. Those days I'm on the crutches all day long.
I feel your pain Jason. Im actually having a bad morning today. my left foot in in a great amount of pain. I was out the door quick and by the time i got to work i was in so much pain. My shoe is off and my foot up on a chair. I had to hop around to get a few things. Im gonna get my crutches as soon as im home. Hey send me a quick text if you would so i can get your number before its deleted. Hope you have a better day with your foot then me.
My right foot never stops aching me any more. If I were you keep your crutches close to you so when you have a day like you are today you don't have to hop to far from where your crutches are at the time. When I'm in throbbing foot pain I'll go to my closet right then and put them under my arms to get me the rest of the way to where I'm going . I'll usually prop them on the arm on the couch when i sit down. I do not lay them in the floor like some people will. And if need be take your crutches to work if you can bot walk on your bad foot at the time. Or just stay home so you are not on that foot all day long. I'm looking into getting an iwalk crutch it's a hands free crutch that will keep your hands free .
I had an iwalk and i hated it. taking it on and off and its clunky. I think you will like the crutches a lot better. Just my opinion.