I am fed up of crutches. They dig into my hands causing a bright red shiny strip. I can’t walk more than 20 minutes because of this . Takes almost an hour for my hand to recover. I have tried gloves . Any suggestions or I am never going to get far? I think the handles are too big for my little hands!
I bought a couple of covers that wrap round the hand hold. Mine are brightly striped so look good too.
Where from. My main problem is the stretch from thumb to first finger asthe grip is big and my hands are tiny
Is this after THR? I never used crutches. Only walker then cane. I'm in US.
I have been on them about 18 months and you must really moisturise your hands constantly, mine used to bleed below the thumb but ok now, I still can't get far because of RA but better than my wheelchair, how much longer have you got
I had the same problem and asked for a 4 wheel walker with seat, carry basket and breaks. It’s maneuverability is so much easier on hands wrist shoulders. And height is adjustable and hand grip is kinder on sore hands because leaning and pressure points are totally different. Comes with a basket. Easy load in basket or on seat to cart things around. So much easier and helps develop a better walking gate. Easy fold into car on trips and storage. 👍
They give us frame then crutches here- then nothing- in the UK
Isn’t the idea to wean yourself off crutches. I only use one st home but been told to use two outside. I think it is the pressure through themon hard surfaces x
I moisturise constantly but running the risk of blisters or walking less!
I don't think the doctors or therapists who prescribe crutches have ever really used them. I had them for a broken leg...not only hurt my hands but my arm pits as well. Where we live, you start out with what we call a walker. It is amazingly well designed, and before long you can scoot along like crazy. It simulates the way your leg will move when fully recovered which gets you going in no time. Then we go to a cane which you use on the not operated side, especially when you go out for a little extra stability.
I am 72 and not in the greatest shape when I had my THR 6 weeks ago. Am fully mobile and pain free now.
These are just suggestions that you could maybe talk to your treatment team about.
Hope you find a solution that works really well for you.
I agree. When I received my 4 wheel walker I felt like I received a car. Made life so much easier. I was able to shop for groceries and the mall, take walks in the park. I am pain free after back surgery and both my hips replaced within 2 years. However, I still have a very bad limp. I still go to PT and I'm hopeful for improvement. In the meantime the walker allows me to remain mobile.
My first few days in crutches I had blisters my husband got some foam and black tape and covered my handles... Works a treat
Hi Catt1, my physical therapist started me out in the hospital on a walker & when I first got home then graduating to a cane. It's so easy to get frustrated!Just take it one day at a time. I had both hips replaced on 9/13/17 & 12/6/17. Good luck.
I totally agree with Bernice .. The 4 wheel walker does help you get back rom walkin with a good gate and less side effects on all the other joints.and better quality of movement. And lesss issues with other joints.
I was a mess with the old stiff walkers. I never tried crutches just the handle grip on the stiff leggged walkers which like crutches really got in the way with exercising & walking . Once I switched to 4 wheel walker I began to improve leaps and bounds as there was no longer stress on other joints. It’s the difference between a Jeep and a upscale car 🚘 with all the extra comfort features.
this was my third THR and I wish I had known about the walker sooner. I would have done much better in recovery because recovery from revision is a bit tricky with extra bones to heal and other complications from the primary implant.
I got them off Amazon. They do help me. Have a look.
I wrapped socks around crutch handles which seemed to do the trick 😊 Good luck
I wrapped socks around crutch handles which seemed to do the trick 😊 Good luck
That's not true they give you walking stick, I had complications and ended up with 3 times operated through same wound and they get you walking with a stick as soon as you feel comfortable , I went private because I was lucky enough to be covered in insurance but the health system in the uk is very good
I never got a walking stick, I had to buy mine from Amazon. I never got a walker either. The only things I was given were crutches and a bit of material to help me lift my foot into bed. They did offer several other things but I would have had to pay for them. They were pretty expensive too I thought.
I'm in the US, too. I asked the PT why crutches are not used in the US and she said that they do cause people to have sore underarms and hands. I used a walker for a week or so, then a cane. As long as the cane is held in the hand opposite the side of the hip replacement, walking with a cane does help the patient to walk correctly.