Walking

Bones, joints and muscles
21

Ok thanks

22

As long as you're not in pain afterwards you should be fine. I would use two crutches when walking outside until you have seen your PT. I started using one and was told off as it is quite likely that you will not be putting your weight evenly on both legs by 4 weeks so you need two crutches to keep your gait right.

23

I notice that all the UK members talk about the use of crutches. As far as I know, in the US no one uses crutches following hip replacement surgery. We use walkers or we purchase walking canes.

24

They seem to like you on crutches as quickly as possible to start walking correctly I assume. Looking at people they seem to shuffle more with a walker. Op on Wednesday home with crutches on Friday.

25

Do all surgeons have a nurse, I thought there was only a secretary to ring.

26

Good observation Jen. Good luck with your surgery. Cheers Richard

27

Dear Anne

As Jen posted walkers do not encourage a proper walking.....more a shuffle that a proper walking gait and IMO canes do not provide the same support that an arm crutch does.

Cheers Richard

28

Dear Jen

In the case of my recent ankle replacement surgery my surgeon shares a nurse with a colleague and it seems to work well.

Cheers Richard

29

I saw my surgeon yesterday. I still have to use two crutches outside. One in the house and build up periods of time crutchfree x

30

I had a walker for about a day after the op and then reverted to crutches. I am actually hopeless with crutches and dumped them at the front door when I got home. I use a cane, I think as much for psychological support as actual support. 

31

I understand that, Richard, but in the US crutches are just not used. I used my walker for about a week, just indoors mostly. I do have hiking poles and a walking cane that I can use for my outside walks. As our weather is due to warm up significantly in the next week or two, I will resort to using my treadmill. I use both hands to hold on and I think that is probably my best bet for moving properly. In fact, I used it for 15 minutes this morning and my hip is feeling so much better since then.

32

Dear Anne

The treadmill sounds like a good alternative if it allows you to walk in a normal balanced way whilst taking some of the weight off your new hip.

Cheers, Richard