Crutches

Hi maxyboy, its an individual thing really getting rid of the crutches, i was down to one within about two weeks, whatever you feel comfortable with to be honest, it takes ages for the strength to build up, im now into my 5th month and sometimes it aches like hell if i do too much walking, other times its ok, so go with what you feel is ok for you, best regards chris

I consider I've healed well and after a week I put my Walker away!  Everyone is different but I was confident when putting my hip into action spurred on by two Tylenol when having physio and when I needed to keep going. My physio is what has made a huge difference to how I walk.  I'm only 3 weeks into recovery from anterior replacement and altho I tire after a couple of hours I am more or less doing most of my chores except pushing the vacuum and mopping. Anything which drops to the floor I use a grabber for. I have not taken on driving yet as I need to use my leg for accelerator and brake and it has to be strong for that but I'm hoping in the next week to try it out once I've spoken to physiotherapist. I have practiced going up and down a staircase but altho I can go down on two feet coming back up is a challenge for me until the abductor muscles are stronger.  If I were you I would speak to physiotherapist to get some help.  It could be that you don't have the confidence yet in your new hip. Good luck to you!

Maxyboy,

  I had my THP Sept 30th. Be patient and try using just one crutch on the opposite side of your surgical leg. I used mine whenever I went out for about six-seven wks, maybe more as needed, because I was afraid of falling or getting too tired. I tried to do without as much as possible while at home but sometimes I just had to give the leg a rest. It's also important to walk as straight as you can to train the muscles properly. I also found a longer gate for me was less painful than small steps. The time will come when the crutch is just a nuisance and you will know it's time to put it away. It sounds contradictory, but the more you walk the less pain you will have and the stronger you will get. Everyday will get better and around wk 12, you will turn the corner and feel great. I walk a mile and half every other day now(weather permitting) and feel like I'm on my way to some normalcy.

Good luck,

Kathee

I am now 9 weeks post op.  When I saw my physio a week ago, I felt that I still needed crutches outside the house, but in the last week I have had the confidence to go short distances (c1,000steps) without them.  Still using them for our dog walks though.  I'll try going without them for a dog walk in the next few days, but only on smooth terrain.  Think I'll wait a while before trying to clamber over fallen trees and negotiate tree roots, ditches etc (we live in the New Forest) without crutches!  The key thing is that my job means that I need to walk quite a bit and I want to be off the crutches before I go back to work.  As I only have two weeks to go, I am trying to see if that will be possible .

hi maxy boy i was not on cruches at all when i had my 6 week check up

I am into my 7th week too,on one crutch when i go out,can really stride along,at home I walk around with no crutches,I am practising walking properly at home and feel that hip is still weak...I believe it is just a question of time and am going back to the gym to use bikes etc to strengthen my hip and leg..we all progress at different times,i am sure in time your hip will be finex

Hi Maxyboy,

For me, after my first THR, I was walking without any aids by the 5th week.  It felt like I had not even had surgery done.  Amazing really.  However, I worked out in the gym prior to the surgery, so I really believe that exercises designed for gaining strength in all of our muscles is important.  

My second THr, four months later, is still a nightmare 15 months later and am heading into a revision hopefull next month.  However, being that my second one was not done correctly, I cannot use this experience for reference on how soon one can walk again without aids, for I am still using a cane and sometimes forced to use my walker.

Patience and exercise is the key.

Glad you are doing so well!

Dawn U.S.

Hi Maxyboy, I'm almost 6 wks after a THR and when I try walking without 1 crutch I'm limping. I see my surgeon in a week so will get his opinion then.  I was down to 1 crutch after around 3 wks so I expected to be off it by now but it must take time to build the strength in the operated hip.