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Crutches

Posted , 24 users are following.

Guest
Guest

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!

1 like, 52 replies

52 Replies

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  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Guest

    Posted

    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. 👍

    • Guest
      Guest hope4cure

      Posted

      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
    • bernice24036
      bernice24036 hope4cure

      Posted

      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.

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure bernice24036

      Posted

      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.

       

  • Fritz2017
    Fritz2017 Guest

    Posted

    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.

     

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Fritz2017

      Posted

      Good for you Fritz so glad to hear your doin so well! 

      Thats 5 stars for a great hip review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

      Keep eps up the great attitude and many blessings healing on your recovery! 

  • penny08987
    penny08987 Guest

    Posted

    My first few days in crutches I had blisters my husband got some foam and black tape and covered my handles... Works a treat
  • Guest
    Guest Guest

    Posted

    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.

  • karen53823
    karen53823 Guest

    Posted

    I wrapped socks around crutch handles which seemed to do the trick 😊 Good luck

  • karen53823
    karen53823 Guest

    Posted

    I wrapped socks around crutch handles which seemed to do the trick 😊 Good luck

  • pam00470
    pam00470 Guest

    Posted

    aww,poor you!what about taping bubble wrap to the handles?perhaps it might ease the stretch between the thumb and fingers-but im also fedup of crutches!i only use one,outside,now,but before-it was law that if left anywhere they must fall over,they hurt my shoulders,my coat sleeve would be rucked up leaving a freezing wrist-oh i could go on!best wishes,pam.x
    • Guest
      Guest pam00470

      Posted

      I have been told always to use two outside in case of falling. I use one around the house. Am trying not to walk without crutches for a few days as I think this is what sent my back into spasm x
  • crissy_wissy
    crissy_wissy Guest

    Posted

    I put some foam insulation tube around the handles...much better!
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure crissy_wissy

      Posted

      Crissy_wissy great idea . Happy to see you back. Missed your helpful replies.

      hope you have hade a good hippie life. 

  • susanbaci
    susanbaci Guest

    Posted

    Assuming you are around 7 weeks, improvement will start coming.  Walking is essential to make you weight bear without assistance and I know how discouraging it is when the wrists are hurting.  

    I had the same problem with the walker (US)  and alternate with a rollator/walker using a hand wrist.  I’m starting to graduate to using a cane but only for getting around the house.  

    I’d google rollator/walkers.  Get a light weight one and google GLOW AND GO canes.  What’s good about these canes is that they have a jell handle which is very easy on the wrists.  

    It’s true that in the states walking sticks and canes are rarely used after hip replacement.  

    At least I think.  Google those two items and invest in them.  Alternate  between the 3 modalities to give your wrists a break.  

    Soon you’ll be taking steps with putting more and more weight and will be able to relieve the discomfort in the wrists which is so discouraging to add more problems to the mix

    Good luck!!!☺️

    • Guest
      Guest susanbaci

      Posted

      Today unexpectedly I managed 2x20 unaided steps. I set off without my crutch without thinking and then finding myself in the middle of the room panicked and set off back. It aches enormously just after but eases quickly. I know I will be walking unaided in the next few weeks x
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