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graduating from walker to cane

Posted , 9 users are following.

libby96241
libby96241

When is it appropriate or safe to discontinue the Walker and start using a cane?

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • vickie06043
    vickie06043 libby96241

    Posted

    My orthopedic surgeon said when I felt comfortable in doing so. :-)
  • Chloeparrot
    Chloeparrot libby96241

    Posted

    Hi Libby

    The simple answer is - when you're ready.

    Everyone heals at a different rate, so there isn't a universally time that is right for everyone.

    Good luck with your healing journey - and remember to be a patient patient!

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen libby96241

    Posted

    It is different for everyone and only you can tell. If you feel steady and strong enough and have reasonable balance then just do it. If you do not have the confidence have someone with you when you transition to a cane. You could consider a half way house by using crutches or two sticks.

    How long ago was your surgery and how successful was it?

    Cheers Richard

    • libby96241
      libby96241 RichardKen

      Posted

      Three weeks ago and I just did a 40-minute walk and wore out the bottoms of my walker which only has two wheels.. I'm wondering if anyone transition to Nordic walking sticks rather than a cane

  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 libby96241

    Posted

    Hi Libby,

    This is different for everyone as there are so many variables (age, strength, type of hip surgery, etc.) I was 49, in good physical condition, and had the anterio-lateral hip surgery.  The only restriction that my specialist gave me after surgery was do not extend that leg back until week 6.  He said that as long as I felt stable enough to do it, I would need any type of walking aids.  I used the walker for the first week and then tried to use a cane.  The cane was just a nuisance.  I really didn't see any purpose in it, so I ditched that after a day or two.  At my 10 day check up post op I walked into the specialists office without the use of anything and have not looked back. 

    They main thing is that you feel stable and strong enough not to fall.  Once you've grasped that, you should be good to gosmile

  • beth2509
    beth2509 libby96241

    Posted

    I knew it was time to start losing the cane when I had to search the house for it, having put it down and absent mindedly having walked off without it!!!!
    • libby96241
      libby96241 beth2509

      Posted

      How many weeks after surgery were you walking independently?
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen beth2509

      Posted

      I loved your reply Beth!  When I had my THR I tried to leave hospital with just one walking stick but the staff were insistant that I went with two, however as soon as I was home I discarded the second one and then the other in a few days.  

      On May 11th I'm booked in to have my 20 year hip revised and it will be interesting to see how quickly I relinquish all means of support and recover being twenty years older!

      Cheers

      Richard

    • beth2509
      beth2509 libby96241

      Posted

      I can't answer that clearly as I need it for an ankle that needs surgery. Around the house I am fine but outside my ankle is at risk. But about three  weeks I think. However my hip did recover faster than most - I was able to walk without pain 12 hours after surgery and have never looked back. I think the point is, you will know when it's time. Your body tells you it can manage now.

    • beth2509
      beth2509 RichardKen

      Posted

       Well I'm 60 in September, and I had no problems with the hip. I know it's all individual anyway, but I think being flexible helps.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen beth2509

      Posted

      Dear Beth

      I'm sure that fitness has a lot to do with a good outcome but a bit of good luck comes in handy too!

      Cheers Richard

    • vickie06043
      vickie06043 RichardKen

      Posted

      Wow you got 20 years out of your hip. The most I got was 16. Good luck to you!
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen vickie06043

      Posted

      Dear Vickie

      Thanks and not only has it lasted me well have done a huge amount of physical work on it over those years. The surgery changed my life from hitting the buffers to getting back to normal measured in weeks not months.

      Good luck Richard

  • judith12644
    judith12644 libby96241

    Posted

    Hi Libby, I suppose when you feel strong and steady enough? I had a walker in hospital, but only on the day of the op. After that I had crutches, and from day 4 I used a single crutch at home, but used them both outside. I would imagine that crutches steady you more than a cane. I didn't ever have one. (Don't forget to hold it in the opposite side to your replacement.) Good luck.

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