How long was you on crutches for

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi I am nearly 2 weeks post op and just thinking how long will it be before I'm down to just 1 crutch as who I have spoken to has said within 2 weeks but I still find it hurts to fully weight bear 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Clare

    I reduced to 1 crutch indoors when I felt stable enough and it wasn't affecting me pain wise or making me walk badly.

    I continued with 2 crutches outside until I was walking without pain, without limping and with a good correct gait.

    We all recover at different rates and we've all had the op using different prosthesis and methods.

    You need to progress in tune with your own body, not in tune with what others have achieved.

    Good luck with your recovery and remember to be kind to yourself and not do anything that would set you back in recovery.

    Sandra x

  • Posted

    Hi Clare,I have been told by my surgeon that i have to stay on two crutches and not go down to one or sticks for six weeks.

    However I can walk without any crutches as I have taken off accidentally without them several times in error.

    Last time I had my other THR I preferred crutches as I didnt stoop so much and i think it was about 8 weeks until I could do without walking aids but I had much more swelling that time especially round the knees which meant I could not drive until about 10 weeks.

    • Posted

      Hi Christine

      It does happen that we can walk without and sometimes forget. As uou probably know the main purpose of using crutches for around 6 weeks is 'support' while you bone grows onto the prosthesis and muscles and tissue recover. That's why it's important to use both until we are taking full weight without pain or limp and walking correctly.We all probably walked incorrectly for a long while due to hip problems and we have to learn to walk right again.

      Sandra x

  • Posted

    Don't be in too much of a hurry to ditch the support of those crutches - we all recover at different rates, you will probably discover that suddenly you are able to get around without them, probably when you least expect it.

    Graham

  • Posted

    Dear Clare

    Dont worry. I am 14 weeks post op, I felt the same as you at 2 weeks, dropped to 1 crutch, following well meaning comments from people who don't understand the implications if you do it too soon. I set myself back on recovery by doing this. I have to confess that although I am able to get around absolutely fine without crutches, I still take one with me when I walk my 🐶!! Sometimes I am fine and other times I limp after a bit and use the crutch - my surgeon said it is better to do that than limp!! 

    The comments regarding healing rates is so right - listen to your body and don't worry you are fine

    Best wishes

    Chris

  • Posted

    I was walking without a crutch inside at around 3 weeks. But I still used a single crutch on uneven ground outside for a bit longer. I didn't use 2 crutches much at all. I found 1 was enough most of the time. 

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