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Pain in Ribs Following Incorrect Height of Crutch

Posted , 6 users are following.

Yoga_lass
Yoga_lass

I am 8 weeks post-operative and was doing really well, until recently suffering from a pulled muscle/bruised rib on my non-operative side. I was told to only use one crutch two weeks after my right hip replacement. Four weeks later I started to get really sore ribs. I told my physio who looked at the crutch  and said that she thought it may be due to the crutch being too high. She then measured it against me and adjusted it to the right height.  However it is so painful walking now, that I am trying not to use it. I feel at my wits end as I was progressing pretty well and now it's really painful to practise walking. I have been icing my ribs and taking pain killers again, but I feel really upset as I feel as though I have taken two steps forward and two back. Has anybody else suffered with this?

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 Yoga_lass

    Posted

    Perhaps it may be worth going back to two crutches whilst your rib is recovering. Not many of us were text book recoveries. Things need to be adapted to circumstances.

     

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen Yoga_lass

    Posted

    I really cannot understand the logic of using just one crutch which provides lop sided support. This really is so unhelpful and worse can end up distorting ones back.

    Cheers Richard

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK Yoga_lass

    Posted

    I agree with the others, go back to two crutches to spread the load on your body.
    • Yoga_lass
      Yoga_lass Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      I totally agree with you all, but my physio told me to try not use two because it would not strengthen my operated leg. However I have been using two when outside. I think it's more sensible.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Yoga_lass

      Posted

      Dear Yoga lass

      I do not understand your physio's reasoning! When walking with two crutches you will be strengthening the muscles on your new hip but because the weight will be partially taken on the crutches it will be a balanced weight at a rate your body is comfortable with and you will be training your body to walk correctly and in a balanced way without limping! You will also avoid putting your back out but hey it's your call.

      Good luck. Richard

  • Guest
    Guest Yoga_lass

    Posted

    I agree with Richard.  If you are not comfortable with one crutch go back to using two.  My therapist wanted me on just one but I felt lopsided and uncomfortable on one so I just used 2 except on the way into and out of the therapists office.  You still put your weight on your operated leg but you have the crutches you help you keep your balance.
  • maree32074
    maree32074 Yoga_lass

    Posted

    Hi Yoga lass

    I had pretty extensive surgery of a faulty hip metal on metal.  After the usual time on a zimmer frame I went to 2 crutches then 1.  I found the same problem as you and decided to do my own thing and went back to 2 crutches and had no more problems.  I then slowly started moving around the house without them then ventured to the front yard and back then a little further until I got confident.  I do not understand the logic of 1 crutch as it creates more problems.

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