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PROBLEM WITH CRUTCHES

Posted , 4 users are following.

m11010
m11010

20 days post op, so far my recovery is going smoothly which exceeded my expectations.

The only problems I am having is with my crutches

Although I'm using padded mittens, both my palms are sore and my elbow are now very red and covered in rashes as it's rubbing against my clothing. I'm using bio oil daily with no avail. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

M(uk)

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • kathee58019
    kathee58019 m11010

    Posted

    Sounds like you're depending too much on the crutches. Unless you had both hips done at the same time, or you are having extenuating problems, you should only be using one crutch on the opposite side of the op leg. The crutch is to assist so you don't fall, not to take the place of your leg. Also, you should try to walk on your own around the house, where you have walls to hold on to if needed. Unless your doctor told you not to put your weight on the leg for some reason, you should start to wein yourself off the crutches, maybe go to a cane.

    Good luck!

    • m11010
      m11010 kathee58019

      Posted

      I'm using both crutches when I go out and have 5 flights of stairs to ho up and down otherwise I am using only one when I'm in doors.

      only one hip done thank God.

  • Mary8610
    Mary8610 m11010

    Posted

    Hi I am 4 weeks post op tomorrow .using padded mittens with added cut up sponge inside . No prob with arms rubbing just sore hands . Was told to use 2 crutches for 6 weeks . Obviously different hospitals have different rules . Good luck
    • m11010
      m11010 Mary8610

      Posted

      Thanks I will try the sponge for more support.
    • kathee58019
      kathee58019 Mary8610

      Posted

      Mary, In the U.S. we are also told to use some assistance, crutches, cane, walker etc. for 6-8 wks when going out. The point I was trying to make is if your hands are hurting that bad, you are placing too much weight on the hands and not enough on the legs. You shouldn't be carrying yourself with the crutches, they should just be there only to assist. Hope you have a speedy recovery!
  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee m11010

    Posted

    Perhaps the suggestion to change to a cane, as long as you can bear weight on your surgery leg, is best. When out you could also use a walker, perhaps called a frame, but this is treacherous on all those stairs.

    If you try the cane, I was taught to use it on the good leg side and synchronise using it when you bear weight on your surgery side.

    Someway your poor hands need a break. Sorry you are suffering So.

    💛 Dawn, USA

    • Mary8610
      Mary8610 DawnDedee

      Posted

      Thanks Dawn I was encouraged to ditch the frame in hospital they prefer you to use the crutches here .
    • DawnDedee
      DawnDedee Mary8610

      Posted

      Interesting, here they do not want us to use crutches, only walkers at first and then cane unless no weight bearing is needed.

      💛

  • lynnsfave
    lynnsfave m11010

    Posted

    Underarm crutches are so 19th century. Why doctors keep prescribing or giving those out, I'll never know.  Get Lofstrand forearm crutches.  They're on the forearm, not the underarm.  Using underarm crutches, you're either killing your ribs or killing your armpits because of the way your arms are bent.  With Lofstrand forearm crutches, your arms are straight, and you're using your arms and hands, but nothing is touching your armpits or ribs.  The nice thing about them is you can reach for things and they stay on your forearms!  I told my doctor what I wanted, and he got them for me.  Tell your doctor you want to switch to forearm crutches.  You'll be much happier!  I've haven't used mine yet for my THR as I just got home today from the care center after I had my THR revision.  I'm still using a walker.  However, I have used mine after thigh surgery (when I could not place any weight on my leg, so they took the place of my leg) and after foot surgery as well as after both knee replacements.
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