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Should I be using crutches if I'm limping?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Aniex21
Aniex21

Hi, I have a very mild form of cerebral palsy. I walk everywhere and I think because of that its caused a lot of stress in my left foot.

I'm limping and it's painful to walk but because I'm used to pain I limp everywhere. My bone in my left foot feels stiff in the morning but soon warms up. The whole underside of my foot is painful and when walking my left foot fatigues much quicker than the right which then worsens the limping if I'm in a large shopping centre for example!

Saw a doctor in (January) doctor refered me to a podiatrist (March)and ignored my request to see a Physio. ( people with mild cp always get ignored)The insoles that I had made broke & so I havnt even got them yet and it's now August. I've finally been refered to a physio but ignored my request to get an X-ray just in case.

I am just wondering whether I should be using crutches or one crutch because I know it can cause so many problems especially if u limp for a long time

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • sandi27417
    sandi27417 Aniex21

    Posted

    Go for another opinion!! Try a foot and ankle orthopediest!! Or just an ortho doctor. I can not believe they treated you like that. I have a very close friend with CP, married with 3 boys. Her speech is not

    Clear

    So whenever we go out to eat the server will ask what "she" would like to eat!!!! I tell them in not

    So pleasant way to ask HER!!! Let

    Us know the outcome. Crutches may be difficultfor you. I am 68, was fit

    And crutches kill me!!

    • Aniex21
      Aniex21 sandi27417

      Posted

      Due to my stubborness and the mild effect of my disability I did not ask for physio 6/7 years ago (regret that obviously). They should have kept an eye on me clearly because the effect of my mild walking gait has clearly had an effect on me over the 24 years of my life walking unaided but unevenly.

      I'm so sorry they don't ask her. Everyone should be included. I think people have a lack of understanding towards different disabilities and are often shy around people who act or sound a different way. So your right to remind them and educate them.

  • catherine_19686
    catherine_19686 Aniex21

    Posted

    I am 62 year's I think cruches are a nightmare. I suggest a walking stick. Use it on right side .don't use it all the time only when foot starts to feel sore or tired.sometimes you have to nag these people to get what you need you should go to your Dr.and insist on a new insoles and an xray I go to A phisio once a week and find him great .I brole 5 metatarsal 4 months ago it was slow to heal when I started walking I did to much and ankle started swelling all WAY round like a tyre Thursday last phisio cut walking back to 5 minutes 4 or 5 times a day.and depending on how it goes he will increase the time I can walk keep asking for what you need and yiu will get it. Good luck

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 catherine_19686

      Posted

      Thanks Catherine!! I am now just 2 1/2 weeks past surgery for a pin. We tried just non weight bearing but most of these fractures recur for horse back riders so we decided that the union needed to be a bit sturdier.The way we angle the foot and press body weight in stirrup needs all the extra help!! So I am hoping to be able to out pressure in this hard souled shoe for my next apt the 31st. Will definitely keep you informed. You have been a great comfort!!
    • Aniex21
      Aniex21 catherine_19686

      Posted

      My insoles I got were rubbish. they were breaking on the sides. made out of some foam material. I went back to them and hes sent them off to be fixed and said they will be mailed to me. I don't know if they will work. I have a lot of problems finding good trainers. If all fails i'm going back to ask for insoles that are exactly the same as my old ones. As they seems smaller and fit in my shoes easier. Hopefully physios will understand my needs better.

    • catherine_19686
      catherine_19686 Aniex21

      Posted

      I use insoles I buy them of the shropidast they are leathere covered and last for years they are only 30 euro a pair the bones in my left foot colapsed back about 10 years ago.

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 catherine_19686

      Posted

      Catherine, I need to brag. So happy I went ahead with surgery for my Jones fracture. If you remember I tried to heal for 4 weeks but, the union would have taken another who knows so, my ortho doc put a screw in. Painless. Non WB 4 weeks and now have had 3 weeks in hard shoe. Next week see her again but, there is absolutely no pain. I have gone out in Brooks tennis shoes as well. I am picking my horse up end of next week! Done with this. I know there is a good union with the screw. Not sure why everyone doesn't go ahead with it. She told me they heal MUCH faster but, that people are afraid of surgery. I am bouncing around!! How are you??? Sandi

    • catherine_19686
      catherine_19686 sandi27417

      Posted

      Delighted you are doing so well and getting back your horses I'm sure you missed. I am back driving and walking at least 2 miles every day ankle still swells a little at night .My walking is good now but not as fast as I'd like but will get there.I wear ecco walking shoes or ecco trainer's I find they give support and comfort. Let us know how you are getting on.

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 catherine_19686

      Posted

      That is great!! Thanks for the advice on shoes!! Horse arrives home a week from Fri. See doc a week from today. Still in walking boot one more week then she likes Brooks tennis shoes which I worked out in. Helped a lot right?smile oh well. Even when I go to the bathroom barefoot, no pain. oh I can not wait to actually walk my dogs on the trails around here!! Take care Catherine!!

  • Aniex21
    Aniex21

    Posted

    I am going to ask the physio what I need. I will have to be damanding & if it doesn't get better soon I want an x-Ray just to rule out anything.

    My walking is mild & my balance & arm strength is ok. So crutches should be ok for me. I don't like the idea of using a stick but the physio will let me know if I should be using something on bad days/ long days.

    I go to the gym 2 times a week. Hop around sometimes (when it's bad) and I use all the arm equipment/weights and avoid all leg machines that cause me pain. That's what I do on my days off work.

    I'm going on holiday soon to Copenhagen so I need to be prepared to get tired. My friend who's in a wheel chair suggested I borrow her crutches and go to a mobility shop to ask for advice (if my physio appointment doesn't come in time).

  • Aniex21
    Aniex21

    Posted

    so just an update. I got my insoles back and the help sometimes but I think I still have a long way to go before the pain stops. are there any medications that I can take to reduce burning/aching pain in my feet. I have not had my physio contact me yet so will ring them to ask them how long the wait is going to be
    • catherine_19686
      catherine_19686 Aniex21

      Posted

      The insoles is a start .as I said I fell in April I am still going to phisio this is 12th week .am back walking get bad pain if I don't walk properly have to remember to put heal down first and then toe I was walking with a limp to save broken foot hope you get to phisio soon

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