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using crutches

Posted , 10 users are following.

sarcee50
sarcee50

How long in general do most people need their crutches after knee replacement...I'm 2 half weeks in and and really need both of them but friends are saying people they know are walking without any at 4 weeks...I can't see this happening in my case or am I not on target do you think

1 like, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • Butterbean
    Butterbean sarcee50

    Posted

    I'm guessing those friends haven't had a TKR !

    We all have our own different ways of healing there's no right and wrong, you dance to your own tune......... Well maybe shuffle not dance 😄 you use your crutches as long as you feel feel you need them!

    And discarding them too soon can lead to walking badly and having a whole new set of problems

    good luck with your progress 

  • CanadianSharon
    CanadianSharon sarcee50

    Posted

    No rule that's for sure.  We are all different in our progress and healing,  everyone know done one who has healed faster or slower.  We have to go at our own body's rate.  Slow and steady wins the race and a whole lot of patience.   Hang in there.
  • ruthie2673
    ruthie2673 sarcee50

    Posted

    I moved from 2 crutches to one crutch at about 4 weeks and then to one stick at 6 weeks but nothing indoors. At 9 weeks now and still take a stick if I go into town or walk any distance. 

    As Others have said its better to use the aids and walk well. It really is not a competition, do what feels right for you.

  • susan20089
    susan20089 sarcee50

    Posted

    Absolutely no rule.  I was told this but  areall different.   I certainly still had crutches for five weeks.  I use a stick still nine weeks on. Take no notice of these people.   You heal at your own pace.   Don't worry about it 
  • peter73207
    peter73207 sarcee50

    Posted

    I would entirely agree, theres no rule of thumb here. Everyone is completely different. I used a walker for the first 4 -5 weeks. from then until now (7 weeks) a cane. I can walk without aid now but still keep a cane handy for safety. This isnt a race Listen to your own body.

     

  • sarcee50
    sarcee50

    Posted

    ah thanks everyone I keep being told things and feel I should be doing more but then remember it's know 2 and half weeks...going to keep doing what I'm doing and recover at my own pace smile
  • Annodoremouse
    Annodoremouse sarcee50

    Posted

    Everyone is different I changed from crutches to sticks at 2 weeks then off stcks at 4 weeks. Its your knee and you will know when you can change as you will start & use one only aound the house Exercise is the key
  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 sarcee50

    Posted

    The last thing, the VERY last thing you want to do is listen to friends, when it comes to progress on the healing process of tkr. People mean well but can put you in a state of confusion and depression. I go on the theory that you can cure ignorance with education but you just can't fix stupid and people who offer advice when they personally haven't experienced the issue. Politely or if you desire, rudely, that it's your circus and it's your monkey, you'll train it any way you want. Be firm, stay strong and take care of yourself, your way
  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo sarcee50

    Posted

    I asked my physiotherapist today if I could start walking with one crutch only, as it would help such a lot with household activities. She said NO WAY until six weeks, or you can loosen the new joint.  Now, i don't know if she is right, but I'm not risking it!

     

    • suzidownunder
      suzidownunder martinarvelo

      Posted

      They must all have different ideas and I'm not sure that is correct. I was walking around the house without anything at 3 weeks but needing a cane for outside and my physio was pleased.
    • Annodoremouse
      Annodoremouse martinarvelo

      Posted

      I was walking without aids at 4 weeks, If the joint is going to loosen after 4 weeks there is something wrong with it Iwas in a car crash at 8 weeks which knocked recovery back  The knee was tested with sideways movement and xrays showed the knee was firm.  Im now 15 weeks and back to walking up to 2 miles.
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo Annodoremouse

      Posted

      You get such different advice from different people. My surgeon said the knee was as strong as it would ever be sgtraight after the operation, but the physio says no . . probably the surgeon is more likely to be right!  Still using the crutches at four weeks, but don't really think it's necessary, but see the surgeon on 25th so he'll tell me yeah or nay.  

       

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo Annodoremouse

      Posted

      God, bad luck to have a car crash on top of all the pain of TKR!  Hope things are going better for you now!
    • suzidownunder
      suzidownunder martinarvelo

      Posted

      Well i imagine the TKR is a two level thing. First the bones have to heal then the muscles and tissues etc have to adjust . I'm 13wks and my muscles are still changing. Getting stronger & changing shape
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 martinarvelo

      Posted

      I would go with the therapist on this one as far as the straight and bend is concerned. The knee itself, if properly cemented is a very quick heal. I fell and broke my femur the day after the revision and xrays showed

      The joint didn't move a bit. I had to have an 18" inch steel plate and 8 screws inserted. Wasn't a pretty site for a 76 year old

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      I fell a week after surgery, but fortunately didn't break anything. . just bruised and battered a bit!  Bad luck to break a leg on top of everything else. . . poor you!

       

    • Annodoremouse
      Annodoremouse martinarvelo

      Posted

      Hi Ive been discharged from physio with instructions to continue with exercises and I dont need to see the surgeon for 2 years . Just having niggly pain occasionally, sorted with paracetamol. I wouldnt have my old knee back now
    • Annodoremouse
      Annodoremouse martinarvelo

      Posted

      Op Nuffield Newcastle on 1st October Car crash 4th December. I was fit before surgery as I was working as a nurse doing 12 hour shifts, going to the gym and walking. Post op doing the exercises frequently. I am now doing standing knee bending on one leg holding onto a workbench
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