Walking with crutches (elbow)

What an interesting question. I was under the impression that using the two crutches was to rest and protect (by removeing the strain) on the operated leg. I shall follow this with interest.

Michael

Also 3 weeks, Wendy, and as usual we are all given different instructions, or not. I use my crutches when I am out but now furniture surf inside. I used crutches before me op so find it really hard not to use the 'marching' method, alternate feet and crutches. What I do make sure of is that whatever walking I am doing I do it slowly with deliberate steps using the whole foot from heel to toe. I make sure I walk down the lane each day and increase the distance.

Hi Wendy,

By the time I had my 6 week appt I had ditched both crutches completely and my surgeon was completely happy with that. It's hard to remember, but I think by about week 3 I was furniture surfing inside and using one crutch if venturing outside.

It's a personal thing and everyone recovers differently and at varying speeds but I would have found using two crutches very frustrating and limiting.

Now, coming up to 9 weeks, I haven't used a walking aid in about 2 weeks, walking fine - in fact, my friends are forgetting that I even had the op done as I don't walk with a limp at all. However, that said by the time evening comes around, I am a bit stiff and my limp comes back again especially as soon as I stand up from sitting. I figure that this will eventually disappear. Even at 9 weeks, it's still early days.

I wasn't taught how to use my crutches. I led with crutches and op leg foot, because the non-op leg was more stable and could handle weight. I did the old down stair on bad, up stair on good trick. It has all worked out.

I am about 3 months post-op now. I have a stick, but rarely use it unless I'm going on a big outing. I don't pay a lot of attention, but do still try to step down on bad and up on good with or without it.

Hi, I'm 2wks post op tomorrow. I've pretty much ditched the crutches indoors due to them hurting my hands, but I do take extra care walking. I use one if I'm unsteady, but I'm still using 2 outdoors. Think I'm a wee bit scared to give them up yet

And I am 16 days and I have been using a 2-wheeled walker as prescribed. I am doing fine with it, my stride is pretty smooth and I am interested to see what the physio recommends next. It is my first session, heard she is a former sergeant major (like my husband and a tyrant (like my husband who I nicknamed Nurse Ratched during recent weeks). I hope I survive the session to tell you about it. Terrifying isn't it?! Have a great day! PS It was meant to be bright and sunny - like our PM, but it is pelting it down. Guess I will have to be nice to Cratched. Sigh.