Walking with crutches (elbow)

Posted , 12 users are following.

I am 3 weeks post op.  My surgeon said I had to use both crutches until I see him at my 6 week check up and that I am not to take any steps without them, fair enough.  In hospital I was taught to use the crutches by placeing them both a step a head of me, then place the operated leg's foot just behind the crutches and then the other foot next to the first foot and repeat.  I have only been walking around the house and garden so far, but now I want to venture outside.  My question is: do I have to continue walking with the crutches in this manner? as I don't see how it will teach my muscles to walk properly.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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.
  • Posted

    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.

  • Posted

    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.

  • Posted

    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 smile

  • Posted

    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.

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