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Walking without crutches??

Posted , 13 users are following.

jane83133
jane83133

Hi all, i’m on week 6 post THR and saw my consultant for follow up yesterday and he’s happy for me to drive and go back to work so i’m Looking forward to no longer being trapped!!

I’m confidently walking with one crutch but on my own i’m Still very penguin-like, I had a limp for so long I really want to be able to walk normally but when will this be? My recovery has gone great and i’ve Been doing enhanced recovery with physio and walking lots so I thought I would be crutchless by now! 

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  • ray0825
    ray0825 jane83133

    Posted

    Give it another few weeks and follow the physical therapists advice very religiously.  Just don’t leave the cane at home or in the car until your body is ready. You don’t want to risk a fall, being bumped over in a crowd, etc. and injuring your hip.  Eventually the muscle groups will loosen up, the strength comes back and you will be able to toss the cane and anyone watching won’t be able to tell you ever had a problem.  Although I walked without a cane around 8 weeks, I took awhile longer than normal because I had a few muscles lock up. So at around 3 months post surgery  I visited a massage therapist who helped with loosening the muscles and I’m doing great.   Happy healing! 
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen ray0825

      Posted

      Dear Ray

      Two elbow crutches would have been better as it helps with the weight distribution and makes it quicker to retrain one to be walking with the correct gait and without limping.

      Limping can also adversely effect ones back which of course can cause other issues in addition to back pain!

      Cheers, Richard

    • judith12644
      judith12644 RichardKen

      Posted

      I loved my crutches, used them until week 6, went all over the place, bus, tube , train to the seaside.... Then I had my only physio appointment and she showed me how to walk nicely and kept my crutches! I was a bit surprised, thought she would give me a stick. I did limp for a while, but it gradually improved. 
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK jane83133

    Posted

    It's important not to throw the crutches away too soon.  Use them to correct the penguin walk and improve muscle condition and stamina.

  • gill49638
    gill49638 jane83133

    Posted

    Hello,im 5 weeks post thr,and feel a bit like you.i was a week in hospital,3weeks on a zimmer and now crutches,i was really hoping i would beon just a stick at week 6 but its along way of😌.seeing my consultant next week and hoping to be back in the car😊.wow 5 weeks no driving is hard!!!.i just wanted to know i have looked up about the incision,mine is still tender and swollen.i cant find anywhere if thats normal....?

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen gill49638

      Posted

      Dear Gill

      I would forget the stick but keep on with BOTH crutches until you can do without them completely.

      It's important to use them whilst your muscles are regaining their strength as they enable you to establish a good gait.

      Do keep up with the exercises.

      All the best.

      Richard

    • gill49638
      gill49638 RichardKen

      Posted

      Hello Richard,its 10 weeks tomorrow and im now on 1 crutch but struggle to walk properley without it.I keep up with my exercises even if its painful😊.thankyou Gill.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen gill49638

      Posted

      Dear Gill

      It sounds to me as if you would be doing yourself a big favour by using both crutches.  have to ask what the point is of just using one if you are not walking well and with a good gait?

      Cheers, Richard 

    • gill49638
      gill49638 RichardKen

      Posted

      Hello Richard.my consultant said i was to only use 1 crutch at 6 weeks,and should be of that one 2-3 weeks later.my physio said i would be on it for another 6 weeks,that takes me to 12 weeks.my abducter and knee muscles are weak but they are slowly

      improving😊.Gill.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen gill49638

      Posted

      Dear Gill

      We are of course all different so I hope what your surgeon has suggested works for you.

      All the best. Richard

  • jane83133
    jane83133

    Posted

    Thanks all for your advice. Saw physio again today and she’s given me some balance transfer and stepping/squatting excercises to do. It seems I need to retrain my brain to tell my body to walk straight! I’ll get there eventually! Back to work tomorrow too - eek! X
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen jane83133

      Posted

      Dear Jane

      Good luck for tomorrow. Do take care that in your keenness to show that you are up to it that you don't push yourself too hard and take risks !

      Cheers, Richard

  • anna63659
    anna63659 jane83133

    Posted

    Hi. I saw my surgeon yesterday and he said no crutches or support in the home but use both crutches when out and about. I tried one crutch and in the end it was causing a lot more discomfort. It makes sense to me.
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