Crutches??

[powerwalk]

Anyone had to deal with not being able to use crutches?? I dislocated and broke my toe and was told to keep it off the ground. But no way can I use the crutches with my arms the way they are. Feel now like I've damaged my left shoulder having tried them a couple of times. I just done have that kind of strength - can't see how anyone with PMR could. So settling for trying to lean on one side of my foot lightly. Not sure how that will work when I try to get back to work next week!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I used elbow crutches for 9 months - I managed OK actually. What I struggled with was holding the handgrip and I padded them with a load of foam so I didn't have to grip it just rest my hands on them.

What sort of crutches are you using? Are they correctly adjusted and are you using them properly? And were you not given a heel suuport boot so your toes are not in contact with the ground?

[powerwalk in reply to PMRpro]

No. No support. Just crutches. Ive tried them round the house a bit bit my shoulder is now bad from them. Just cant take that presdure on my arms. They are you know the half ones. Dont go under my armpits tk god!! Thank you.

[SheffieldJane]

Ouch! You really should have expert advice from a good physio. There must be something better than this. Even good old Nordic walking poles, they didn’t hurt my upper body when my PMR was very active.

[powerwalk in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oh right. Thank you. Just added crap to sort out. !! Its the little things you dont realise cause such extra effort. Thanks.

[piglette]

I had a new hip and was taught to use crutches in hospital theoretically. I am rubbish at using crutches and packed it in as soon as I got home. I use a stick.

[powerwalk in reply to piglette]

I think I will and just bringing one with me to keep people away from my foot in the bus. My arms just can't do it. Haven't goto the strength! It's too painful. Hope the hip is doing ok!

[piglette in reply to powerwalk]

Hip is great, had a fantastic surgeon, it is the rest of me that is falling to bits!

[powerwalk in reply to piglette]

Oh always something to take its place!!!

[S4ndy]

I can't use crutches. Shoulder problems. I use a rollator to get about outside which has the added advantage of a seat to rest on. I am 56 but hey, it helps me have some quality of life then so what! Did get a funky metallic blue one though and thinking of dying my now greying hair sapphire blue to match

[powerwalk in reply to S4ndy]

Oh very good!! Yes i have wrecked my arms trying. So can only bring one on the bus to try keep people hitting off me. Unfortunately i'm pulling all sorts of other muscles out in pain walking like this. Hopefully foot will heal quickly. Thank you.

[karools16]

I have never mastered crutches either. Many years ago, when I had had leg surgery, my dr said I was the only patient he had ever known who wanted plaster-of-paris, i.o. using crutches, and that just before Xmas. Suited me just fine.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to karools16]

I CAN think of positives...

[Loco99]

I too couldn’t cope with crutches and even got carpal tunnel syndrome from using a walking frame, I resorted to using a knee scooter when I had ankle operations, a knee scooter might work for you too. Although I don’t think it would be easy to get on to a bus. It’s worth looking into.

[powerwalk in reply to Loco99]

Thank you. Yep not looking forward to the bus tomorrow!! Many thanks.

[Mikb]

Have you heard of knee walkers?

strideon.co.uk/what_is_a_st...

[powerwalk in reply to Mikb]

Thank you -no - never saw those. Hopefully won't need them long enough to go to that level!!! Hobbled in to work this morning - first day back - just took the one crutch mainly to keep people away from the foot!!! Mind you I can feel everything aching because of the lobsided way I'm walking. Ah well - could be worse - could've broken a leg or something!!!! Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to powerwalk]

It is quite important to use both crutches as much as possible - to avoid problems due to being lopsided. It really goes for backs.

[powerwalk in reply to PMRpro]

Yes - I can feel it alright. Pains in weird places!!!!