Crutches - help or hindrance?

Wonkylegs

HI all

I can't believe I'm actually pondering seriously the offer the physio made today ...... would I like crutches? :shock: :eek: :!: :sad:

She suggested that if my achilles heel problems (and resulting walking issues) don't improve with the exercises that I'm doing (and have been doing for weeks and weeks :roll: ) and I'm still struggling, then I might be better using 2 crutches rather than the walking pole that I currently am using.

I think I'm honestly over the 'what will people think' issues (as long as I don't think about what my dad will say :oops: :roll: ) but I'm more concerned with what they might do to other parts of me!

With RA and fibro I already have to juggle some things. but adding two crutches, even for occasional use, might be a step too far.

If any of you have wrist, hand and shoulder problems and use crutches for help with walking .......

1 does using the crutches affect these joints a lot?

2 are there particular types of crutches that are less likely to hurt my hurty bits

A wise friend and my husband have both said that if I get them then I can try it out for myself, but well, seems a big step.

and these exercises and the podiatrist appointment (when it eventually comes :roll: :roll: ) might just do the job.

maybe (fingers crossed)

sometime (in this decade maybe?)

oh drat Arthur and his pals :roll: :roll:

thanks folks

Wonky xxx

daylily

hi, I was using crutches after my hip op, have arthritis shoulders, neck, spine etc etc and yes the crutches have made my neck and shoulders worse.
Crutches have gone now but burning pain in shoulders has not gone.
Sorry I cannot be more positive and, of course, everyone is different, maybe you could give it a go for a couple of days????
It might just work for you.
Good luck

bubbles

hi Wonky,

Long time no see, what with one thing and another. Hope you are as ok as possible and sending hugs you way.

Here's my two penneth worth, the physio's went through every exercise and then some, for months, some of which were an instant no go, as I nearly fell over, or the pain was through the roof. Anyway, they decided I would be safer with a stick, so, I used that almost all the time, always when out, when in the house I used the furniture to steady me.

After several months, they decided that they had exhausted just about all options and discharged me, kind of, live with it and see how you go.

Two years down the line we had moved and I went to see the local physio department, for another problem with my feet. By this time, the OA had gone on in leaps and bounds and x rays etc, had diagnosed a range of problems.

They said, how about trying one crutch, instead of a stick, as it was not providing enough support. The elbow crutch certainly helped and made me feel more stable. I went back a long while after and they said try two crutches, well at first I was walking like Jake the Pake, but, I could not be without them now. My mobility has decreased dramatically but they do help me walk short distances.

Having said all that, they do make my shoulders hurt, having advanced spondylosis with all that goes with it. But, the benefits still out way the bad points. I try not to use them at home, again, using furniture etc, to steady me while I am pottering, that way it gives my arms and shoulders a bit of a rest.

The community OT threw me when she said I should have a wheelchair, at first I was mortified, "I don't need one of them", Well, I do and if the distance is more than 30-50 yards, then I have to use it. They supplied me with one made to measure. Supermarkets I use their buggies to get to my maltesers at high speed.

I would say give elbow crutches a go, see how they feel, you can rest on the fold down arm bit as well, which is very handy. Try not to think of it as a step too far, you know we both have arthur and fybro to mention but two things. See it as an aid, to help, not to hinder.

You take lots of care. XXXXXX Bubbles

CJHunter

Hi Wonky, good to see u again x

I would have said previously i havent a clue, but recently i have had to use a stick more often due to the 'blasted knee'.

My 'two peneth' are , give them a go. At least u have them there when u need them. So u can use them when u feel it necessary.

All the best with that.xx

barbara12

Hi Wonky
I have used a stick for a while now because of my hips.... but it did make my back ache..I have quite bad sciatic pain and my legs can just go from under me, so I tried crutches...I found them a great help, I have a friend that has painful hands...and she uses gutter crutches..they sought of use your forearm more than your hands.
I do hope this helps, and I wish you well with them

julie47

Hi wonky

I have never been offered crutches as I would never have been able to use them.
However what about a rollator (walker with wheels that has a basket/bag)
I purchased one when I was learning to walk again after amputation 7 yr ago. I don't use it now only on the odd occasion as I am not supposed to walk. But I did find it useful. I will admit that it did play havock on my wrist and shoulders as I put all my weight on it. (prob shouldn't it is only there to assist you)

I would say, if the rollator doesn't appeal to you, take the crutches and try them out for a few weeks, You can always give them back

Good luck
Love juliepf x

dreamdaisy

Right, a brazen reply: who the hell cares what people think? This is about you, what you need to help you and Mr W lead a more comfortable (and even, dare I say it) more active life. I've been on crutches for nine years and have now happily embraced the Clatterator as my new friend as things have further deteriorated and wow! What a difference!

Crutches take time to master. They are not there to take your full body weight, they are there to offer balance, support and security. They are not there to enable you to take giant strides and bowl along at a rare old pace, there are there to give you balance, support and security. They don't need to be gripped as such, if you are able to curl your thumb and forefinger - just a little - around the grip then you should be fine. Don't go for hospital issue ones, in my experience they tend to have just a straight grip, go to a proper shop and try the ergonomic handled ones, I love the sort with a flared palm as that enables me to rest my hand quite comfortably. Both hands are creaky now and I find my older sorts (with the straight grip) very uncomfortable.

Over night in early March 2002 I became a quadruped - just call me Spotty Dog! I guess I am lucky as I don't struggle with co-ordination, so immediately I was doing right stick forward with left leg, then left stick forward with right leg, it made walking easier and as I healed after the op easier and easier still. I was never able to ditch them however simply because the arthritis continued to develop. It's amazing how many people will say 'Oh I was on those for a while when I broke my leg, what have you done?' and the reaction is usually empathy. Start looking around you now and see how many are using sticks or crutches - you may be surprised.

I freely admit they are a hindrance when it comes to carrying things, which is why I keep my personal workhorse (known as Mr DD) in fine fettle. He is Sherpa Tensing to my Edmund Hillary. I have been known to use a rucksack before now to get shopping back from the Co-op but that, combined with the effort (and pain) of walking, did make me a very Sweaty Betty. Now I have a little basket under my seat and I shall shortly trundle forth - not giving a damn about the noise or what people think. I need the Clatterator and they should thank their lucky stars they don't, don't 'cha think?

Do some research, buy your own, use them in the privacy of your house and garden and become familiar with using them. I think they will make a big difference, Wonky, I really do. Why struggle when you need not? DD

jillyb1

As always , wise words from DD ; I would suggest go to a mobility shop and try all the options : shaped sticks , crutches and rollators . They will happily let you " play " with them all to see what suits you as they will have thoughts of a sale in mind ! Once you've made a choice , you can shop around for the best buy . Jillyb

bubbadog

I don't know what I would do with out my walking crutches? Oh wait there yes I would be a heap on the floor! x
They help by spreading my weight across both arms so I don't walk with all my weight on the arm and injuring myself.
So my answer is they are definately a big help!

GraceB

Hi,
I use both crutches and walking sticks. When looking at crutches make sure - as has already been said - that you get the ergonomically shaped ones - the NHS ones are awful on the hands! Alternatively, you can get gutter crutches - again as has already been suggested.
I have weakness in my left hand and find it impossible to grip standard NHS crutches/sticks so I long since bought my own.
The only thing I would say is whatever you use make sure it/they're adjusted to the right height for you. When using crutches you should be able to stand upright with your shoulders at a normal level for you but you hand should be on the hand wrest. If shoulders are hunched they're too high, if you're stooped over they're too low.
You can't use crutches and carry anything so it has to be a backpack/ It's a faff when you're in a shop. You pay for your item, put your change/purse away and then have to put your purchase in your backpack. You therefore lean against the counter, remove your crutches and lean them also, remove your backpack, stuff the purchase in, and reverse the whole flaming procedure.
However, if you walk using crutches you can take a third of your weight off the opposite leg. I agree with the suggestion of a mobility shop. Have a trip there and try several options out and go with what's most comfortable for you. Whatever you buy complete the disability declaration and you shouldn't pay the VAT - makes it a little cheaper.
As for others and what they think - s*d em. If using crutches makes life easier for you go for it!
Good luck.
Grace.

bertyboy

hi Wonky i would say give them a try it might just help , i have used them since i had my arthroscopy in 2008 as my knee got steadily worse and started giving way beneath me and even after my tkr i used them for support as things were still not right they do make me feel safer especially in town and shops if people are pushing about , i can amble about with out them on the garden but do know Ive done it , so tend to use a stick or two but i do find i tend to wobble with plain sticks ,i have had many comments about why am i still using them i just say to stop my backside hitting the floor they do give something to take the weight of when stood chatting or standing in the ques at morris

theresa4

Hi wonky sorry short reply Im not too good

My hands and wrists cant cope with normal crutches so the hospital provided me with gutter crutches which take the forearm so if you have to bear weight on your arms it doesnt hurt the wrist i also use wrist splints with them. I had to specifically request them, also bear in mind they can hurt the shoulders if you use them alot so I keep them for really bad days when Im falling alot especially round the house.

Good luck
Theresa

Wonkylegs

Oh wow! a huge thank you all of you!

I know I haven't been on the forum much so it's even more uplifting that you've taken the time to reply to me - and in such detail too!

I think after this morning (which has been a struggle), that I need to try something, even if to start with it's the cheap and nasty NHS ones that I try out. But I can now ask about ergonomic handles (which should help a great deal from what I can see) and perhaps discuss other alternatives too - gutter crutches may be a later bet, but best to be forewarned and to know what I'm talking about - or at least sound like I do

Tomorrow I'll ring the OT's office at the main hospital and see if they can offer any advice - my physio is at the local hospital and so may not have access to the variety that the OT has to hand.

DD - I'm really glad that the rollator is great for you - love your name for it but it's not for me ....... yet. I have the shopping trolley (sholley) that I can use similarly, but it doesn't do great things for my shoulders or hands, so I'll try the alternatives first. But many thanks for your input.

and to everyone who said that what anyone thinks doesn't matter - I know ..... honestly ..... but somehow dad creeps under the radar :roll: and he has a habit of saying things before thinking how I might feel. He was struggling with carrying shopping and I offered him my trolley to try 'god no! I wouldn't be seen dead pushing one of those things' was the oh so helpful reply :!: :???: :???: :???:

thanks again

WOnky xxxxxx

dreamdaisy

I didn't think it was for me either and frankly I still don't. I am selling it to myself as something which will make my life easier and I am now of an age where I don't give a damnn what anyone thinks (which is a huge relief). It's not a case of 'When I am old I shall wear purple,' it's more 'Even though I am not that old I shall use a rollator as my bloody joints are packing it in.' To be honest I don't think many people will take a blind bit of notice as I roll along deafening all and sundry but if they do and decide they can say summat 'witty' or derogatory then they shall be firmly put back into their places with stern words (none of which are repeatable on here!)

I had to have crutches after the op when there was no choice and, alas, have never been able to ditch them so I guess that gave me an early lesson in accepting change, not fighting it and so making my life (and that of those around me) any tougher than it needs be. It's not a defeat using sticks, they are a valuable aid. Do some research, try some out, don't take too big a stride, practise the co-ordination, don't lean on them (balance and stability) and you may be pleasantly surprised! I hope so, anyway. DD

frogmorton

Hi Wonky

l think your idea about talking to the OT is a good one. She/he may let you try a few out and discuss with you the options.

If the exercises work you may not need them and can soon return them can't you?

good luck Wonky

love Toni xx

skezier

hi Wonky,

you know i still think get them and see....

there is no doubt just now they will help your ankle a fair bit.... it might be a short term use once thats healed up again?

they um and ah bout me and crutches. as you know i have a pair of ordinary ones (well worked and actually getting rusty ) and one of the moulded handle kinds as well as a stick....

it can hurt the wrists a bit and the shoulders and neck a bit more but Wonky it so helps the lumber to get that weight off it! if i need i use them....

i rally thing honestly get them and see... then our friend has the gutter ones and they clearly do help with the arm pain..... they kinda saying thats what i might need as well.... could that be an idea do you think?

leaving hugs and tea with side order of assorted slurps, slobbers and pocket raids. love Cris xxx

hileena111

Hi Wonky
Yes......ring your OT and see what they say. I would try the hospital ones for a short time since your not sure.
I got them during my fractured pelvis {THR not working properly either}so all in all I needed them.
I dont have hands shoulder etc problems but could imagine that it would really aggrivate that. I keep mine in the car and use if necessary. They do give me so much more support than a stick {or 2 sticks} and stability in crowds. Saying all that.......I dont use them all the time so still have the NHS ones. Had lessons from DD when I first got them....
I quite happily took to using them right leg, left crutch etc rather than the way you would if you had a leg in plaster....both crutches together.
As for carrying things. What about a "Healthy Bag" there was a thread on here about them one time. I've had one and a baglett for years.....OK ...couldnt fit a load of shppping into it but it works for a few smaller things.
You wear the bag across your body and you dont need to take it off to take anything out of it. just swivel it around to the front and it zips up the side. No faff about taking it off evertime you want your purse etc. Its ergonomically designed to lie in the small of your back {I have scoliosis and not allowed to carry things} so this is much easier than the backpacks I used to have.
Sorry for the ramble Wonky but its early and I had a bad night so not really wakened yet
Love
Hileena

Wonkylegs

thanks again folks

silly me tried ringing the OT on Friday ... only to realise that my OT doesn't work fridays :roll: :roll: :roll:

will have to ring first thing Monday as my hands are struggling with the walking pole, so an alternative may be necessary even if it's just for them!

I'll let you know what they say

WOnky xxxx

Wonkylegs

ok - first hurdle jumped and rang the OT. hopefully she'll ring me back with some advice.

then I'll be able to ring the physio dept and ask for an appointment.

Can't use my walking pole because my fingers have been gripping it too tight and several are complaining even more than usual :roll:

WOnky xxx

skezier

hi Wonky,

i still think the moulded handles or maybe the gutter crutches would help for the bad days?

let us know what they say and hoe it goes though please? and well done for ringing the ot love, slurps, slobber, hugs and a bucket of sleep well. Cris and the manky ones xxx

hileena111

Hi Wonky
Hope the OT or physio gets back to you with some good advice soon
Glad you remembered to get in touch with them
Love
Hileena

Wonkylegs

am wondering if my OT was given the message :roll: :roll: :roll:

I rang Monday, and to date have had no return call. Have answerphone and no messages left either, and I know from the phone that I haven't even missed a call (unless I was on the phone I suppose :roll: :roll: )

will see what tomorrow brings. :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

good job I'm not too bad this week :roll: :roll: :roll:

hugs
WOnky xxx

Wonkylegs

well whoever called it a 'national' health service never used it :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

heard back from my (large hospital based) rheumatology OT today
- lovely chat, great info, lots of encouragement, just the job really.

She agreed that 'bog standard' crutches were not under any circumstances for me. I was to ask for 'comfy crutches' which have specially molded handles. My OT said that my (local hospital based) physio could liaise with her or the Rheumatology Physio if needed, but she didn't see why they would need to.

Right I thought .... bite the proverbial bullet and ring straight away.

Rang physio - said all this, and sat back waiting for appt.

silly fool me - fancy thinking anything in the NHS could go that smoothly :oops: :roll: :roll:

The local hospital physios don't give out anything but the 'bog standard' crutches apparently (so receptionist said). I said that left me wondering what I needed to do now :???: :???: :???:

I was promised that, since my physio was away today, the receptionist would seek advice/info from the supervisor/manager (i forget the actual title) and they would ring me this afternoon when they were out of a meeting.

I guess they never got the message. :roll:

or the meeting went on too long :roll: :roll:

so I'm still waiting for another phone call :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

......... to be continued ..... (I hope soon!!)

wonky xxxx

hileena111

Awww Wonky,
You are having a time of it. Thats all we seem to do....wait for them to ring us back :roll: and wait and wait :x
Are you going to get in touch today if they dont ring? I would .....after lunchtime if you havent heard anything......its Fri afterall and did you say that your physoio didnt worl on Fridays or is that imagination Its not 7.30 yet and havent had my first cuppa yet so that could be wrong but its the weken anyway I would get back to them this afternoon
Good luck
Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

This is precisely why I go and buy my own, Wonky. The red tape and general slug-like speed of the service does not suit my Speedy Gonzalez nature - although the service, when you get it, is good. Get thee to a proper specialised shop and try all the sorts they have there, the staff should also be able to advise, assist and adjust, and by this time next week you could be sorted rather than still waiting for a phone call which, given the season, probably won't come until the New Year. :roll: Walking poles, like walking sticks, require a greater hand grip than crutches and are not that satisfactory for aiding balance and stability in the way we need. Good luck, don't be afraid to do your own research because after all you are the best judge of what you need. DD

Wonkylegs

HI thanks both of you - tis good advice from you both.

Hileena - I've not had a good morning to be honest and I can't face making a phone call today, but will do Monday if I can. You are indeed right that my physio doesn't work fridays brownie point there I think

DD - have looked and the crutches the OT advised are going to cost upwards of £28 each over the internet, and nearly £50 each locally :shock: so I think since the OT is on my side, that I'll try through her first. I'd be worried that I'd get something to make things worse rather than better .... and after all the physio offered me the blessed things in the first place!

thanks for your thoughts tho - tis appreciated.

as for the season of good cheer - seems in short supply here today. :roll:

hugs ((())))
WOnky xxx