Coping with walking aids and Arthritic hands

Xela
Xela Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:11 in Living with arthritis

I am 10 weeks post hip replacement operation and finding the pain in my arthritic hands while walking with crutches / walking stick on pavements is limiting how far I can venture. My recovery seems to have plateaued since week 3 when I found I couldn't walk more than 5 circuits round our cul de sac due to the pain in my hands and blisters that formed. I have tried padding the handles and using handles shaped for arthritic hand but with minimal success. My hip feels uncomfortable due to the remaining swelling and I cannot stand fully upright ( ie. tuck my tail in) due to discomfort around my coccyx. My physio seems to be at a loss to advise and I cannot find any advice on the internet about how to overcome this obstacle to recovery; empathy and guidance will be most gratefully received please.

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,057

    Hmmmm tricky one this. I wonder whether you could try walking poles???? Your hands would then be in a different position. Can't say it would help but you could have a look at some in an outdoor type of shop if you are able to find one locally?

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    Or has the physio though of this type of crutch maybe you could loan from the physio dept?

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    I personally haven't had this surgery myself, but can totally relate with sore hands how it must impede recovery.

    Sending some ((()))

    Toni

  • crinkly
    crinkly Member Posts: 158

    I completely understand your dilemma and it took some time for me to find my own best solution. I have widespread OA with spinal stenosis and most joints involved. My hands were affected from the onset and I've had surgery to both shoulders and one knee but I have not had a hip replacement so my situation is not exactly the same as yours.

    In desperation I searched online and found crutches similar to the 'gutter crutches' illustrated by Toni but with adjustable horizontal arm rests. I use them constantly.

    It's easy to create any angle between vertical and horizontal so that most weight-bearing is on the forearms. This way it's possible to reduce the pressure on hands to suit your own needs while experiencing a high degree of stability and I have never had the blisters that occured with conventional crutches.

    These crutches are not available on the NHS so I can't give details here but you will find them quite quickly via an online search if you think it worth exploring, and paying for, other options. Alternatively send me a Private Message via this forum and I should be able to identify the product for you. There's no harm in looking at them and they are not cheap but I hope this suggestion is worth considering.

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