Coping with walking aids and Arthritic hands
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
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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?
Or has the physio though of this type of crutch maybe you could loan from the physio dept?
I personally haven't had this surgery myself, but can totally relate with sore hands how it must impede recovery.
Sending some ((()))
Toni
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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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