walking aid

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willow18
willow18 Non-active member Posts: 6
edited 3. Jun 2010, 15:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,
I have a problem finding a suitable walking aid. I had a tkr (for oa) last year and still have difficulty walking on slopes,steps and uneven ground. A walking stick helps but causes much pain in my hand and wrist (oa). I have tried different handles including padding and foam but this has not helped the hand pain. After the tkr I had gutter crutches but these are unstable and my balance is poor. Any ideas would be very welcome. thanks x

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  • skezier
    skezier Non-active member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Willow,

    I don't know what to suggest but just wanted to pop in and say welcome to the forum and hopefully someone will be able to come up with ideas for you tomorrow.

    The only thing I can think of it can the OT help you at all? It must be a fairly common problem and one they should be able to help find an answer to.

    Sorry I am not able to think of anything else but nice to meet you and I do hope you will get some ideas soon. Cris x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Willow,

    welcome to the forum.

    This is a tricky one, they do different types of "walkers" with gutter type arm rests - but these would be no good on steps or bumpy ground ... should be ok on slopes...

    An inventor chap started a thread on here called something like, "daily living aids," you could post on his thread.

    I think you should ask for an OT/physio referral and also for some physio/hydro on your knee too - as it sounds like it could be performing better for you than it is, if you had some proper follow up care/support.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • welshsmiler
    welshsmiler Non-active member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    willow18 wrote:
    Hi,
    I have a problem finding a suitable walking aid. I had a tkr (for oa) last year and still have difficulty walking on slopes,steps and uneven ground. A walking stick helps but causes much pain in my hand and wrist (oa). I have tried different handles including padding and foam but this has not helped the hand pain. After the tkr I had gutter crutches but these are unstable and my balance is poor. Any ideas would be very welcome. thanks x


    Hi Willow,
    I have the same problem, but with R.A so every blinking joint is affected at mo. I am just waiting for a referral back to OT where hopfully they can come up with a answer, any answer would be improvement at the moment. Ill let you know what they come up with.

    In the meantime take care and keep your chin up, theres got to be something out there somewhere

    xx :lol:
  • valval
    valval Non-active member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi willo sorry can not help but just wanted to say welcome and sure some one will be along soon who can help they know so much on here always some one with an idea good luck call in the cafe when you feel the need to natter val
    val
  • willow18
    willow18 Non-active member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Many thanks for the welcome and the very prompt replies. Your friendship, support and ideas are very much appreciated. I have a physio appointment at my GP surgery this morning and will start there. Also I will try to get some help from OT. Again, many thanks.
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Non-active member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Willow

    Have you tried elbow crutches? What are gutter crutches? I had a TKR in February this year (and will need a second one for the other knee). Like yourself I'm a bit dodgy on steps especially if there is not a handrail.

    Can you contact your OT for help? I'm sure they would be able to help you. You don't need to be referred by your GP. Do you have handrails in the house?

    Take care.
    Sharmaine
    X
    willow18 wrote:
    Hi,
    I have a problem finding a suitable walking aid. I had a tkr (for oa) last year and still have difficulty walking on slopes,steps and uneven ground. A walking stick helps but causes much pain in my hand and wrist (oa). I have tried different handles including padding and foam but this has not helped the hand pain. After the tkr I had gutter crutches but these are unstable and my balance is poor. Any ideas would be very welcome. thanks x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi. I rely on elbow crutches but the handles are ergonomic, which eases the strain on my now-arthritic fingers and wrists. I can cope fine with these but you sound younger and a lot fitter, and therefore able to walk much further and crutches are not good for the image! How long ago did you have the TKR? Are you still doing the isometric exercises, because they are designed to strengthen muscles and thus improve joint stability. I hope you can find an answer. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Sharmaine, I think gutter crutches are the ones where the forearm is supported too, by what looks like a half section of guttering at right angles to the stem of the crutch. Could be wrong mind you, frequently am! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • willow18
    willow18 Non-active member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi, and thanks again for all the replies.
    I have been to see the physio who has done some acupuncture. I have had this before when I had the tkr which was end of September. It did help then but only for a short while. Physio will do more acupuncture next week.
    In the meantime I am not going to use the walking stick and try to pace myself better with regard to walking. I am enjoying the warmer weather and am suffering less than in the cold.
    By the way I am not very young - sorry the name willow18 is from my lovely little cat , I realise now that this name perhaps makes me sound young and beautiful!.

    I am now making enquiries regarding OT. I do have handrails on the stairs which help and maybe OT can help in other ways.
    I am told that the tkr is ok but progress is painfully slow. However it is progress.
    Thanks again for all the replies and best wishes. I will keep in touch. x
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,399
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi all,

    Link below shows gutter forearm crutches for those who were wondering what they look like.

    http://www.safetyandmobility.com.au/ProductPop.php?id=483

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'

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