How long for crutches - Foot Problems Message Board

Jennifer · 01-20-2006, 08:41 AM

Today is the 8th day since my bunion surgery with 2 screws. I'm doing remarkably well with very little pain or swelling (Although, I haven't left the house so I haven't done much walking). I'm in a removable plastic boot that resembles a ski boot. I find that I don't have a need for the crutches and forget to use them most of the time. Should I continue to use them or were they more for balance?

jeepgrrlz · 01-20-2006, 12:58 PM

Hi Jennifer,
When I went for my pre-op on Tuesday, the doctor gave me a velcro shoe to bring to surgery and showed me how I will be walking/limping (on the side and rear of the foot). He said he'd only give me crutches if I felt I needed them. Otherwise He said the main point was not to bend the toe area by means of regular walking. Hope that helps.

6 days until my toe gets re-assembled! It's really helping me to hear your progress. I emailed my doctor about alternatives to Vicodin since I've heard it can make people sick.

Jennifer · 01-20-2006, 01:21 PM

Jeepgriz,
I'm surprised that your doctor said only bring crutches if you wanted to. I was completely non weight bearing for 4 days even though I also had the velcro shoe. I also used a walker to go to the bathroom at night. I'd be happy to send you a picture of my boot if anyone knows how to do it. It is plastic on the bottom and a spongy material up the leg about 7 or 8 inches above my ankle with 3 large velcro straps....looks like a ski boot.

joll43 · 01-20-2006, 05:06 PM

Ladies, I was completely non weight bearing for 8 WEEKS. Then I went to 1 crutch, then none.

It depends on what you had done. Bones take 6-8 weeks to heal no matter what, and just because it doesn't feel like you may need crutches, the bones in your foot may need to you be on crutches. Sometimes if you're trying just to walk on your heel, you can easily get startled or take a bad step and you are out of luck.

I know it's a pain, but healing takes time - so many posters on the board don't seem to want to take the time to heal then have setbacks. Use your crutches, and know that foot surgery is major surgery -- the doctor will tell you when you can stop.
All of our feet are different, and none of us can answer a question like how long another person will be on crutches.

sorefootsophie · 01-20-2006, 05:32 PM

I SO AGREE with joll43!! If your doctor wants you to use crutches...PLEASE USE THEM!! Don't try to beat the system....foot surgery is a major issue...your feet carry you all day!! I was 6 weeks nwb then told to ease off crutches gradually. I came home and put the crutches in the garage and tried to walk through the pain for 2 weeks. Now I am in a NWB cast AGAIN for who knows how long waiting for authorization for a bone stimulator!! Don't rush it and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!! Good luck! Sophie