Now I'm Worried - Can't Do Crutches and I'm Going to PWB - Foot Problems Message Board

swim22 · 11-06-2008, 02:06 PM

I'm going on 7 weeks post-op, had the cast removed Monday (Wheeeee.... that was great) and am now digesting the instructions from the Dr that when I start PT on Monday I will be moving away from the knee wheelie (my best friend since surgery) and using the crutches as I begin to put a little weight on my foot. I am terrible on crutches - can only move about 6 inches at a time due to the knee on my "good leg" being painful with arthritis. The wheelie, on the other hand, permits me to roll about at will (and my office has very long halls). I've tried the crutches at home and have a rough time with them. Sometimes I sway to the back, sometimes I sway to the front. I never feel balanced. I'm wondering if I should just keep using the wheels at work and transfer to the crutches at home.

Has anyone else had this problem with crutches?

Klavender928 · 11-06-2008, 03:30 PM

How much have you tried the crutches? I am on day 12 NWB and I thought I was going to break another bone for the few days. Now I am better, still unsteady at times especially when I am tired. I would keep trying the crutches. Remember to keep your head up and don't look at your feet, make sure they are adjusted correctly and I do worse when I am moving very slow. If I will keep moving at a little faster pace I tend to balance better (not talking marathon speeds but a steady pace). I would think you will progress to full WB better if you do as the MD recommends.

swim22 · 11-06-2008, 03:36 PM

I've only tried a little at home. Feel very awkward. I plan to take them with me to PT on Monday - maybe they need to be adjusted. No-one showed me how to use them - they just got me up after surgery, gave me the crutches and said "so-long". I really want to rehab - just scared of the dang things.

Thanks for your suggestions - it helps to know someone else felt pretty off-balance at first too.

Janesfoot · 11-06-2008, 03:39 PM

I swallowed my pride and used a walker after pre-surgery crutch training showed me that I was a disaster on crutches. The walker with wheels the in front offered me much more stability than crutches. Feeling safe was the most important thing. Good luck.

sunny77 · 11-06-2008, 06:09 PM

When you're progressing to being PWB and then FWB and have been using the knee scooter, it is hard to adjust to how cumbersome it is to get around. I had both my feet/ankles fixed for PTTD and was 6 wks NWB both times and used the scooter 99% of the time, crutches only in situations where there were steps or other obstacles. For the first week, when I had to go long distances, I used my scooter...but only for short periods. It's important to stop relying on the scooter and move on to bearing weight so you can move forward with rehab and recovery. It is different, as it's slower, probably more sore/painful and there's a limp. But, it gets better as you do it and get used to it. You might want to talk with your PT about using crutches more effectively so you don't lose your balance and maybe can make it easier on your knee. Ask his/her opinion of using the scooter...but it's more likely to be time to start weaning off the scooter so you can get to where you need to be. Good luck with everything! It's exciting to be done with the NWB part and being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel!