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Crutches, any advice?

RobinF

Veteran

Hi everyone! Last Sunday I fell down a few steps and broke my foot - doing laundry of all things! No cast, but a large boot and non-weight bearing for a while. I ordered a knee scooter but it won't be arriving for a few more days and I know will not fit in some places. Meanwhile, I am struggling with the crutches and trying not to fall and break something else! I can work some from home but do need to go to the office at least a few days a week.

We are also going on a cruise next month and will be flying there. I considered cancelling but figure I can sit around there as well as here and be warmer!

I know some here have experienced similar issues. Any advice for me?

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Irina

Veteran

RobinF, so sorry to hear! You poor dear!
Brings back memories - I broke my leg almost two years ago and they kept me in a boot for months after the surgery.

My advice - watch YouTube videos on how properly use crutches. I had a few sessions with PT at the hospital but needed more help. Walking on the stairs was the biggest challenge. I also preferred walking with a walker, more stability that way.

Wishing you fast recovery!

Chris987

Veteran

Wow, that stinks! I was on a cruise a year ago with a LOT of retired people (some quite elderly). It was a jazz cruise and the fan base for jazz is older than some other types of music. The oldest performer was 89!
We saw quite a few people using wheelchairs, walkers etc. Call ahead and see if your cruise has such accommodations - it could be handy to have a wheelchair for going down those endlessly long hallways even if you don't feel you "need" it. Also for all the transpo getting to and from the ship ... and of course get a ride on one of those airport terminal golf cart thingies ...

Eliza

Veteran

So sorry! I am recovering from foot surgery (my 3rd) that required a lot of time in a cast completely non-weight bearing. If you are prohibited from doing ‘touch down’ NWB or find crutches hard, I second Irina’s endorsement of considering a walker. Easier for transfers to chairs and more secure. If you have stairs at home and feel too unsteady, it is possible to sit on the stairs and use arms/good foot. Just have a stool-to-chair set up at the top so you are able to stand at the end. If you are showering, a shower stool and non-slip mat are helpful. Elevate your foot as much as possible- it helps reduce swelling and pain. If ice is allowed and you can sit without ortho boot on, i found a gel soft ‘boot’ that chills in the freezer between uses a big help once cast was off. Re: cruise- depending on how you feel then, most airports provide wheel chair transport through security and to gate; your airline may allow for an advance request and you should be able to pre-board yo avoid the push. Some airport itineraries require a lot of walking/long lines otherwise.

Good luck as you recover. Go easy; it takes time.

RobinF

Veteran

Thanks all!

Irina - did you try a knee scooter? I was thinking it would be easier to get around with than a walker. I agree stairs is an issue. Luckily we only have a few getting in and out of the house and none at work. I make sure my DH is right there just in case!

Chris - yeah there are a lot of big open spaces on cruise ships. I know the crutches would not work for me there. I was thinking I would call the airlines a week or so ahead of the trip and see how they think I should handle it. And I have a layover too.

Eliza - thanks for your advice! Third surgery! Ugh! I may have to end up having surgery, I broke the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsals and they said the ligament may be damaged but they couldn't tell. If it is then I will need surgery later. I opted to wait until the fractures were healed. I might regret that later though. The swelling has gone down quite a bit already but I love your suggestion of a soft boot that can be chilled. I'll check that out.

Irina

Veteran

Robin, no I didn’t try. I live in a narrow townhouse, it would not work for me. I used walker intensively, mine was very simple, light and foldable.

RobinF

Veteran

Irina, that makes sense. My house isn't really large so we'll see how this works.

pirouette

So sorry to hear about your accident I hope you have a speedy recovery. I broke my foot in two places and my ankle and my wrist last year. I couldn’t use crutches because of wrist for a few weeks. I got a knee scooter but found it ok in the house but went upstairs on my bottom the scooter was no good outside as the wheels were very small and I could feel every bump on the pavement. Plus it took a huge amount of energy to get any distance. When my wrist healed I started using crutches and got some lessons from a physiotherapist but it’s important to go slowly as I nearly fell several times. I had a boot too which I found very heavy. It’s not easy so I wish you the very best for your recovery. I hope you can manage the cruise. I saw lots of people on cruises using motorised scooters on the ship.

RobinF

Veteran

Thanks Pirouette! That sounds rough! I have almost fallen several times, enough to make me very nervous. I agree about the boot, I have one too and it is very heavy and uncomfortable.

I hope the scooter will help on the cruise. I know I will be more limited than normal and am OK with that but I also don't want to sit in the room all week. I wasn't thinking I would need a motorized scooter, maybe I'm wrong about that. I guess I won't know until I try.

Joyce B

Veteran

I am very sorry that you got injured and
I wish you a prompt and complete recovery.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Robin, I'm so sorry about your accident. What a pain! (Literally).

I had an accident of my own in the summer but the injuries were quite different so my personal experience isn't relevant. Mr. Suz has broken toes a bunch of times and had to wear a boot, but breaking one toe is not the same as what you are dealing with.

However, more recently, my 23-year-old had knee surgery for ACL and damaged meniscus, and had to use crutches for several weeks. I was nodding with those who say it's important to make sure they are at the right height (my kid's were not, at first) and also that you are using them correctly. After a few days of pain and confusion, LJ did get the hang of it enough to get around (albeit slowly) but they did not even bother trying to use the crutches on the stairs. Instead, they held the bannister and hopped on their good foot, keeping all weight off the affected side. Needless to say, they didn't go up and down very often.

On a recent trip, I saw a teenager using one of those knee scooters in an art gallery with apparent ease and enjoyment.

We had a special icing machine for the knee and it really helped. So you might look into that, as well as elevating the foot. Wishing you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery.

Sisi

Veteran

Oh no, I' m sorry! I can offer commiseration, you have already received excellent advice. My advice: don't cancel the cruise! My philosophy is: everything is better in warm weather! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

RobinF

Veteran

Thank you Joyce!

Suz, good points about the crutches. Mine were too high at first and my underarms were very sore. The nurse at the podiatrist's office helped me get them fit better and that has helped a lot. Stairs are a problem for sure - I am so grateful that our house is mostly one level! The house we lived in until 4 years ago was a two story with all bedrooms upstairs and that would definitely be a problem! I have high hopes that the scooter will make my life a little bit easier! It won't arrive for a few more days though.

Sisi - I agree! Especially looking out the window at our 3 feet of snow....

April

Veteran

Seconding the walker idea. You can generally borrow one or ask on Freecycle - anyone who's had a break or a surgery has one gathering dust.

Axillary crutches are terribly difficult to use, not to mention exhausting. Forearm styles are easier and if your wrists work well, you can do a swing-through step to keep your pace above a snail's.

Helena

Veteran

Robin, so sorry; what a start to the year ... best thoughts for a speedy recovery! x

RobinF

Veteran

So true, April, they are very tiring. I like to think I'll have nice shoulder muscles by the time this is done!

Thanks Helena! I do hope it isn't and indication of how my year is going to go.

Bijou

Veteran

Robin, I’m so sorry to hear this, like Sisi, I hope you enjoy the cruise and have a fun holiday.

Indigoprint

Veteran

I would expect a cruise line has adaptations and wants to accommodate...might be worth an inquiry so you can plan accordingly.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, you poor thing! I’m sorry, RobinF. Sodding rotten luck

Wishing you a fast and smooth recovery. Hang in there, and take care. Xo

Joy

Veteran

Such bad timing for breaking a foot. Look into walkers. Some even have the option of a seat. DBIL liked this feature on his. Some senior centers will rent them. Sorry you are dealing with this.