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Hi everyone - it is great to read about everyone’s progress on this board. I am 11 weeks post-op, am at a neutral position in the boot, and was cleared to use one crutch yesterday. The doc wants me to ween myself off the one crutch over the next 30 days. I have found using one crutch to be slower and more draining than using two. There was also the difference in instructions given to me by my doc and my physical therapist: my doc says use the one crutch on my “bad leg” side, while my physical therapist says to use it on the “good leg” side! The doc says that you use one crutch on the “good leg” side when you are dealing with a hip problem, but not something like ATR.
If you are on one crutch, what are you doing?
Also, do most people drop the second crutch “cold turkey”, or still use it for longer walks or when your leg is sore/tired?
Any advice on how to make the “one crutch” stage a little easier is appreciated!
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I did the one crutch thing and the doctor said to use the crutch on the good leg side. I looked at him like - huh? That seems counterintuitive. But what you do is lean onto the crutch which takes some of the weight off the bad leg. I was able to ditch the one crutch within the week. But progress is always person dependent.
Comment by catnboot 10.23.08 @ 2:34 pmHi Mike, I have to agree - crutch on the good side.
I was using it on the bad side and the PT made me walk both ways in front of a mirror and it showed that by using it on the bad side you retain the ‘hip swivel’ while swinging your leg through. I found it easier and apparently it goes against your recovery as your body dymanics seem to retain that shape.
I recommend finding a big shop window and walk past using both methods and you should notice which one looks and feels more like a normal walk.
Happy healing,
Comment by jonathan9 10.24.08 @ 12:59 amJon
Crutch on opposite side to achilles leg. I occasionally still use the one crutch if I have to walk a long distance with other people and I can keep up with everyone, otherwise walking is still a bit slow.
Annie
Comment by annieh 10.24.08 @ 4:10 amHi Jon, Annie, and Catnboot,
Thanks so much for this feedback - it is extremely helpful. I have a PT session today, so I’m going to bring this info and try it out.
It is amazing how an ortho surgeon and a physical therapist working on the same injury can have such different instructions.
This site is so helpful to get input from fellow ATR sufferers about what works and what does not.
Thanks again!
Mike
Comment by Mike 10.24.08 @ 8:02 amHello Mike,
I too am at the 11 week mark. I’ve been using 1 crutch on my good leg side, same concept with a cane…use on the good side. Using 1 crutch is definitely slower than 2 crutches, but there’s benefit to walking on one crutch. My doc indicated that really helps with the range of motion and let strength…it’s good PT to walk.
If I’m going to be walking a lot, I still use 2 crutches so I can keep up with the wife and kids. But around the house, or for shorter trips, I walk without crutches or use 1 crutch. Good luck to you.
MCav
Comment by mcav 10.24.08 @ 8:16 am