Since my wife’s diagnosis officially in March she really has had the most fantastic support from the Ms team seeing all sorts of people.Been a busy week this week,Started on Copaxone on wednesday with ms nurse guidance and i did it for her yesterday which was a bit scary!
Today She saw the Ms Physio and one of the things she suggested was using 2 crutches instead of one as leaning heavily to that side.We didn’t think about it at time but how do you use 2? i mean if you had a broken leg or something you would stand on good leg and then use both as other leg replacement and kind of swing on them? But if both legs are weak from Ms symptoms do you move each crutch independantly and with that particular leg or put the opposite one(to foot) forward or what,we just couldn’t work out what she should do,nothing looked or felt right!
They say the only stupid question is the question you dont ask but i feel slightly embarrassed asking this seemingly so simple thing!
I never was taught to use crutches, but was never corrected on my technique. And I used to use each crutch in turn to support the opposing leg. So I’d have right crutch moving together with left leg. I think. I’m trying like mad at this moment to remember how I walked with crutches.
I think I just did what seemed natural to me. Maybe that’s what Mrs Ollie should do, just whatever seems to provide the most support?
A physio taught me to walk on crutches when I had a reconstruction of my anterior cruciate ligament a few years ago and Sue’s right - you use them alternately right crutch with left leg and vice verse.
Using a wheeled walking aid might be easier to manage and a whole lot safer.
I didn’t want to look like a “little old lady” and didn’t want to take the one offered by my physio. I bought one online that is more sleek looking. (Is there such a thing as a sleek rollator?)
It’s very tidy looking and no break cables on show. It’s got a canvas seat instead of the padded one and it wasn’t very expensive. Made by Elite. It might be worth looking at one. I never used the seat but it’s there if I have to wait in a queue or stop to chat. I don’t use it outside anymore now. ItsI wheelchair time.
The problem (ok my problem!) is that I lean too heavily on the walker. This has given me incredibly painful shoulder and upper arm muscle problems. And it’s made me walk much more hunched over than I should.
Crutches, while you can use them, keep you steady and upright. They are often better for posture than walkers.
Admittedly, many walkers have seats (mine does) but you have to be capable of turning right around to use the seat. And I’ve never been capable of doing that, while I’ve had this walker.
I’ve got a Topro Troja, it’s great, but I wish I could still use crutches! I can barely use the walker now - a couple of metres at a time at the moment. I’m hoping its the weather that has made my legs as weak and feeble as they are!