I recently posted a question about using two walking sticks rather than one, and I got loads of helpful replies and suggestions. Now I’m wondering about making a transition to crutches instead, as I suspect this would make walking less exhausting then using sticks.
This makes me wonder: do I need training to use crutches? Do I need to get them height-adjusted by an expert such as a physiotherapist? Or should I just get myself a pair and improvise until it feels right? I’d be grateful to hear of anyone’s experience with taking to crutches, and any advice you could give.
I have found crutches much better than walking sticks. You’re probably not meant to, but I find them handy to lean on when standing still and my wrists don’t ache as much as they did. My physio adjusted the height and showed me the correct way to use them, especially when going up and down stairs. However, when I tripped because of dropped foot, I got horribly tangled up in them on the way down and damaged my wrist tendons, meaning I was off work and unable to drive for a month. Still they definitely make me feel steadier when walking. Hope this helps. Carolyn
I’m 47 and was given a rolator much to my dismay, so I dug out the crutches I was given when I broke my ankle in tenerife,I plucked up the courage on her last visit to ask my physio exactly what your asking.
Stand up straight shoulders back the height of the crutch is set at that height whilst keeping your elbow straight. For your safety it may be worth having a physiotherapist show you the correct way to prevent doing more harm to your gait and give you confidence knowing your using them correctly.
Hi all, i only use one crutch on my betterish side and i hold on to someone/furniture on my worse side. I use to use a stick but it became not sturdy enough so my physio suggested crutches, the thing is with my drop foot and balancing problems i am always stumbling so i told my physio that i prefer to hold on to someone, that way when i stumble/trip the person saves me from falling (this is all the time), i cant see how using two crutches would save me from falling and like Caralyn had said i think it could injure me more.
l now depend on my rollator - lt did take me a long time to admit to myself that this was the way forward as l could not manage with a walking stick. l did love walking poles for outside - mainly ‘off-road’.
The rollator has kept me more mobile and safer - and it does not crash to the floor like sticks/crutches - and you can transport all you need in the basket. lt has a very comfy seat and backrest for that moment when you feel you have to sit. And l can scoot it along whilst sat on it. Folds up easily to put in car. Mine is a Topro Olympus - as recommended by Patrick on this site - who has a website called aids4disabled.com where he has researched lots of ‘aids’ and gives a fair appraisal. Now l have one at the top of the stair-lift to get me to my bedroom.
Just hung out a load of washing outdoors - the laundry basket - round type - sits well on the rollator seat. This has given me lots more independence - and l have overcome the embarrassment l felt when l first ‘came out’ as needing one. Certainly, a case of pride coming before a fall.
lts so good that l can still cook and serve meals - carrying plates of food on a tray on the seat. A rollator holds you up - no leaning over like with a stick. And you can move so much faster with one - making the dash to the loo easier.
I have a rollator in the shed because I have not summoned up enough courage to come out and use it yet. Mind you with the drop foot I don’t have enough confidence in the stick. How shallow am I?
I have crutches from my physio and know I walk better, and more evenly with them. But I’m quite slow doing the opposite leg to arm. I don’t use them often but they are great in the evening when I’m getting tired, they give me that little bit more - I want to say mileage but you know I mean a few more metres
I tried my Grandad’s rollator when I visited recently an it felt amazing! I’m resisting the urge to buy one til I feel like I need it.
I can’t advise on crutch height tho but I’ve realised that there’s more than just using a stick, or even 2, when you need a bit more help.
Hi Chris, I started using crutches after using a pair of sticks and I found that crutches gave a lot more support to the wrists than the sticks. Give them a try. Hope that helps Trev
l do know the feeling - the ‘coming out’ with a rollator. Did the same with a walking stick - and that was because l gave the impression of being drunk - without one. Then my scooter. lts good to have some pride.
My neighbour, had two rollators, left by the social services. They were for her late husband to use - and there was no way he could get around their house with one. Then the social services would not come and collect them. l borrowed them to try - indoors - liked the idea - but did not find them stable enough. Then Patrick aid4disabled - who is on this site - has ‘tried’ and ‘tested’ items for disabled use - and advises on what does what. Thats how l came to get the Topro Olympus. lt gets lots of interest from people l meet at physio etc - and when recently l was in hospital having a knee replacement. l wish l was on commission. Missed out there.
To be able to make a ‘dash’ to the loo - so much faster and safer then my sticks - makes it worth its weight in Tenna Pads!!!
But to be able to be more independent because now l can cook and serve - carry my coffee/plate etc. Keep the phone tele remote at hand. Reading book/specs tissues. lt has kept me from using a wheelchair full time. Allows me to get down the garden - get to parts of the garden l had not been to for years. [Yes, it is a huge garden] Really has opened up my life.
Spacejacket, I see what you mean, that looks really sturdy and averyone is stood up so straight with them. Good call I’ve added the web address to my faves for future use.
The ‘coming out’, yes, I rmember that and I can add, I feel like Robocop with the crutches. They add to my small stature somewhat with bulk to either side and doing the opposite arm to leg does make me feel I’m going along with some purpose “doof, doof, doof!”.
First of all thanks to ‘Spacejacket’. Rollarors are really useful. OK get one and look at in the hall for six months then try it out. People don’t stare at you using one. Some people want to know more. Also rememer that you get what you pay for. Cheap and cheerful is OK but not so easy to fold up and lots of sharp edges to scar the paintwork. Topro are reliable and no sharp edges
If you have drop boot then consider getting a MUSmate. I cannot lift my foot more than a 1 cm off the ground. MUSmate has given me independence and allowed me to walk. If drop foot is very bad then consider getting an AFO, ankle-foot orthosis
Go to a MS Therapy centre for advice if you have one nearby. Good luck, be brave and go for it. Drop foot is horrible and eventually your balance goes as well. I have to sit down to get dressed.
This thread made me smile. The use of mobility aids causes perhaps the most mixed opinion. A friend of mine who has ms bought a walking stick that looked like an umbrella because she didn’t want to face the reality of having to use one. I have been ok using a stick but felt embarassed using a scooter as young children go sailing past, which I sold and now regret.I have bought the oversized wheelchair which is now collecting dust. I too have been asked at traffic lights what is wrong with me, how can you some it up in seconds between the green man and the impatient motorist as you try and get over in the 20 seconds allowed. Like you I am now thinking of crutches but I will get measured, they will match the lovely NHS walking stick… UGLY… I only use one stick and trip over the end constantly, I hoping the fact that crutches are attached higher up they may be more stable…last time I fell big time was in the street not a good look… Take care and thanks for all the comments on this thread they have brought a smile to a somewhat grumpy face. Lou x P.s I have suggested a rollator but my son said he will disown me… kids hey… I said I could pimp it up. If it comes to it I would use one personally. I am all for anything that opens up the outdoors. x