While everyone and every joint is different, there are some general guidelines for using walking aids:
- Discuss a plan with your surgeon or therapist, as they will help you evaluate what is needed at each stage of recovery
- Use whatever aid you need during your recovery that enables you to walk with no limp and
- Work up to taking good, strong strides so that your gait is a normal heel – roll to toe – then push off from the ball of your foot movement.
You will probably come home from the hospital on a walker that you should use for at least several weeks before making any changes. The walker provides a high level of stability while you relearn to walk with a normal gait again. It’s especially helpful when you get up at night so you don’t lose your balance and fall. Once you are steady and strong on your walker, try switching to a crutch, cane, or even walk unaided. If you forget your walking aid when you get up, that’s a good sign you can start walking short distances without an aid. Whatever aids you choose to use or not use, be sure you are walking without a limp.Trying to hurry this process and limping around is not good for your new joint and it can cause other parts of your body to hurt or even be damaged. Once you stop using aids around your house, use at least a cane outside your home until you are steady enough to withstand a bump from another person or regain your balance on uneven areas. Having a cane in public alerts people they should be careful around you. When you feel strong and safe enough to put the aids away, then it’s usually time to do so.