Proper Cane walking

[Sofa King]

Hi all,

Had an outpatient PT session today, and found out something interesting. After multiple exercises and 15 minutes of electro-therapy with heat, I got up and started to leave, grabbing my cane and walking out. My PT said "hey, didn't anyone tell you how to use that cane correctly?" "Nope! What am I doing wrong?" Apparently, I was using it in my left (dominant) hand, which is the same as my surgical side, (Left hip). She told me to put it in my Right hand, moving it forward in unison with my weaker Left leg, and the strong Right leg should go inbetween like a tripod. She said using it the way I was doing, was not helping to strenghten my Left hip, and I looked like "Uncle Fester". LOL! I tried the other hand and did it like she said, and within 5 minutes, I could tell a major difference. Anyway, if any of you are doing the same, (I didn't know any better!), try switching. Then again, you were probably told the right way, or figured it out yourself!

~Dalton

By the way, I did 2 miles on the stationary bike, and 2 miles on the treadmill. Not too bad for 5 weeks post-op?

 

[JudyS]

Dalton
That is awesome . I am jealous of the bike and treadmill. I hope I get released to go to a gym at my friday apt.
About the cane, I did know about the opposite hand thing from a past fracture in my heel. Although at the time I had no idea. My apt to see if I could stop using crutches was on a monday, sunday nite I get a call and haVe to change it for 2 weeks later. I was in a panic , I told them so. The doc had hurt his back and the next day to get rid of me they called him and asked him what I should do. The message was to use one crutch until I saw him.
Well, I had no idea what to do with one crutch, could not figure it out so I continued with 2 for the next 2 weeks!! Yes, i was trying to use the crutch on the same side as the bad foot.
Judy

 

[*gmac*]

Hi all,

Had an outpatient PT session today, and found out something interesting. After multiple exercises and 15 minutes of electro-therapy with heat, I got up and started to leave, grabbing my cane and walking out. My PT said "hey, didn't anyone tell you how to use that cane correctly?" "Nope! What am I doing wrong?" Apparently, I was using it in my left (dominant) hand, which is the same as my surgical side, (Left hip). She told me to put it in my Right hand, moving it forward in unison with my weaker Left leg, and the strong Right leg should go inbetween like a tripod. She said using it the way I was doing, was not helping to strenghten my Left hip, and I looked like "Uncle Fester". LOL! I tried the other hand and did it like she said, and within 5 minutes, I could tell a major difference. Anyway, if any of you are doing the same, (I didn't know any better!), try switching. Then again, you were probably told the right way, or figured it out yourself!

~Dalton

By the way, I did 2 miles on the stationary bike, and 2 miles on the treadmill. Not too bad for 5 weeks post-op?

Dalton- That IS awsome. AND they (the PT in hospital prior to discharge) should cover that at least cursory. "By the way heres how to use a walker and cane". Remember Stanj from Russia? We noted how we both had to Google "How to use a cane" when we had to cause no one covered it. Yes putting it on the operated side DOES seem logical.
I'm only at 1.8 - 1.9 for 10 minutes on the bike. I only do 5 minutes at 2 mph (3.22 km). I have noticed that on the days where increased PT happens I am a lot more limber, flexible, etc. (a lot less Charlie Chaplin style walking on those days)

 

[Josephine]

Oops! Never thought to mention that. Kind of assumed you'd all be told by your PTs (like I was!)

But now you know - thanks, Dalton.

 

[westexas]

Hey KFC>>>
Have not talked to you in awhile. Was at the Doc's in Dallas and then a little mini vacation.
I am so proud of you about the bike and treadmill. At 5 months I have made it to 2 miles and I do other exercises to go with that. I did buy a Schwinn Recumbant Bike last week before I left and we just got it set up. That way when not at PT I can use it here at the house. But the TV in front or the IPOD in the ears is the only way I can keep myself going. lol....Keep up the good work..And yes, I did not know about the cane either until I was told to hold it in the proper hand.....Patty

 

[chaloo]

Dalton

Glad to hear that you find it easy using the cane in the opposite hand. Thats the way it should be anyway.

Your recovery is awesome. That shows the younger you are the quicker you recover. At three months I struggle to walk only two miles. Can do three and a half KM on bike in 15 minutes.

Its my foot so painful for the last couple of weeks. Probably sprained. It is swollen just above the ankle.
Anyone, any input?

 

[Sofa King]

Hey Judy, Gary, Jo, Patty, and Chaloo...

I took a few days off from the site, and have been doing well, and thanks so much for your replies and support. I've been out and about, doing errands, driving, walking, sleeping on both sides, and moving quite a bit, and have no complaints to report about healing. I have been experiencing good things overall, but still having some pain at the incision area, (usually after waking and long walks), especially now that I'm totally off Rx pain meds. I'm halfway ignoring it, and have treated with naproxin sodium, and it's been semi sufficient.
Have been using the cane correctly all week, and I've improved thusly! Feel better, look better, and I'm ready to go back to WORK!

~D.

 

[JudyS]

Hey Dalton,
That is pretty good for 6 weeks.
I have not started driving yet, my quad muscles are still pretty weak. I had my 6 week post op friday. All looks perfect, still have to use hip precautions for 6 more weeks. He did say I could be more lax about them. Also that I could put on real shoes (although I love my flip flops). I came home and did although it was pretty painful!!
He is sending me to pt to get the muscles really strong. I'm glad as I am going down the road from me and they have a great gym.
I have been walking to the community pool and swimming laps for 2 weeks now (actually trying to coordinate breathing, arm and leg motions and truly entertaining the lifeguards).
I do walk a few miles per day, I'd say between 2 and 3. I think it is all a little much ,or at least my hip is telling me that.
I am still taking pain meds, with them I can walk unaided (I always have my trusty cane with me). Without meds I use a cane and limp. Doc wants me to keep taking pain meds and not limp.
In 6 weeks I should be given the ok to go for a hike.
You will be keeping the city safe and I will be escaping in the mountains .

I guess I should have posted this elsewhere.
Glad to hear from you , glad you are doing so well.
Judy

 

[Josephine]

Hey Dalton - still waiting for that snazzy pic of you using your posh cane!

 

[Sofa King]

Judy,

Yeah, I was a certified "Triathlete" about 10 years ago, so I'm being very demanding upon myself, and my progress. I intend to be healthier, stronger, and better in physical abilities as soon as I possibly can, and it's a 'pride' thing with me. I'm 38, and want to be STRONG again, as far as my fellow law enforcement Peers... so I am going to push mysef as much as I can possibly stand. I want to be exceptional, in every way I can, and that's a good thing, I guess. I'm no where near where I want to be, but pleased with my progress. I'll let you guys know when I'm ready to graduate the Police Academy!
I'm sure you'll all be proud of me... and if that doesn't come about by next Summer, I'll let you all know how I'm doing in Physical Therapist School!!!!

Jo,

I'll try to take one soon, and post it!!!

Love you Guys, you're the Best!!!!! Thank you for all your support! You've made the difference! (Jo, Patty, Judy, Gary, and others...)!!

~Dalton

 

[Josephine]

Honey - we're ALREADY proud of you!

 

[JudyS]

Hey Dalton,

I understand the athlete . I have been an obsessive runner for 27 years. I guess whatever I do I get obsessive about it and must be the best I can be. I am not sure now if my body is telling me to slow down, but for me I don't think I am doing very much and question it's comments (such as pain!)

Learning how to swim properly is my current challenge. Also increasing my lung capacity.
My doc said he will probably allow me to hike again at the next apt. so that is very exciting. I start pt tomorrow, also exciting.

Yes, we are proud of you. I would aim towards pt to keep you safe. Then you havae to get your wife in a safer occupation too!!! Although I am very grateful for what you both do .

Judy

 

[Stanj]

Hi Hippies! I have been away;too much work, too much play and traveling. SofaKing, you progress is great, just think of first week to get an idea of how fast things changed. I think I hit a wall or something, some days I can walk 3-4km without crutches or cane but other days I need 1 crutch to carry any loads or walk without a limp. Went to Estonia for a few days without my crutches. I left the apartment carrying an overnight bag and my computer and got 100 meters away before I realized I forgot my crutches so I decided to just go. Swam in the river in Nava Estonia one day and climbing all over the old 15th century stone fortress the next day and found I had good strength and balance but a few days later I was back to using one crutch for balance. Even finger tip contact with the crutch is enough to eliminate any limp even on the "bad" days.
There is still no pain, and I do everything I want or need to do except energetic dancing. I can dance some but want to avoid twisting motions so still taking it easy. I stayed out dancing until about 6am last weekend. I had to sit down a few times because my stamina is not back to normal yet.
One thing I notice is slight back soreness after long walks with one crutch that does not occur with 2 or none. I don't notice putting more weight on the good side but I must be unbalanced in ways I can't detect myself. At 6 weeks post op, I feel about 80% normal and 125% better than before the operation.
I must say I have been a bad patient, I never did many of the exercises that were prescribed, but I just returned to normal activities right away and figured walking long distances and going about normal activities would be enough exercise. I hope that did not put me back from what pace I would have progressed but I am just too busy to be taking it easy between important tasks such as work, play and being crazy. i find that there is certain celebrity status to having a crutch, people, particularly women seem to be attracted to a helpless looking guy like me and want to take care of me.
One issue that could have been bad was I was hit by a car crossing the street, it knocked me down so I fell on my "bionic" side but luckily no damage. 3 young women saw it and rushed over to help. I felt OK and offered them lunch at a nearby cafe so it was not such a trauma;>)
The ONLY things, really, the only things, I have not done is drive and run. My car is 5,000 miles away and I have no interest in running right now.
Overall, feeling and doing fine.