Walking

[ouch]

Need some advice. My husband started walking with a cane today, just like Jo said, he is getting fed up with the walker. He did quite well walking around the house. But tonight he has terrible back pain. I believe it is due to the fact he had back surgery, and he is probably not walking correctly with the cane yet putting further strain on his back.
Any suggestions on reducing the back pain or walking differently?
Thanks to all.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Sorry to hear that hubby is suffering from using the Cane. Did PT show him how to use the cane?? Sometimes it is easier to use one crutch works better then a cane. I had to use a crutch so I could stand stright. You could talk to his PT person. He should not have to be in back pain and knee pain.

 

[loggon]

Ouch Someone should have shown him how to use the cane.
First if it was his right knee that was operated on. Then he puts the cane in his left hand. When he takes a step forward with the right foot then he puts his cane forward like a step.

If he was using his cane in the right hand and it is his right foot that was operated on then that is why his back is hurting.

Really take the cane to the PT and have him show him how to use it.

 

[FrogFeathers]

I went from walker to crutches, then to cane. And what was said above is spot on.

I've got arthritis in my right shoulder from using the cane for the last three-ish years. That is the biggest motivating factor in my NOT using the cane anymore. (I don't use it around the house, but I do when I go places- store, PT, etc).

 

[Jamie]

One other thing, Ouch. Be sure that the cane is the proper height (hope it is adjustable). It needs to be high enough so that he doesn't hunker over as he walks. You might try adjusting it up another notch or two. And comments above are great....take it to his next PT session and have the therapist work with him. The pain will go away. I don't think it is because of his back surgery. I believe he just needs to be shown how to use the cane properly.

Here is a good web site that shows some of the broken link removed: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canes/HA00064.

 

[ouch]

He had his left knee done and his cane is adjustable. Boy, he is in some pain right now, glad to be in here away from his moaning. Sorry, but I get a little fed up too.
I will take his cane to therapy on Wednesday.
Thnaks.

 

[brs0660]

I agree ...take PT. Get the ice paks out for his and knees.

Height of cane should be...hold hand to side. Where wrist is....that is where the cane should be adjusted. So says my PT.

Peace to you!!:hehe:

 

[Jamie]

Ouch....can you give him a pain pill for the pain? Ice will help too. And use the forum for YOU on those days (like now) when you've had about enough caregiving for one day. It is really hard work taking care of someone when they are not feeling well. Hang in there!!!

Oh, and once his knee starts hurting, he needs to be back on the walker again if it is really painful. He needs the extra support temporarily until the pain subsides.

 

[loggon]

Ouch when you want to vent try the "Run amok threat" it is new and perfect for venting. Remember we are here for you too.

 

[Josephine]

Link's a deadun. Jamie!

 

[Brian]

Some advice broken link removed: https://www.allgoodideas.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page_2 on correct cane/stick length. Also some in the Knee Owner's Handbook.

 

[Jamie]

Ouch....so sorry...I didn't realize the link I put in my post above didn't work! I should have checked it. I have fixed it in that post and here is the broken link removed: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canes/HA00064 again for you (click on the red letters). If your husband is using his cane today (before his PT meeting tomorrow), the photos may help.

 

[Texas]

Thanks Brian for that sight really. I am going to try the cane , wow sometimes I wish they had classes. I gave it up because I couldnt figure it out. Then my PT said I was putting it under the same side as the knee I had done. Never used a cane and noone showed me..lol..duh!!!

 

[ouch]

Thank you Jamie, that was a great cane site. Also will take cane to P/T tomorrow