Several recovery plans include using a walking aid after hip replacement intervention. You might be prescribed to have a cane or buying crutches.
When it comes to crutches, some doctors advise patients to use the whole pair, while there are cases, though, it’s better to go with one crutch only.
A common intervention
A hip replacement might sound like quite serious surgery, but the truth is that it’s a common one, and usually, there are no complications you should worry about.
The intervention includes your eroded or otherwise damaged hip joint replacement with a synthetic ball and socket.
Reasons
The surgery might be a must due to the last stage of arthritis, but it is not the only reason surgeons recommend such an intervention.
Incidents or sports traumas might also be reasons to put you in a situation to have your hip replaced.
Recovery plan
In all cases, though, during the first days walking after might be painful and difficult.
That’s why a good recovery plan is a must. Such rehabilitation usually includes crutches to be involved, and today we’ll talk about using one crutch.
Things to know in advance for using one crutch after hip replacement
Using one crutch is not hard after such an intervention, and in a few lines below, we will give you all the tips you need to know in advance.
However, it is essential to know some basic tips to follow during your overall rehabilitation before the walking process.
Be active!
On mandatory follow your therapist’s exercise routine. Being active during recovery is a must.
However, it is not ok to put too much pressure on you, but gradually increase the speed of walking and exercise hardness level.
Lose weight!
Pay some serious attention to your weight.
It is not ok to put too much weight on you, because whether with a crutch or with a cane, the more you weigh, the harder it gets to walk around. Plus, you will get quite many side effects like skin irritation and body pains.
Prepare your house!
Prepare your house for the recovery process.
Of course, you can do that before the surgery, and it’s the best alternative as you will be able to arrange the interior the way it will be convenient, especially for you.
If you are late, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
The full guide for using one crutch after hip replacement
Feel free to check out our detailed guide regarding how to recover after hip replacement intervention with a single crutch.
Basic tips on how to use one crutch after hip replacement:
Let’s start with some general advice to keep in mind when using a crutch after hip replacement.
These tips are basic, which means they are suitable to know regardless of your medical care.
The first days are crucial
Don’t get on the crutch only a few hours after the surgery.
The first days are crucial, and it’s better to remain in bed.
Wait for your therapist to give you a sign.
Guided by a professional
Your first attempt to walk with one crutch should be guided by a professional, and it’s better to perform this challenge under the observation of a professional therapist.
Don’t give up
Don’t give up if you feel some difficulties in your first attempts. It’s hard, and it’s painful.
We do understand that.
It’s better to make small steps at first and eventually get used to the walking aid.
Choose a good model of crutch
Choose a good model of a crutch, especially for cases like yours, an intervention for hip replacement.
The good news is that the market is full of crutch models, and there are plenty of them designed for medical cases like yours.
If you are not satisfied with the model you have bought for your hip replacement recovery, it’s better to replace it with a new one rather than suffering and experiencing discomfort and pain.
Walking around with one crutch after hip replacement
You can start with these tips once you feel confident enough to get out of bed and make your first steps.
In all cases, don’t rush.
If you feel a high level of pain or discomfort, you can always postpone the first walk on one crutch for later.
During this period, you are always free to use some assistant near you.
Steps:
Put the injured leg forward with the crutch held on the uninjured side (opposite)
Bear weight on the injured leg and assisted with the crutch as needed.
Step through with the uninjured leg.
How to take the stairs with one crutch after hip replacement
Stairs have always represented the worst obstacle to pass by after a surgery or any intervention of a leg.
When you have any reduced movability, the staircase looks like a total nightmare. But don’t get it wrong.
It’s a surmountable obstacle, and with the following tips, you can cope with the problem.
Basic tips:
If there are no stair rails, you should better ask for help or get the elevator.
Though, if there is no possibility for that, don’t panic.
Taking the stairs is easier with one rather than with two crutches.
Hold onto the rail with one hand and the crutch with the other hand (or both crutches if no rail) when you go up the stairs.
When you, then, go down the stairs, place the injured leg and the crutches down on the step below; support weight by leaning on the crutch.
Then, move the uninjured leg down.
Now, with your weight supported by the crutches and injured leg, step down with the uninjured leg.
Additional tips on walking with one crutch after hip replacement
Avoid uneven surfaces
It is recommended to always avoid uneven surfaces, especially during your first day of rehabilitation.
In such a situation, you can either walk around the uneven surface or ask for assistance from anybody nearby.
Different periods for recovery
Don’t rush on leaving the crutch.
Different patients need different periods for recovery.
The thing is that factors like level of injury, age, and previous active life or lack of it predetermine how fast you will go through the entire rehabilitation.
In all cases, listening to your therapist about progress is the best thing you can do.
No storage problem
Using one crutch is better than one mainly for a single specific reason – you don’t have to carry so many walking aids.
That’s why if you get used to the crutch fast, you can continue your everyday life, including travel, as the storage problem will not be any problem.
Consider the alternatives
Some people find lots of difficulties, though, in getting used to the crutch.
It’s a must to wait for a couple of days to see if you are progressing at all.
If the discomfort continues and you cannot use the crutch, talk to your therapist and consider alternatives like using a cane or taking a wheelchair.
Conclusion
Now, when you know how important it is to be careful when using one crutch after hip replacement, as well as what the most appropriate occasions for performing such a movement are, you can make some tests on a flat surface at first and then, to try the procedure on the stairs.
Please remind us that these are not recommendations from a real doctor, and the material has only an informative character.
Always ask your therapist if using crutches or one crutch only is appropriate for your medical care.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have some questions to ask or information to receive, whether specifically for the hip replacement intervention or for the recovery with one crutch later.
We are always here to support and give you as many tips for fast and painless rehabilitation as possible.
