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Original poster

How to survive crutches

29 replies

itwasnevermine · 15/10/2024 20:56

I'm fed up of them and it's been all six hours.

I've badly sprained my ankle and can't actually walk without them but my hands hurt, my upper body hurts, my other leg hurts. The hospital mentioned two weeks on them but I can't cope with that. What do I do?

OP posts:

Original poster

itwasnevermine · 16/10/2024 12:33

DuchessDandelion · 16/10/2024 12:22

@itwasnevermine it's surprisingly important you let it heal properly. I sprained my ankle badly a few times as a teen, guess which ankle means I'm on crutches now?
Sprains increase the risk of future injury, including breaks, and (I believe but could be wrong) the risk of arthritis

Don't rush it.

I know but I'm just in so much discomfort 😞 my hands are agony, my shoulders are killing me and randomly my chest/ribs hurt, plus my right leg feels like it's on fire!

OP posts:

BruFord · 16/10/2024 21:40

I think you’re trying to do too much, OP. You need to sit down with your ankle elevated far more than you currently are. Go upstairs backwards on your bottom too, don’t try to use your crutches.

Try to be a couch potato and do a few leg exercises to keep your circulation going. Don’t try to be the normal you. 💐

longtompot · 16/10/2024 22:11

You are injured @itwasnevermine and you need to act accordingly. You need to rest and take things easy. Resting promotes healing and it will mean you'll get back to your old self and life sooner. If you try to do too much you will set that back, and maybe even cause more longer lasting problems.

Padded finger less cycling gloves are a life saver. My dd used them when she was on crutches for several years. All the aches you have in your shoulders mean you are strengthening them. In a few days it will be easier.

When I was on crutches, I couldn't get on with them to start with. More a stability issue than anything. I used a zimmer frame for a few weeks which helped enormously. They aren't so great for longer distances, as I found out when trying to get to a follow up appointment and had to get from one end of the hospital to the other. I was knackered! I then decided to try the crutches again and was far far better on them.

Original poster

itwasnevermine · 17/10/2024 07:11

Thanks everyone, unfortunately I have no option but to work because I just can't afford the time off - I have 3 days unpaid before SSP and last time I was off for an extended period of time I ended up losing about £400, which isn't doable 😢 I'm trying to elevate it at work, and I'm off today so I'll elevate it today, but it's just a night

OP posts:

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