Is it worth buying a walking cane?

[lgbran]

Hi there,
Have many invested in a walking cane to aid  recovery / gait post surgery?

[B.I.L.L.]

1 yes vote

[maxx6789]

i think it is pretty much the standard that you will progress from two crutches to a walking cane to regular walking. that is what i did. my doctor's protocol was three weeks on two crutches, followed by three weeks on one cane ... period. on my first hip, i probably could have moved from the crutches to cane in less than 3 weeks; for my second hip, i did need the 3 weeks. in both cases i did benefit from the cane for at least the first two weeks and was walking normal (way better than pre-surgery) after 6 weeks.

is your doctor's protocol different?

my suggestion: you want "the best" recovery which does not automatically mean "the fastest".

[Granton]

Mr McMinn's protocol is four weeks on two crutches, then four weeks on one crutch or walking stick (English English for "cane"). The physio said that it did not matter which you chose. I have been given the crutches which are comfortable, so I was going to use one of them.

I think it is critical to ensure that your gait is perfect before you move to the next stage.

David

[lgbran]

No mention of a cane from the dr, however I thought I would be proactive and ascertain if needed in advance. I found this collapsible walking stick from an online shop which fits the bill. Had my eyes on antique one on eBay but from what I can gather its a bit short. Apparently as I'm 185 cm or 6 Foot 1 I need to get a long one
Cheers

[Granton]

In the last weeks before surgery, I was using one or two trekking poles to help get around.

Somehow, it felt more athletic than a cane 

David

[Marco Polo]

Igbran:  I also found it useful to use a trekking pole.  I used it with one crutch after the first week and then used 1 trekking pole for stability until I could walk unassisted.

[oldsoccerplayer]

I bought one at the local pharmacy (chemist's if you're in the UK) for about $20 (15GBP?). This one was adjustable, which is probably a good idea for you.  I went straight from 2 crutches to the cane and it was a great feeling of liberation and getting closer to normal. I needed the support while my leg was getting ready to be fully weight-bearing. I only used it for about a week but it was worth it.

[hippy hippy shake]

I thought about it,  but never had the need for a cane.  Went from two crutches (forearm crutches) to one, to carrying one with me.  It might make a difference having one side done at a time though.  Not a big expense to have it around just in case. 

[fenceman]

I found that after 6 weeks when I was done with my crutches,  a cane would help me walk with a normal gate and without any limp.   I would only use it on long walks, like at a park or a mall, and then for only a few weeks until I got my strength back. 

Besides I had a really cool looking cane that I could wack my kids with when they made fun about me getting old.     Make sure you get one that is the proper length and comfortable in your hand as you put your weight on the cane.  Then walk as normal as possible.

[whyme]

Hi, I went from 2 crutches to 1 to none. No cane. First with 2 crutches it was just under 2 weeks, then 1 crutch while walking (but not needed inside the house after week 3 or so) until week 6, where I started to gradually add time without it. First a couple of hundred meters, then half a km, and so on. Since week 7 I'm not using it any longer.
I only stopped using the crutch when the limping was gone (or I didn't feel I was limping, anyway).

[oldsoccerplayer]

If you do decide to get one we can really say "welcome to the club" 

[keepmovin]

After reading your post, I asked my PT today.  Her advice was a resounding 'absolutely'!  My advice would be a safe 'yes' as well.  It's like buying insurance, even though you may not ever need it.  I used it my first time and will use it once off my crutches this time.  It's more for balance, assurance and stability.  It will help with stabilizing your gait if necessary.