Develop skills with crutches

Crutch training for a runner's hip replacement 

If you practice using crutches before surgery you'll know what to expect and will be able to get around more quickly, so get hold of a pair if you can. If you find walking a challenge already due to hip pain before hip replacement surgery, crutches can help mobility and keep you more active. More activity = less weight on the hip.

Nordic trekking poles are another often overlooked pre-surgery option.

Some runners resist using crutches before hip replacement surgery, even though they are in severe pain because they don't want to draw attention to the fact that they have a disability. If you are one of them swallow your pride and start crutch-training now.

Which type of crutch will you be using?

Ask your specialist which model of crutches you'll be issued with after your operation. The two most common types of crutches are forearm and axillary (underarm) crutches.

Forearm crutches

Forearm crutches are most commonly used by hip replacement recipients. Slip your arm into the cuff and hold the grip firmly. The cuff is made from either plastic or metal and will be a full circle or half circle with an opening in front to slide your arm in.

Axillary (underarm) crutches

Axillary crutches tuck into the armpits and can be adjusted according to your height. They have padding under the armpits.

Guidelines for axillary crutches

• The top of your crutches should reach between 1 and 1.5 inches below your armpits when you stand up straight.
• The tops of your crutches shouldn’t press into your armpits. Hold the top of the crutches tightly to your sides, and let your hands take the weight.
• The handgrips should be even with the top of your hip.
• Your elbows should bend a little when you use the handgrips.

Good walking technique with underarm crutches

Stand with your crutches one foot ahead of you, lean forward slightly. Begin your first step as if you were going to put your weight on your sore hip, but use the crutches to take the weight instead. Pendulum your body forward between the crutches. Finish the step normally with your good leg. Get your crutches ready for the next step.

Tinhip tip:  Focus on where you’re walking, not on your feet.

How to sit down with crutches after a hip replacement

Back up to a chair and put your sore leg in front of you. Hold both crutches in one hand and use the other to feel behind you for the seat of the chair. Slowly lower yourself onto it.

Tinhip tip:  Lean your crutches upside down in a handy location so they don’t fall over.

To stand up, sit on the front of the chair holding both crutches in the hand on your good side. Push yourself up and stand on the good leg.

Tackling stairs after hip surgery

You won't be able to go home from the hospital until you have shown you have mastered the stairs.

To walk up stairs with underarm crutches, firstly face the stairway. Holding the handrail with one hand, tuck both crutches under your armpit on the other side. Lead with your good foot, keeping the other foot raised behind you.
When going down, hold the foot of your bad leg up in front, and hop down each stair on your good one, one step at a time.

Developing upper arms and body prior to hip surgery will help your crutch workouts too.

Next: Nordic trekking poles, the 4WD of walking sticks.