Transition from forearm crutch to cane

[Drdan]

I'm able to walk for miles with the forearm crutch after almost 1 month post op, and experience zero discomfort and no tendency at all to limp.  I've experimented using a cane, and it seems like the same excepting the getting used to a hand and forearm workout.  Are there any parameters to be considered before making the transition besides the "NO LIMPING AT ALL" caveat?

Thanks for your help!

[chuckm]

Hi Dan, you should not be getting a hand and forearm workout with the cane. Stick with using the forearm crutch and gradually begin to walk while putting less and less weight on the crutch. You will reach a point that you are not putting any weight the forearm crutch and will notice it has become a nuisance because it is slowing you down. That's when you make the switch to a cane - or nothing at all for assistance. So by the time you switch to a cane you will not be leaning on it so much and it will really be just for balance than something to put your weight on. If it is still working out your wrist then the cane might be too heavy and get a lighter one.

But you have to make a decision to not lean on the forearm cane for now. If you must lean on it then you have to keep working little by little where you take a series of steps without any weight on it and go from there.

Chuckm