By Colleen on Monday, June 05, 2000 - 04:55 pm:

I am 28 and have osteoarthritis in both knees. The orthopaedic dr. recommended a cane when I have a lot of pain/swelling. My primary dr. recommended crutches, I want to go with the primary dr. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

By Johanna on Monday, June 05, 2000 - 04:56 pm:

Going on crutches ruined my wrists...
Please make sure yours are strong enough, or wear protective wristsplints. (The crutches did do well for my legs and back)

By Bianca on Monday, June 05, 2000 - 04:57 pm:

I think it is a good idea to take the weight of your knees. But like Joanna I like to say be careful. During using crutches to enlighten my ankle( tendonitis) I got tendonitis on both of my wrists.
I know three types of crutches.
1 The normal ones which are a problem for your wrists because if you hold them and gives your body weight off the weight is pressing your wrists into an extreme position of the joint.
2.Crutches you can take under your shoulders- we call them Ameerican crutches. Maybe they are better- try whether they fit to your shoulder joints.
3. Arthritis crutches. There your wrists are nearly in a middle position and the weight lays on your forearms.
4. A normal cane I think will take some weight of your knees too. Maybe it is a good thing if it takes enough weight, so that your knees can relaxe and the pain is bearable.
Maybe it is also a good thing to change the kind of cane/ crutches from time to time.

By tet on Sunday, March 10, 2002 - 02:57 pm:

Allso be carefull for your shoulders!
I had sprained ancle, but crutches made the pain in my hypermobile schoulders (and wrists) much worse!
Optional perhaps, a temporary wheelchair?
Greetings from holland