I just messed my ankle up and am going to a conference in a couple days where I normally walk 15-25 miles/day for the next week.

I’ve been advised to use a wheelchair instead of crutches. And will rent one when I get there.

I get the feeling that I’m throwing myself into the fire here, having never used a wheelchair before, and likely spending a crazy amount of time in one moving around over the next week.

I usually can’t deal with sitting down for more than an hour or so before my back hurts, so I’m worried about that.

What advice do you all have for me? What do I need to know? What pro-tips should I take for the next week?

  • @NeoNachtwaechter@lemmy.world
    16•3 months ago

    My suggestions:

    Use crutches. If the wheelchair causes even more hurt, it’s no good.

    Switch between standing (with crutches) and sitting as often as possible, all day long.

    Watch your hurt foot: I assume you should not put your weight on it at all.

    Watch your other foot: If you give it double work (that would be the natural thing), it is going to hurt soon.

    Forget the 25 miles. Or, if you absolutely need to go the 25 miles, you need that wheelchair and someone who pushes you.

    • @douglasg14b@lemmy.worldOP
      2•3 months ago

      Yeah, I’m learning already after just an evening on it that the other foot pulling double duty is not liking it.

      Is the armpit pain from crutches something you just get used to?

      • @AThing4String@sh.itjust.works
        6•3 months ago

        Fun fact: even “regular style” crutches are not actually supposed to rest in your armpits! You are supposed to hold onto the arm portion and use them similarly to the above crutches. When we adjusted that for the spouse, we had to shorten the crutches by like 2-3 inches and he said it was WAY more comfortable.

        There are some videos on YouTube by physiotherapists etc that were supremely helpful - recommend giving them a quick watch and readjusting your crutches.

        Source: spouse recently broke the hell out of his foot and also Had Shit To Do™.

      • @DashboTreeFrog@discuss.onlineEnglish
        5•3 months ago

        I recommend the style of crutches that don’t go to your armpit, forearm crutches. I was on crutches for months a few years back and that was much more comfortable for me at least.

        forearm crutches