During your recovery, you are encouraged to use walking aids to help you regain your mobility and as a part of your rehabilitation.
You should use walking aids as advised by your physiotherapist and until you are told not to.
The two types of aids most commonly used are walking frames and walking sticks. They are both quite simple to use but you will get the most benefit from them if you follow our steps below.
Using a walking frame
- Put the frame in front of you but not too far
- Step forward with your operated leg
- Then move the other leg forward
Put simply: frame – sore leg – good leg
Using a walking stick
When using a single point stick:
- Hold the stick on the opposite side of the leg that was operated on
- Place the stick forward first
- Step with your operated leg
- Then your good leg
Put simply: stick – sore leg – good leg
As your pain improves and your leg improves in strength your physiotherapist can advise you on returning to a more natural walking pattern.