Which one is better for a broken leg, wheelchair or crutches?

Question

I have both at home, purchased after injury. . I’ll have to use wheelchair and/or crutches for a while before my leg is non-weight bearing after breaking it, until it heals.

I feel like would be nicer to stroll with wheelchair rather than crutches.

I invited my coworkers on a friendly date with my wheelchair. So we can walk around together. I have a river nearby, and we could stroll there.

For moving around, I feel like crutches are healthier, as I at least can practice my 2nd leg and arms in it and not be totally motionless.

DJB72 · Accepted Answer

I use both since I lost my leg. I know it's a slightly different circumstance, but I have a prosthetic I can't always weight bear on.

Each presents different solutions and problems.

Stairs are easier to navigate on crutches, as are kerbstones when crossing a road. Also, crutches don't have braking issues, which unless you have a really fancy chair you'll find can be an issue on a slope.

Long distances are far easier in a chair. You won't have the issue of forgetting about weight bearing either, and if you have someone helping push you around you may find you can be productive while moving.

Either way I'd suggest gloves to protect your hands. I use weight lifting gloves myself as the palms are padded leather so there's less chance of blisters on the palm of your hands using crutches and friction burns from using your palms as brakes in the chair. Fingerless are ideal so you can still use touchscreen displays.

Depending on how long you're off your feet you're going to find your upper body may change in terms of strength and shape. Using both will help keep your muscles in good shape.

If you're using crutches that go right up under your shoulders and not just to the elbow then be aware of not hanging at the shoulder pad. Pressure on the nerves under your arm can cause short term numbness and over time some long term issues.

Good luck. Hope you're back dancing around quickly

caring__1 · Accepted Answer

As they say... use it or lose it. By not using your muscles, they will start atrophying. Crutches will exercise more muscles than wheelchairs.

When I shattered my leg in a toboggan accident, I was in a full length cast for 9 month. I learned to get around on crutches very quickly. I even used to take a group of kids backpacking on crutches. That was a little challenging, but I must admit I had an advantage over the kids when it came to fording streams.

When my cast was finally taken off, my leg was a skinny as a rail. It took a long time for my muscles to develop to where my legs weren't obviously different sizes. It takes a long time to heal, but you'll eventually be back to normal for you. It does get easier over time.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I've seen people use these when they have broken a leg or foot. It's a knee walker

collie22 · Accepted Answer

I think both , crutches are good tell you leg starts hurting then the wheelchair is good.

bolverk · Answer

Severe fractures will usually heal within 3 to 6 months, around 6 to 8 weeks for a minor fracture to heal, so whether you use crutches or a wheel chair is up to you. I was issued with both when I busted up my Knee, breaking the knee cap and ripping AC Ligament, I was in plaster hip to ankle for 6 months, I favoured the crutches over the wheel chair, which I returned to the NHS when I made my choice, I just could not see me rolling around in one for 6 months, and it would slow down my Physiotherapy.

love_conquers_lust · Answer

I think what you’re doing is what you should do. Probe and test what feels comfortable for you.

You get good exercise with either one. But morseo with the crutches. I believe people prefer crutches once they graduate from a wheelchair if their pain threshold will allow it. Then they only have to lug around crutches taking up less real estate with a wheelchair allowing more access to spaces around them.

I’ve never been wheelchair bound outside of a hospital, but I did work in a hospital as a patient transporter. I think patients preferred to be as mobile as possible. They wanted the freedom to go where they wanted to go. We preferred to move them in a wheelchair if it was too painful too walk as it made the call quicker. Point is, they determined their limits when considering their options and it required patience, when dealing with patients.

AviatorTom · Answer

Use both, depending on the situation. Crutches give you a physical workout, which can help the body heal, while a wheelchair allows you to rest a bit. Both require using your arms, and your arms will get tired... and probably build some muscle.

Fireguy17 · Answer

it all depends on if you are able to put weight on it or not, then there is the knee scooter, but that depends on if you can put weight on your knee.
At first the chair might be a better choice, it will be easier to keep the weight off of it vs crutches.
All you need or don't need to do is to have a slipup and all of a sudden you fall, put weight on your bad leg and mess it up again.

BoopBoopBeep · Answer

I was on crutches for 7 weeks once. Wasn't fun, but I wasn't about to go in a chair. That would have atrophied far too much muscle for my liking, and crutches you do have a little more mobility/autonomy

AngryCarl2 · Answer

Crutches. Unless you plan on being an invalid you need to start walking as soon as possible. Remember, pain is just weakness leaving the body! I'd like to wish you speedy recovery.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Latest when you are confronted with a staircase, the question becomes obsolete :) Although certain wheelchairs can be fun...

lightbulb27 · Answer

I thought the knee scooter was a good option, or crutches.

glennos89 · Answer

You should get that electric wheelchair thing old people always drive with. I don't what they are called in English but you know which one I'm talking about 🦼🦼🦼

molonski2 · Answer

Crutches much better in my view , although the chair is easier when recovering the work you have done with the crutches will assist you.

Mike87479 · Answer

I think a wheelchair would be better if you had to go far but would be too cumbersome. Crutches would be the better option but I wouldn’t go far with them.

Pudsmucker · Answer

When I had my hip replaced I chose to have crutches that gave me mobility versus being stationary in a wheelchair.

AmeerX · Answer

First 2-3 weeks use Wheel chair. After that Crutches

Staximus · Answer

It will make your life easier if you have both

deus_ex_sisyphus · Answer

If you value comfort go for the wheelchair. If you value adaptability use crutches

Alex8736 · Answer

Add a cane to the equation as part of the recovery process

msc545 · Answer

Use the wheelchair. Crutches HURT.

Pete671 · Answer

A sledgehammer works best,,,

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

Use what makes you feel more comfortable...

Daffotul · Answer

crutches so you start moving again

Sparkie460 · Answer

Both are good to get around

Iron_Man · Answer

Do what’s best for you

Anonymous · Answer

Depends on how badly you are injured

Jmmmfi4 · Answer

DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE DOING I GUESS

justabuddy · Answer

Use what ever you need to get healed up.

soe11 · Answer

Wheelchair

Joker_ · Answer

crutches

Guido · Answer

I think crutches.

Which one is better for a broken leg, wheelchair or crutches?

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