Broken Foot... HELP!!!!

Updated on August 20, 2010
T.H. asks from San Marcos, CA
5 answers

I broke my foot yesterday and have been told I need to be on crutches for 6 weeks. Totally ridiculous, first ever in my life. I have a 20 month old. I need tips on how to get around and manage him. Mostly if I have to run an errand. I'm with my parents for the weekend and fortunately will have my step-sons next week. They are 9 and 15 and will be a huge help.

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N.B.

answers from Toledo on

Ouch!
I've had a broken leg, and surgeries on each foot, so I know crutches! First, take your pain meds on a schedule for the first week! I set the alarm so I wouldn't go too long without them. After a week or so, it hardly hurt. When you aren't in pain, you can think better. Carrying your son is a problem. You can backpack him or let him walk. If he's going to walk outside of the house, get a leash. He'll actually like it because he doesn't have to hold your hand, which most kids hate to do. Also, I made a small bag that I could velcro to a crutch so I could get things from one place to another. We have a 2 story house, so I got a basket and a piece of rope to get things up and down the stairs -- put whatever in the basket and lowered it or pulled it up. Also, I had 2 sets of crutches so I didn't have to crawl up and down stairs dragging them. One pair for upstairs, one for downstairs. You may want to try a walker at home. You can get a tray or basket to help you move stuff around that way instead of crutches. Good luck--- you'll figure it out in no time. The good news is you get to grocery shop in one of those riding carts!!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Well, I've had both of my feet broken through surgical procedures, and I never had to be off my feet or on crutches that long, so this must be pretty severe.

The first time (I was 19) I had to be on crutches for 1 week post surgery, had to wear a surgical boot for 8 weeks, and the second time around, the surgeon wanted me to walk out. I opted for crutches so I could run my errands, etc.

If it's your right foot, you will NOT be able to drive for however long you have to wear the boot. You could get cited by the police for it if they saw you getting out of your car.

You'll be OK. At 20 months, they need a lot of attention, but you'll learn to hop, scoot, crawl, etc. to get where you need to go.

Hope it heals quickly.

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S.S.

answers from Goldsboro on

Will the let you wear one of those big boot things? I sprained my left ankle pretty horribly 3 years ago and was on crutches or a wheelchair for 2 weeks.
My husband, however, sprained his ankle playing basketball, and when I took him to the hospital, they gave him one of the boot things. He was on crutches for 2 days, and in the boot for a few weeks.
The boot allows you to bear weight on the foot, but distributes it so your foot is protected.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

In some cities, there are Errand running businesses. Look online for your area.
Even for groceries... some have online 'ordering' and delivery. Try researching that too.

Or, could you hire a Grandma or College aged Kid or Neighbor... for those 6 weeks to help you in the house and/or for errands??? I'm sure, your Hubby would understand the "need" for this and the practicality of it. Even if it would be an extra expense... it is temporary.

all the best,
Susan

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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hey, I did that in the spring! I don't have a 20-month-old child but I did have an eight-week-old puppy, which is pretty close.

Are you on painkillers? That will make you even more out of it! But I bet you know that.

Right now, get all the outside help you can! It's very important to do what your doctor says so you don't damage your foot any further. If you have any favors you can call in from friends or neighbors, this is the time to do it!

In a couple of weeks, or maybe even one week, you may be better able to manage. When you are able to shop, use the electric carts. At home, you can often keep your baby with you in one room, setting up things to play with. (One time when I was sick for a day, I pulled out the dresser drawer with all the underwear and socks in it, set it on the floor, and let my baby root around in there. It kept him happy for a whole morning.)

If you graduate to a boot, you'll be able to get around a little better, but be careful going down steps - that thing can really surprise you!

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