Walking with a Cane
I had surgery on my foot last week. The process was relatively simple and was to alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis. The doctor had advised me that I could bear weight on the foot approximately 24 hours after the surgery. He did state, however, that I may need to assist my walking with crutches or a cane.
Over the weekend I attempted to walk on the foot as much as possible. The bottom of my foot was extremely sensitive, so I often found myself compensating by holding onto door frames, walls, and nearby furniture. I decided to use the crutches to relieve pain and pressure while out in the community. We had a pair of these in the basement. These were obviously very cumbersome and I found that they would slow me down to some degree. I started with two crutches and quickly found myself only using a crutch on the affected side. So, yesterday I acquired a very simple cane to help me relieve some of the weight from my foot while I walk.
Today I returned to work for the first time since the surgery. I have learned how to manipulate the cane somewhat, but find it to be an interesting exercise in balance and coordination. It certainly helps relieve some of the weight and pressure from my foot. It also tends to cause me to move into stereotypical phrases and mannerisms. I have found myself telling people:
- "Steady wins the race."
- "I'm not quick, but I do get the job done."
- "It only hurts when I stand on it."
Of course, those are just the replies I give when someone asks about the injury or how I'm feeling. Then there are the absurd quotes that I've found myself saying today when people say "you look like a little old man with your cane." I've said:
- "You kids get off my lawn!"
- "Hey, slow that thing down! (blasted hot-roddin' teenagers)" and of course,
- "If I could catch ya, I'd beat ya with my cane!"
Then there are the pop culture references that seem to have cropped into conversation at times:
- "God bless us, everyone." and
- "Looking? Found someone you have I would say, mm?" or
- “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
I suppose the stereotypes of walking with a cane cover many bases. Perhaps by the time I tire of the them I will once again be bipedal.
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