Torn Rotator cuff in both shoulders....

[kimberly584]

Hi. I am a 34 year old female who is a right leg amputee. I have walked with underarm crutches for over 27 years now. I have recently messed up my left knee and becuase of that I have put alot of stress on my arms trying to take the load off of my knee. The overuse of walking with crutches has caused me to tear my rotator cuff in both shoulders. My ortho said I have torn it atleast 50% but he can't tell if it goes further than that. He has sent me to theraphy for 4 weeks and then surgery if I am not better. My question is, how much damage could I be doing to my shoulders by walking with them on my crutches? I use my shoulders everyday for walking. I feel like they are getting worse and theraphy makes me hurt so bad. I am unable to sleep or even sit without pain. I just feel like for someone like me who uses my arms so much it will be nearly impossible for this to get better without surgery. Is physical theraphy the best thing for me?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

If you are walking with crutches both side and supporting your weight on them, this could be a cause for further degeneration at the shoulder joint. The appropriate management plan at this time would depend on the exact nature and the severity of the injury. If advised by your doctor, I would suggest going ahead with the physiotherapy before seeking a review.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[kimberly584]

Anyone??