Do doctors lend crutches or do you have to buy your own

tincat

I've torn/pulled my hamstring and it hurts to walk and use stairs. I will try to get to the doctor tomorrow, but all online advice says to use the rice method (rest, ice, compress and elevate) and to use crutches. Should I just order some online now for around £25 - 40, or will the doctor lend me some?

I'd rather save the money if I can.

Thanks for any / all advice

Torry_Quine

If you need crutches then the NHS will supply them. Who diagnosed the torn/pulled hamstring as I am surprised you didn't get them then? May need to go the fracture clinic at your local hospital as they tend to deal with these type of issues.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I can't see how, unless you have ruptured the entire thing, how a set of crutches is going to do anything other than encourage you to lose strength and flexibility, thus lengthening the healing process. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but surely walking and gentle stretching in the absence of a serious injury is far more appropriate?



[and if you have ever managed to get a pair of crutches from a packed A&E at night, you're a better person than me, or my boyfriend. At the local hospital, all the crutches are left at fracture clinic when the casts come off, but the department is locked at night and nobody is responsible for collecting/delivering them to A&E, as they can't decide whose budget should include the employee tasked with the job]

McKneff

I get the impression that the OP hasnt been to the doctors for a diagnosis yet. (I will try to get to the doctors tomorrow)
and is self diagnosing.
I am quite happy to be corrected by the OP and apologise if I'm reading it wrong.

Torry_Quine

McKneff wrote: »

I get the impression that the OP hasnt been to the doctors for a diagnosis yet. (I will try to get to the doctors tomorrow)
and is self diagnosing.
I am quite happy to be corrected by the OP and apologise if I'm reading it wrong.

I was wondering that myself, if so they really must see a doctor although of course tomorrow (and also Tuesday if in Scotland ) is still a holiday.