Dear Sir, - I wish to thank your correspondent of February 26, who signs herself "one-Legged Novice," and who asks for advice in her new state.
In the first place, I think she is making a mistake in using elbow crutches to begin walking on, before she has learned the art of balance; for although this type of crutch is light and attractive to use, it is certainly more difficult to manipulate. My first advice is to obtain a pair of armpit crutches. These, of course, can be obtained of very light construction, finished in black if she prefers, the great point being to get the best of the crutch in the correct position.
This is the best test: Stand up straight, place the crutch under the armpit, and stretch the arm straight down, at the same time clenching the first. Where the knuckles touch the crutch is the correct position for the hand grip. If this is done, she will find that, when walking, the weight of the body is carried evenly distributed between the wrists and the armpit, whereas when the grip is too high the whole body weight is thrown onto the shoulders, which can be very tiring and will throw the shoulders out of shape. In the case of the elbow crutch, of course, practically the whole weight is carried on the wrists: and that is why I am afraid that your correspondent will find them very tiring to walk any distance.
My second advice is to do some daily physical jerks. This may sound queer advice to a monopede, but when one remembers that one leg has do to the work of two, one realises that that leg must be kept pretty fit.
Stand facing the bed, and take a firm grip of the bedrail, or anything firm, and lower yourself to a crouching position very slowly up and down twenty-five times morning and night. Also sit in a chair and stretch the right leg out, and twirl the foot first in a clockwise and then opposite direction. This will soon strength the leg and foot muscles, and you will be able to get about on your one leg for hours without being fatigued. It will take quite a long time before you can break yourself of the habit of putting your missing foot to the ground, especially after you have been sitting for a long time. It seems quite natural to get up and walk. I had the same experience myself at first - and a few tumbles, too, but that will pass after a while.
Another good tip is to learn to hop about the house as much as possible, wearing preferably a rubber-soled tennis shoe to prevent slipping, as this will also strengthen the leg, and you will soon be able to get about the house without using your crutches. It is also advisable to learn to walk with a single crutch, as you will then have one hand free; but I do not advice this practice for long distances, as it tends to push one's shoulder up hill.
Yours truly,
Single High Heel