http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5152523/Historic-video-John-McCain-POWs-released-Vietnam.html

https://conservativeus.com/mccains-secret-just-men-he-captivity/

So what happened in between his release and the shaking of hands with Tricky that he needed crutches. Similar to why it was stated he had two broken arms but only one cast in hospital photo?