Whether you're recovering from an injury or just treating a sore leg, a crutch can help you move around. Learn some tips on how to choose and use a walking aid.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Holding and Using a Cane
Step 1. Estimate how much help you need
Canes are the lightest walking aid, and transfer weight to your wrist or forearm. Canes are generally used to help with minor injuries or to improve balance. A crutch cannot and should not be used to support most of your body weight.
Step 2. Choose according to taste
The crutches come in various shapes to meet the needs of different users. Different things to consider include:
- Handle. Some crutches are designed to be held in the palm of your hand and fingers, while others also provide support for your forearms. Whichever you choose, make sure the handle feels snug and adjustable, not slippery or too big.
- stick rod. The rod is the long part of the crutches, and can be wood, metal, carbon fiber polymer or other materials. Some canes can be shortened for easy transport.
- Stick tip. The end or bottom of the crutches are usually covered with rubber to make them more stable. Some crutches have not only one end but three or four ends at the bottom, so they can hold more weight.
- Color. While many crutches are plain or unadorned, you don't have to use the commonly used gray crutches if you don't want them. You can even look for adjustable crutches that suit your personality as well as crutches that support your shape.
Step 3. Check the length of the stick
To choose the right length of crutches, stand straight with your shoes on and your arms placed at your sides. The top of the crutch should reach the crease on the inside of the wrist. If the crutches match, your elbows will form a 15 to 20 degree angle when holding the crutches while standing.
- The length of the crutches is usually about half the height of the crutches user, wearing shoes. Use this as a baseline.
- If the crutches are too short, you will have to bend over to reach them. If it's too long, you'll have to lean on the injured area to wear it. Both are not good. A proper crutch will keep your body upright and support it.
Step 4. Grasp the crutches with your hand on the same side as your uninjured leg
It seems absurd, but it is true. If your left leg is injured, you should hold the crutches with your right hand. On the other hand, if your right leg is injured, hold the crutches with your left hand.
- Why is that? When walking, we step with our feet and swing our arms at the same time. But when we step with the left foot, then we swing the right hand. Conversely, when we step with the right foot, then we swing the left hand. Holding a crutches with the hand opposite the injured leg mimics this natural hand movement, giving your hand a chance to absorb some of your body's weight when you walk.
- If you use a crutch for balance, then consider placing it on the side of your non-dominant hand so you can use the side of your dominant hand to perform daily tasks.
Step 5. Start walking
When stepping forward on the side of the injured leg, move the cane forward at the same time and place your weight on the crutches at the same time, so that the cane absorbs more pressure than the injured leg. Do not use crutches to walk with the uninjured leg. Once you get used to using the crutches, it should ideally feel like a natural thing.
Step 6. To climb stairs using crutches, place one hand on the banister (if applicable) and place the crutches in the other hand
Take the first step with the uninjured leg, then follow with the injured leg on the same rung. Repeat this as you go up the stairs.
Step 7. To go down stairs using crutches, place your hand on the banister (if you have one) and place the crutches in your other hand
Perform the first step with the injured leg and crutches at the same time, then follow with the uninjured leg on the same rung. Repeat this as you go down the stairs.
Method 2 of 2: Holding and Using Crutches
Step 1. Estimate how much help you need
If you can't put weight on the injured area at all, for example while you're recovering from knee or leg surgery, then you'll need a crutch or two (preferably two for balance). Crutches will hold the weight better than crutches, and you can walk on only one leg.
Step 2. Use the right height
Most crutches are crutches for the forearm or under the armpit. Once you've been told by your doctor to wear one type of crutches, the only thing you have to worry about is how well they fit. For underarm crutches, it's best if the top is about two centimeters or less below the armpit and the handle is around the hips.
Step 3. Start walking
Place both crutches on the ground about a foot in front of you, and lean forward slightly. Move as if you were about to step on the side of your injured leg, then shift the weight on the crutches and swing forward between the crutches. Land on the uninjured foot while holding the injured leg in a raised position so that it doesn't take the weight.
Step 4. Learn how to sit or stand using crutches
Place both crutches together in hand on the side of the healthy leg, like a long, strong crutch. Slowly lower or raise the body, using crutches for balance.
Step 5. Learn how to go up or down stairs using crutches
Start by placing both crutches under your armpits, parallel to the floor. Then you can jump up or down stairs on a healthy foot, using the banister as an aid.
Alternatively, you can put crutches on the rung of the ladder, sit down, and then use the crutches just as you would use your healthy leg to sit on the next step
Tips
- The rubber on the bottom of crutches and crutches should be replaced regularly. The rubber can be purchased at medical supply stores.
- Discuss the available options with your doctor, so you know which type of support is best for you.
- If you have a chronic to severe injury, and crutches are no longer sufficient, you can use a four-legged cane (walker).
- Don't forget to always carry crutches or crutches with you.
- Try to look straight ahead and not down at the walker. This will help you maintain balance.
- With a written prescription from a doctor, most insurance will cover the cost of purchasing a crutches.
- A stroller is an effective way to carry things around the house, and can support your body.
- Use crutches with straps so the crutches don't fall off.
Warning
- Check the grips and rubber feet of your walking aid frequently.
- Make sure the floor is free of objects so you don't fall.
- Be careful around children and small animals. They can move quickly and are difficult to see.
