Foot or leg injuries often require the patient to wear crutches, which are crutches. If you've never worn crutches, using them can be confusing. In order for your injury to fully improve and your mobility to continue to improve, it is very important to use crutches correctly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing Underarm Crutches (Axilla)
Step 1. Wear the shoes you usually wear everyday
Your shoes should be low heeled and have good cushioning. When using crutches, try wearing shoes that you usually wear for walking, or shoes that you feel comfortable wearing with crutches.
Step 2. Relax your arms and let them hang by the side of the crutches
Step 3. Position the crutches so that the armpits and the crutches pad are at least 5-10 cm apart
This is where many people misunderstand and think the crutches pad should be right under the armpit. In fact, there should be enough space between the two, so that the crutches pads don't touch the armpits, unless the user lowers his body a little. Crutches are designed to provide support from the arms and ribs, not the shoulders.
If your crutches don't have notches that will allow 5-10cm between your armpit and the pad, choose a low setting instead of a high setting. High-adjusted crutches are more likely to cause shoulder displacement. You'll also stop leaning on your crutches when you don't have to
Step 4. Adjust the position of the crutches for a comfortable hand grip position
With your arms hanging relaxed at your sides and standing straight, the grip on the crutches will be in line with the creases of your wrists.
Step 5. Perform any other final settings that you are comfortable with
Crutches are intended to provide additional support for a sore leg, so that at least it can still be used properly even if it is not optimal. However, setting the right position of the crutches can be done to help the user's comfort.
Method 2 of 3: Wearing Arm Crutches (Lofstrand)
Step 1. Wear shoes that you usually wear everyday
Choose the shoes you want to wear while using crutches.
Step 2. Stand as straight as possible and let your arms hang relaxed at your sides
Step 3. Take arm crutches and adjust the position of the handrails, so that they are parallel to the crease of your wrist
If properly adjusted, the wrist grip will align with the position you normally wear your watch in.
Step 4. Fit the arch of the armrest on your arm
The semicircular or V-shaped retaining arch should be on your forearm, between your wrist and elbow. The crutches should not push your shoulders up or make you bend forward.
This setting is important because your arm should be bent between 15-30 degrees when wearing arm crutches. The correct setting will allow your arms and shoulders to move freely, allowing you to consistently position your crutches at a 30-degree angle
Method 3 of 3: Information and Tips for Safe Walking on Crutches
Step 1. If necessary, choose between underarm crutches or arm crutches
In most cases of injury or situations that require assistive devices, your doctor or physical therapist will provide you with a pair of crutches (one of the types recommended by him) and explain how to use them. But if you have the opportunity to choose the type of crutches you want to use, here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
-
Underarm crutches:
- Usually for temporary use during the time of injury.
- Upper body mobility is reduced, but overall mobility is more.
- It is more difficult to use and risks damaging the nerves in the axilla (armpit).
-
Arm crutches:
- Usually for long-term use, due to the condition of the weak limbs.
- More upper body mobility than axillary crutches.
- The patient can still use the forearm without removing the crutches.
Step 2. Learn how to walk with crutches
Place your crutches 6-12 cm in front of you, clamping them between your ribs and your upper arms. Applying pressure to the grips (not your forearms), step with your weaker leg, then your stronger leg. Repeat this pattern.
Step 3. Learn how to stand on crutches
Grasp both crutches by the handrails with one hand, while pushing the body up with the other hand holding on to the chair. Place one crutch in the armpit of each arm and proceed normally.
Step 4. Learn how to sit on crutches
Grasp both crutches in one hand by holding the handrails together and reach out to the chair with your other hand, then lower your body slowly. This process is exactly the opposite of the standing process.
Step 5. Train yourself to move up and down the stairs
Always use the handrail when going up and down stairs. Place one crutch in one armpit and use the handrail with the other arm for support.
- Climbing stairs: step up with the stronger leg, followed by the weaker leg, then end by raising the crutches.
- Descending stairs: lower crutches down the stairs, followed by your weak leg, and then your stronger leg. Make sure the end of the crutches is directly above the steps.
Step 6. Cover the crutches pads to make them more comfortable and reduce the chance of nerve damage
Use an unused sweater or even a special type of memory foam and place it on top of the crutches for extra layer. However, note that even if the crutches are covered with extra padding, health professionals do not recommend that you lean on the crutches pads with your armpits.
