If you have injured your ankle or foot or broken a bone, your doctor may recommend using crutches during your recovery. The crutches will support you so that your weight doesn't load on the injured leg when standing or walking. Crutches will also balance your body so you can safely carry out your daily activities while you are injured. Sometimes, using one crutch is more practical because you can move around more easily and have one hand free for other activities, such as carrying groceries. Using one crutch also makes it easier to climb stairs, as long as the ladder has a handrail. Keep in mind that using one crutch means that you put a bit of strain on the injured leg and increase your risk of falling. Therefore, consult your doctor if you want to use only one crutch.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Walking on Flat Surfaces
Step 1. Place crutches under the arm opposite the injured leg
When using one crutch, you must determine which side to use. Medical professionals recommend placing crutches on the arm on the same side as the healthy leg (the side opposite the injured leg). Clamp the crutches with your armpits and grip the handle that is about the center of the crutches.
- Placing crutches on the uninjured side allows you to lean back away from the injured side and reduces the burden on the injured leg. However, in order to walk on one crutches, you'll need to "slightly" load the injured leg with each step.
- Depending on the injury, your doctor may decide that the injured leg should not be burdened at all, so you may be forced to use two crutches or a wheelchair. You have to follow the doctor's recommendations to get well.
- Adjust the length of the crutches so that three fingers can fit between the armpit and the top pad of the crutches when standing. Adjust the grip until it is at wrist level when the hand is extended.
Step 2. Position and balance the crutches properly
If the crutches are properly adjusted and used under the arm opposite the side of the injured leg, position them about 7.5-10 cm away from the midpoint of the outer side of your foot for maximum stability. Most or all of your body weight should be supported by your arms and arms outstretched, because the armpits can be painful and there is potential for nerve damage if the load is too heavy.
- There should be padding on the armrests and armrests on your crutches. This cushion will make it easier to grip and absorb impact.
- Avoid wearing thick clothes or jackets when walking on crutches. This can lead to reduced movement and stability.
- If you have a cast or walking boot on your foot, consider wearing shoes with thick heels on the healthy foot so that there is no difference in height between your feet. The same leg length will add stability and reduce the risk of pelvic or lower back pain.
Step 3. Get ready to step up
As you get ready to walk, move the crutches about 30 cm forward and step on the injured leg at the same time. Then pass the crutches with the healthy leg while gripping the handle tightly. To progress, simply repeat this series of movements: step on crutches and injured leg, then step over crutches with healthy leg.
- Don't forget to balance yourself by keeping most of your weight on crutches when walking with your injured leg.
- Be careful and slow when stepping on one crutches. Make sure you have a firm footing and there is nothing in the way that can trip you up. Make sure there are no scattered objects or rolled up carpets around you. Do not rush when walking on crutches.
- Avoid supporting your body weight with your armpits to prevent pain, nerve damage, and/or some kind of shoulder injury.
Part 2 of 2: Walking Up and Down Stairs
Step 1. Determine if the ladder has a handrail
Walking up and down stairs is actually more difficult with two crutches. However, you should only use one crutch to get up and down if the ladder has a handrail. Make sure the banister is stable enough and securely attached so that it can support your weight.
- If the stairs don't have handrails, use two crutches, take the elevator, or ask someone for help.
- If the ladder has a handrail, hold it with one hand and carry one (or both) crutches with the other when climbing the stairs. You may find it easier to climb without holding on to crutches.
Step 2. Grasp the handle with one hand on the side of the injured leg
As you begin to ascend, keep the crutches under the arm of the uninjured side and grip the railing with your hand from the side of the injured leg. Press the banister and crutches on the opposite side at the same time and then step up with your healthy foot first. Then, step the injured leg and crutches up the stairs where your healthy foot rests. Repeat this pattern until you are at the top of the stairs, but be careful and don't rush.
- If possible, practice this technique with a physical therapist first.
- If the stairs don't have handrails, there's no lift, and there's no one to turn to for help, and you have to climb the stairs, try using the wall next to the stairs to help you up, much like using a banister.
- Be careful when climbing steep and narrow stairs, especially if you have big feet or use a walking boot.
Step 3. You have to be more careful when descending the stairs
Descending stairs with one or two crutches is much more dangerous because you will fall from a height if you lose your balance. Therefore, grip the railing tightly and lower the injured leg first, followed by crutches on the opposite side and your healthy leg. Don't put too much pressure on your injured leg as sharp, sudden pain can cause dizziness or nausea. Always keep your balance and don't rush. Follow the pattern of lowering the injured leg, then the healthy leg, continuing until you reach the bottom of the stairs.
- Remember that the pattern of going down stairs is "as opposed to going up stairs."
- Watch for any objects on the stairs that might get in your way.
- It's a good idea to ask someone to help you down the stairs if possible.
Tips
- Carry personal items in your backpack. This will keep your hands free and your body more balanced when walking on one crutches.
- Maintain good posture while walking. Otherwise, pelvic or back pain may occur and complicate the use of crutches.
- Wear crutches that are comfortable and have rubber soles for a better grip. Do not use flip flops or slippery shoes.
- Set aside extra time to go from place to place using crutches.
- If you lose your balance, try to fall on the healthy side so you don't hit your injured leg.
Warning
- If you have doubts about something, such as whether you can climb or descend stairs safely, always stay alert and ask someone else for help.
- Be extra careful when walking on wet, or uneven, or snowy surfaces.
- Make sure the crutches are not too low under your armpits. Crutches can slip out of your armpit and lose your balance and fall.
